OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock

75/100
BikeRide Score
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Scores
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Users (592 ratings)
68
Experts (3 reviews)
75
OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock
Where to buy
$55.00 Amazon See it $60.00 Comp­etitive Cyclist See it $60.00 Back­country See it $60.00 eBay See it $65.00 OTTOLOCK See it
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Facts

Lock Type
Combination
Brand
OTTOLOCK
Weight
0.32, 0.39, 0.55, 0.42, 0.83 lb
Diameter / Thickness
3.1, 3.7 mm
Length
18, 30, 60 Inches
Width
1.03 Inches
Material
Stainless Steel, Santoprene Plastic

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

5 reasons to buy

  • The Cinch Lock is available in two versions: the Original with three stainless steel layers and the HEXBAND with six.
  • Testers and owners say the compact Cinch Lock is easy to store and transport, fitting in pant or jersey pockets.
  • Reviewers appreciate the Cinch Lock’s low weight.
  • The outer plastic material is soft and doesn’t scratch frames, according to experts.
  • An optional frame mount is available for this lock.

5 reasons not to buy

  • Both versions of the Cinch Lock offer minimal security. Testers cut the Original with tools as compact as tin snips.
  • Owners say the locking mechanism jams easily and randomly stops recognizing the selected combination. This occurs for some upon first use or after a few weeks.
  • Some owners find they’re able to pull the band out of the lock head when it should be locked.
  • Experts feel the dials are too small, stiff, and difficult to align.
  • A tester and several owners of the Original Cinch Lock say the rubber strap to keep the lock coiled breaks easily.

Bottom line

OTTOLOCK's Cinch Lock is a zip-tie-style combination lock for bikes. It comes in two versions: The Original and the more robust HEXBAND. Both versions are available in 18, 30, or 60-inch lengths. It hasn't been third-party tested. The Cinch Lock's portability and low weight are valued. Unfortunately, the finicky and sometimes faulty locking mechanism frustrates buyers. Some use the lock successfully for years, while others experience problems upon initial use, potentially indicating quality control issues. Experts agree the Cinch Lock is a great option as a short-term theft deterrent in low-risk environments, but it's pricey for the security offered.

Expert Reviews

75/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
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70
GearLab
Level 5 expert

OTTO DesignWorks OTTOLOCK Cinch Review

Level 5 expert

Honestly, we were disappointed by this lock that claims to offer medium security but was drafted within seconds when faced with tin snips. We wouldn’t recommend it for any high-security stations, and not for anything overnight.

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78
Bike Gear Database
Level 3 expert

Bike Lock Showdown: Best Lightweight Locks for Bikepackers

Level 3 expert

The Cinch achieves the perfect balance for me between security (whether psychological or physical, that’s for you to decide), packability, and price.

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89
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
bucky rides
Level 1 expert

Product Review: OTTOLOCK HEXBAND Destruction!

Level 1 expert

Having used the OTTOLOCK for over a year now, mainly as a “cafe style” lock, I never had an issue, and it’s been a great [deterrent for opportunist thieves] when locking up all kinds of things…

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Locked In
Level 1 expert

OTTOLOCK Cinch Review – Flexible 164 Gram Bike Lock!

Level 1 expert

This is a lock that I really would recommend you [pick] up, especially if you’re into bike packing, because this is… very easy to keep with you; it’s very lightweight.

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Patrick Archibald (PLA)
Level 1 expert

OTTOLOCK Bicycle Lock Demonstration

Level 1 expert

… it’s not super secure, but let’s say you just wanted to stop off at a convenience store, hop in, get some Gatorade, and get right back on your bike; this would do just fine.

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Accounting 4 Cycling
Level 1 expert

OTTOLOCK HEXBAND & Sidekick – Unboxing & Overview

Level 1 expert

I’ve been using the original Cinch Lock for quite a few years now, and it’s always been a good, solid go-to for any sort of quick stops…

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Rupert Beharrell
Level 1 expert

OTTOLOCK – Tested to Destruction

Level 1 expert

[The] first time I locked up my bike, it was attacked by a would-be bike thief. [It] did the job [since the] bike wasn’t stolen… we’re going to have a go and see what other punishments it can take.

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PEZ Cycling News
Level 1 expert

OTTOLOCK Cut Test by Pez

Level 1 expert

I have used this lock successfully when I ride, and I go for a coffee, and I will continue to use it because, quite frankly, it’s a good little security device.

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NSMB
Level 5 expert

OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock

Level 5 expert

The Cinch Lock, on the other hand, lives in my pack on any ride where I just might be stopping off [quickly] on the way home.

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Velo
Level 5 expert

Testing Today: OTTOLOCK HEXBAND

Level 5 expert

I like the HEXBAND for many of the same reasons I liked the original OTTOLOCK: It’s compact, it plays nice with my frame’s paint and finish, I don’t need a key, and it’s easy to wrap around plenty of posts…

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SickLines
Level 1 expert

Review – OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock

Level 1 expert

Overall, I’m pretty much sold on the Cinch Lock. It’s not a replacement for a U-Lock or heavy chain, but for quick stops, a run to the grocery, or travel, it’s really handy.

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BikePortland
Level 1 expert

“Cut in 2 Seconds!” Is the OTTOLOCK Really That Easy to Snip?

Level 1 expert

The OTTOLOCK is intended for racer-types on training rides who want something that will fit in a jersey pocket and will secure their bike during a quick bathroom stop.

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Active Gear Review
Level 1 expert

OTTOLOCK HEXBAND Review

Level 1 expert

… the OTTOLOCK HEXBAND will be nice to bring along on longer excursions… Take this lock at face value as a solid companion for that quick mid-ride stop.

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eBikeNews
Level 1 expert

OTTOLOCK HEXBAND Test – A Practical Lock, Not Only for E-Bikes [German]

Level 1 expert

… I highly recommend the OTTOLOCK HEXBAND … I tested the smallest version of the OTTOLOCK HEXBAND and found the size perfectly adequate for everyday use.

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User Ratings

68/100 based on 592 ratings
  • 5 star
    44%
  • 4 star
    16%
  • 3 star
    4%
  • 2 star
    7%
  • 1 star
    29%

Rankings

Compared to other bike locks
#2 Best Combination Lock
Top 50%
#21 Best of All Locks
Bottom 20%

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Bike Lock Comparison

OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock in comparison to averages
OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock
75
Average All Bike Locks
84
Average OTTOLOCK Lock
80
Average Combination Lock
77

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