We read the description and see the badges saying Sold Secure Bronze, Silver, Gold or even Diamond but what does this actually mean and look like in practice?
Essentially, the higher the rating the longer it should take for a thief to break into the lock, chain or anchor. Because no lock or chain is 100% secure they will all eventually fail, so we can only try to put the biggest obstacle in the way so hopefully a potential thief will decide to go for easier prey.
As detailed on this page, this gives an idea of the level of protection each level affords.
| Sold Secure rating | Attack methods used |
| Bicycle Bronze | 1 minute attack time; basic tools that can be easily concealed about the person, i.e. screwdriver, small hammer, junior hacksaw etc |
| Bicycle Silver | 3 minute attack; enhanced tool list including small bolt croppers, full size hacksaw (HSS), stillsons, crowbar etc. |
| Bicycle Gold / Motor Scooter Silver | 5 minute attack; higher tool list inc. TCT hacksaw, larger croppers, larger crowbars, lump hammer etc. |
| Bicycle Diamond / Motorcycle & Motor Scooter Gold | 5 minute attack, much higher tool list including largest Bolt croppers, machine based crop test to ensure at least 7 tonnes of force is achieved, Drill with HSS bits etc. Does not include an angle grinder attack. |
| Motorcycle Diamond | 5 minute attack, tool list includes TCT drill bits and a 90 second angle grinder attack |
| Ground Anchors Diamond | As Motorcycle Diamond but with 1.5m builder’s bar and 5 minute angle grinder attack. |
So, what can you expect? I took photos of a chain and lock from Silver rating up to Diamond by themselves and in my hand for scale purposes so you can get the general idea.
Chain 8 – Bicycle Silver Rated
This is a medium weight chain 1.0m long with a flexible cloth sleeve to protect paintwork made from a hardened 8mm square link chain.
Chain 10 – Bicycle Gold Rated
This longer heavy duty chain is 1.4m long with a flexible cloth sleeve to protect paintwork made from hardened 10mm square link chain.
It also boasts a tough double locking padlock with hardened steel shackle.
Chain 12 – Bicycle Diamond Rated
This is an even longer maximum-security chain and lock. The heavy duty chain is 1.5m long with a flexible cloth sleeve to protect paintwork made from hardened 12mm square links. The tough double locking padlock has a hardened 11mm steel shackle.
Oxford HD Max – Motorcycle Gold (Bicycle Diamond equivalent)
This is very similar to the Chain 12 above but does come in longer lengths up to 2m. It’s 12mm links are made from hardened Cro-Mo steel, reinforced with titanium alloy where the long links reduce overall weight making this a little more portable. It is also zinc coated to prevent corrosion. It’s tough double locking padlock has a hardened steel shackle.