OnGuard RockSoild 8950 review: finally, the bike lock to stop opportunistic thefts?

The OnGuard RockSolid 8580 is a Sold Secure Diamond-rated lock that is claimed to resist angle grinders making it ideal, in theory at least, for securing high-end road, gravel and electric bikes.

OnGuard may not be the most recognisable brand in bike locks, but it operates as a subsidiary of Magnum Locks, a large industrial firm that’s focused solely on security. This relationship gives OnGuard access to a broad range of expertise and manufacturing techniques. Leveraging this specialisation and advanced knowledge, OnGuard has developed what it says is “an impenetrable fortress against even the most determined thieves”.

At its core lies a 15mm hardened steel shackle coated with OnGuard’s patented RockSolid finish, which is the basis of this remarkable lock’s effectiveness—more details shortly. Weighing only 1.3kg/2.8 lbs, the RockSolid features a shackle reach of 17.5cm/6.8 inches and an internal width of 9cm/3.5 Inches, resulting in a locking area of 157 cm2/23.8 Inches. This makes the OnGuard the lightest in our tests by almost a kilo, although it also offers the smallest locking reach.

The main body attaches to the shackle using OnGuard’s X4P Quattro four-point locking system, secured by an enhanced Z-Cylinder lock barrel that’s designed to resist picking, pulling, and drilling. OnGuard provides five keys, the highest number among all the angle-grinder-resistant locks we’ve tested. To protect against the elements, the RockSolid features an automatic key cover and a robust rubberized coating to maintain its appearance.

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Weight	1.3kg / 2.8lbs
Number of Keys	5
Sold Secure rating	Diamond
Reach	17.5cm/6.8 inches X 9cm/3.5 Inches
Locking Area	157cm/23.8 Inches
Frame Mount	No

On receiving the RockSolid, I immediately noticed its quality. The rubberized coating is soft yet not tacky, with minimal play between the shackle and locking mechanism. This secure connection is evident when removing the shackle, which requires a slight jiggle to disconnect. While this adds to the impression of security, it can be frustrating, as rushing makes alignment difficult. Simply slowing down resolves this issue.

This is where the OnGuard RockSolid solidified its status as my choice for best overall. By pure coincidence, the OnGuard was the last to be cut on the day, and its resilience took me by surprise. During our five-minute test, we used a high-powered battery-operated angle grinder fitted with metal-specific disks, and the OnGuard showed barely a scratch. The patented RockSoild coating that’s applied to the 15mm hardened steel shackle effectively ‘sanded down’ the cutting disc, launching plumes of grinder disc dust into the air.

While I am awarding the OnGuard the title of best overall angle grinder-resistant lock, it could also be the best budget, most secure, and most user-friendly lock. This shouldn’t reflect badly on the other locks in the test, as they all performed well. None failed the angle grinder test, and all offer similar specs and retail prices. The OnGuard RockSolid, like Tadej Pogacar, stood out in a field of outstanding performances, having that little extra something to give.

Matt Ischt-Barnard

I started commuting and using a bike for work long before I ever joined the bicycle industry. From age 13, doing the paper round, to my first proper job at 16, unable to obtain a driving license, and ultimately, commuting to a bike shop when the weather was nice. I now swap my car journeys for an e-bike as regularly as I can, even with my son in tow. In 20 years, I have yet to have a bike stolen. Either I am very lucky, or I know how to secure a bike.

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