The Sold Secure hierarchy
That shiny lock in your hand might be worthless. Without proper testing, there's no way to know if it'll stop a thief or just slow them down by 30 seconds. Enter Sold Secure—the UK's answer to bike lock uncertainty.
What is Sold Secure?
Established in 1992 by two police forces and originally backed by the British Government Home Office, Sold Secure is an independent, not-for-profit organization that tests security products. Now part of the Master Locksmith Association, they reinvest profits into crime prevention.
Think of them as the crash test dummies of the bike lock world—they attack locks with the same tools thieves use, timing how long each lock survives. The result? A simple rating system that cuts through marketing hype.
The four ratings: What they really mean
Bronze: The participation trophy
Testing criteria
- • Must withstand basic tools for 1 minute
- • Tools: Simple hand tools, small cutters
- • Aimed at preventing opportunist crime
- • Often cable locks and lightweight designs
Security expert verdict: "Never use Bronze locks. They offer minimal protection and can be defeated in seconds with basic tools. You're better off with no lock than false confidence."
Silver: Budget compromise
Testing criteria
- • Must withstand enhanced tools for 3 minutes
- • Tools: Small bolt croppers, hacksaws, crowbars
- • Aimed at preventing determined attacks
- • Balance between cost and security
Use case: Suitable for low-risk situations—quick stops in busy areas, secured indoor parking, or as a secondary lock. Not recommended for overnight or high-crime areas.
Gold: The security standard
Testing criteria
- • Must withstand dedicated tools for ~5 minutes
- • Tools: Lump hammers, large crowbars, large bolt croppers
- • Aimed at preventing dedicated attacks
- • Sensible choice for public areas
Use case: Recommended minimum for valuable bikes, extended parking periods, or any high-risk area. Most insurance companies require Gold rating for coverage.
Diamond: Maximum protection
Testing criteria
- • Must withstand specialist tools for 5+ minutes
- • Tools: Including 1.5 minutes of angle grinder attack
- • Aimed at highest value bikes and e-bikes
- • Introduced in 2020 to combat angle grinder threat
Use case: Essential for expensive bikes, e-bikes, or any bike in very high-risk areas. The only rating that specifically tests angle grinder resistance.
The testing process: Behind the scenes
Attack methods tested
Physical attacks
- • Cutting (various bolt croppers)
- • Sawing (hacksaws, reciprocating saws)
- • Grinding (angle grinders for Diamond)
- • Hammering (lump hammers)
- • Leverage (crowbars, jacks)
Technical attacks
- • Lock picking
- • Drilling
- • Freezing attacks
- • Torque attacks
- • Shimming
Sold Secure is deliberately secretive about exact testing procedures to prevent thieves from gaming the system. Tests are regularly updated as new attack methods emerge.
Pedal vs. Powered: The confusing crossover
In 2022, Sold Secure renamed their categories: "Bicycle" became "Pedal Cycle" and "Motorcycle" became "Powered Cycle" (which now includes e-bikes). This created a confusing overlap:
Rating equivalencies
Pedal Cycle Diamond = Powered Cycle Gold
These use identical testing criteria
Powered Cycle Diamond > Pedal Cycle Diamond
Reserved for highest angle grinder resistance
E-bike owners: Look for Powered Cycle ratings or Pedal Cycle Diamond minimum. Standard bike ratings may not reflect e-bike value.
Real-world application: Which rating do you need?
Decision matrix
Low risk + Low value bike
Silver acceptable (but Gold still better)
Low risk + High value bike
Gold minimum
High risk + Any bike
Gold minimum, Diamond preferred
E-bike or bike over £1,500
Diamond strongly recommended
Insurance requirements
Most bike insurance policies mandate specific Sold Secure ratings based on bike value:
- Under £500: Silver minimum (some accept Bronze)
- £500-£1,500: Gold minimum
- Over £1,500: Gold or Diamond required
- E-bikes: Often require Powered Cycle ratings
Always check your specific policy—using a lower-rated lock than required voids coverage.
The Sold Secure controversy
Critics point out:
- • Lab conditions don't reflect street reality
- • Manufacturers pay for testing (potential conflict)
- • Exact testing criteria kept secret
- • Some quality locks lack certification due to cost
- • Angle grinder threat underestimated until 2020
Bottom line: While imperfect, Sold Secure remains the best independent standard available. No certification = unknown protection.
Making your decision
Key takeaways
- 1. Never buy Bronze - It's false security
- 2. Silver = Quick stops only - Not for regular use
- 3. Gold = Sensible minimum - For any valued bike
- 4. Diamond = Best protection - Essential for high risk/value
- 5. Check insurance requirements - Before purchasing
- 6. Two Gold > One Diamond - Consider multiple locks
Sold Secure ratings cut through marketing nonsense. That £100 lock with fancy packaging might be Bronze-rated junk, while a plain-looking Gold lock at half the price offers real protection. Let testing, not branding, guide your choice.
Choose certified security
Don't gamble with untested locks. Shop by Sold Secure rating to ensure real protection.