TMD’s Keyless Bike Lock: A $280 Answer to a $60 Dilemma
I’ve come across many “smart” bike locks over the years, but none have truly justified their higher price tag—until now. A new contender, originally designed for securing ATMs, aims to change that. While the TMD Chain Lock isn’t groundbreaking, its blend of materials, performance, and ART-2 certification makes it a solid option worth considering.
This innovative lock features a Bluetooth proximity sensor and a motion alarm, all wrapped around a core of hardened steel chain encased in a lightweight sleeve made from high-performance Dyneema and Kevlar fibers. This design not only makes the lock robust but also flexible enough to easily wrap around your seat post while riding. TMD has also made the lock keyless and shareable, allowing friends and family to access it, while ensuring it can withstand shocks, rain, dust, and extreme temperatures—ideal for city bikes parked outside year-round.
I’ve been testing the TMD Chain Lock, and while I appreciate its features, the price tag of €249 (around $283) for a lock typically costing much less is a significant investment.
The gap between ATM security and bike security isn’t as vast as it seems. TMD created a centralized, keyless system for banks to manage access to ATMs, eliminating the security risks associated with lost or stolen physical keys. This same expertise is now applied to their Bluetooth bike lock.
Transforming smartphones into digital keys offers numerous benefits, especially in bike-friendly regions like the Netherlands, where TMD is based. For instance, I can ride to the train station and have a trusted friend pick up my bike later. The convenience of keyless access is invaluable for those of us who use our bikes for commuting, running errands, or picking up kids. In Amsterdam, I often find myself unlocking and locking my bike multiple times a day.
I tested the TMD Bike Lock in the 110cm (about 3.5 feet) length with an iPhone 15 Pro running the latest iOS. Generally, it recognized my approach about 95% of the time, allowing me to unlock it with a simple push of the button. On the rare occasion it didn’t, it took no longer than a second for the button to flash blue, indicating it had detected my phone nearby. While this convenience is impressive, it does come with some drawbacks.
For instance, when my bike was parked outside a café, it remained within range of my phone, meaning anyone could potentially unlock it. I faced a similar issue while cooking with my bike parked just outside my kitchen window. In both scenarios, I had to either move the bike or disable my phone’s Bluetooth. Additionally, if my phone were to be stolen, my more expensive e-bike would be at risk as well.
TMD claims the Chain Lock is resistant to conventional drilling and picking, but no lock is entirely thief-proof. The Chain Lock has received an ART-2 certification from an independent Dutch organization that evaluates bike locks on a scale of one to five. Most Dutch insurance companies require at least ART-2 certification for policies covering high-value e-bikes and cargo bikes. This is similar to the Sold Secure Silver or Gold ratings in the UK, 2 Roues in France, and VdS approval in Germany. In the US and Canada, there isn’t a centralized testing body for bicycle insurance requirements. If your bike is stolen, you can provide a digital log file from the TMD app as proof that it was locked.
To help deter theft, the lock includes a built-in motion alarm that can be activated or deactivated via the app or by double-pressing the lock’s button. At 100dB, it’s not as piercing as I expected, but it effectively alerts when the lock is disturbed, shutting off automatically after about 10 seconds of inactivity.
However, the lock can be quite loud during regular use. Unlocking it produces a tone that reaches 75dB when measured from a meter away, which can draw unwanted attention to my e-bike. A simple green flash to indicate unlocking would suffice. TMD has mentioned that a future software update will allow users to disable these sounds.
TMD claims the lock’s battery can last up to nine months on a single charge, but my test unit has already dropped 16% after just a week, suggesting a more realistic lifespan of six to seven weeks. This may be due to my habit of storing my bikes indoors, which keeps the lock’s Bluetooth active due to my phone’s proximity.
To enhance water and dust resistance while allowing more space for the battery and speaker, TMD opted for a shallow magnetic pin connector instead of USB-C for charging. This is unfortunate, as many devices use USB-C and offer better protection against the elements. As a result, you’ll need to carry the proprietary charging cable with you if you ignore low-battery warnings. However, I found that a completely dead Chain Lock could be revived after just a couple of minutes of charging from a USB-C port.
If your phone dies, you can still unlock the TMD Chain Lock by entering a four-digit “emergency code” on the lock’s button. For example, entering a code like 1324 would require pressing the button once for 1, three times for 3, twice for 2, and four times for 4. The ring around the button changes colors to guide you through each number. The TMD app also allows you to share access with friends and family, who can help unlock it with their phones.
For added security, it’s wise to double-lock your bike, so many urban cyclists pair a chain lock with a ring lock that’s permanently mounted to the frame, preventing the rear wheel from spinning. TMD has announced plans for an “anti angle grinder” U-Lock and a GPS-equipped Ring Lock in the future. Having my phone unlock both locks simultaneously would significantly enhance convenience and better justify the TMD Chain Lock’s price.
Currently, spending €249 when similar analog bike locks cost a fraction of that seems impractical for most. For instance, the ART-2 certified ABUS 8900, also in the flexible 110cm length, retails for around €60 (about $68). If you can afford the TMD Chain Lock and prefer a keyless option that can be shared digitally, it might be worth it. Otherwise, its steep price tag may not be justified.
—
Specifications:
* Security rating: ART-2 certified
* Operation: Keyless Bluetooth
* Deterrence: Motion activated 100dB alarm
* TMD Locks App: Manages sharing, location tracking and more (iOS and Android compatible)
* Sizes: 70cm (1.3kg), 110cm (1.7kg) and 160cm (2.1kg)
* Colorways: Navy, Beige and Black
* Power: 9 month battery life. Charge to 100% in 2 Hours
* Durability: IP57 water and dust resistant
* Warranty: 2 years
* Pricing: from €229
