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Quick releases & skewers
Atomic22 infiniti3D security systemAtomic 22 infintiti3D security system

Atomic22 infiniti3D security system

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jul 12, 2012

5
£144.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Innovative and very comprehensive security system but this level of security doesn't come cheap
Weight: 
74g
Contact: 
www.atomic22.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Atomic 22 infiniti3D is a comprehensive, clever and effective security system designed to protect all your bike's components, from the usual seatposts, stems and quick release skewers through to brakes, shifters, derailleurs, chain-rings, pedals and saddles. The parts are made from high-strength titanium, so it's not cheap.

The infiniti3D fasteners and skewer are engineered to match those of the component manufacturer, so the fit precisely. The use of 6Al/4V titanium makes them phenomenally hard thanks to the strength-increasing aluminium and vanadium in the alloy. This material confounds machine shop tools, let alone those found in the average cyclist's or pro thief's arsenal.

Atomic 22's products fall into two groups, the Tribe and Infinity kits, available in road, track or mountain bike genres. Only the latter is truly bespoke, with more colour and higher standard of finish.

Our Tribe kit comprised seat collar, front skewer and headset top cap and bolt. The fasteners are neatly machined and the locking key is similar to the 8mm head typically found on multi-tools.

You can expand the system by buying additional bolts at a later date. The key is automatically registered to the owner at the time of purchase - no need to fill in assorted forms. It'll be a major pain if you lose it though. You can get a replacement for £30, but won't be able to, say, remove your front wheel in the meantime.

Installation is relatively straightforward but allow a couple of hours with the phone off the hook. Go methodically around the bike, and liberally slather Ti prep along the threaded sections of the Atomic components.

It is possible to use an 8mm ring spanner on the key but tread carefully, especially around carbon components, since overdoing it can result in dangerous failures.

Practice removing and refitting wheels a few times so you've got the knack of the new system should you puncture at midnight in the back of beyond.

You did pop the key on a fob and in a safe place, didn't you? Most tools commonly used by pro thieves such as knurled pliers can't get any purchase and even drill bits have negligible impression upon. Good news if your everyday bike sports an expensive dynohub wheel, forks or crankset.

Maintenance is low but not quite fit and forget. We'd recommend you periodically strip and re-grease to prevent seizure, and keep the key completely clean and free from dirt.

Presently, Atomic22 acknowledge the use of pure titanium puts the system beyond the reach of many riders but are in the process of testing less exotic materials.

Verdict

Innovative and very comprehensive security system but this level of security doesn't come cheap

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Atomic22 infiniti3D security system

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"Our fasteners are designed to be resistant to common forms of attack. Materials and processes have been carefully selected to correspond to the performance requirements of each component.

Unlike other manufacturers of limited security 'solutions' we do not provide a generic solution for a component type. We understand that bikes and their components can vary wildly and hence are developed an extensive database in order to provide a bespoke solution that is correct for your bike".

Easily the most comprehensive system to date and one that won't detract from a prized bike/groupset.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Titanium fasteners that operate via a three dimensional key designed to overcome most forms of attack.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Having used both versions, I can attest to their high standards of manufacture.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Cost effective for high end components.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Engineered to a very high standard, the infiniti3D system is every bit as impressive as it looks, resisting all forms of attack commonly used by thieves. However, I would recommend becomming very practiced in removal/refitment beforehand using them in the field and keeping the key in a very safe place.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Beautifully engineered, great looking and seemingly very effective.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Have nearly lost the key on numerous occasions.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Quite possibly.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, as part of a wider deterrent.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A bespoke system would be my preferred option in high crime/inner city areas.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Titanium
Security
Atomic 22 infiniti3D
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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5 comments

Avatar
Shepton | 8 years ago
0 likes

While the items seem to be of a high quality - what you would expect for the high price, the customer service is not; no response to repeated email enquiries and a long wait (5 weeks) for the items to turn up. Its a great shame that a british company should have such low regard for their customers. 17

Avatar
whitneypinch | 8 years ago
0 likes

I have never met such a rude business person in my life as the owner of Atomic22.

Last year the bike shop/frame builder that I manage tried to place an order for one of our customers. It was a good order to do the complete bike with Atomic 22 parts.
We were even interested in carrying some wheel locking sets in our store.
Atomic 22 did not have the decency to even respond to our email store request, which included a dealer application (industry standard).

With great hesitation I decided last week to give them another chance for my own personal bike. I placed an order for a front locking skewer. I then sent multiple emails for other items that I needed help on, to which there was no response.

If the business is too busy, due to product demand, set-up an email system for an automated response.

Having not heard from Atomic 22 I did a search to find their phone number as it's not even listed on their website. (red flag)
I went out of my way to find their phone number, paid the long distance charges from Canada to the UK to follow-up on my order.
I was met with rudeness and an attitude that they don’t care about my order.
In fact the owner started to question me about what I do for a living. After I told him I am a product designer he suggested that I was trying to steal their designs etc.
Can you believe this !!!!!!! I am a customer that went way out of his way to place an order and was meet with rudeness and accusations.

I asked how long it would take to finish my order as its not indicated anywhere on their website. (red flag) The owner would not tell me. Again, I guess he felt I was trying to steal his design ???

I have relationships with many distributors in Canada and offered to make an introduction if they were interested. They were absolutely rude to me when I offered this.

As a consumer I have NEVER dealt with such a messed up company.

I cancelled my order immediately.

Please take this advisement if you consider dealing with Atomic 22.

The have a fantastic product (in theory) but unless they get their customer service in order they will be out of business.

Avatar
NatNomad replied to whitneypinch | 8 years ago
0 likes

Steer clear of Atomic 22!!!

I agree and second everything "whitneypinch" wrote, this is EXACTLY what I went through -- except the product designer part 4

I placed (and paid for) an order on January 1.

It is May 26 and I have yet to receive my order or even a return email.

I have tried to cancel my order to no avail and have had no reply from them.

This looks like a brilliant product, sadly their horrible customer service will be this company's demise.

Avatar
cat1commuter | 11 years ago
0 likes

Why would thread seizure be a particular concern? If it is Ti threaded into Ti, that shouldn't be a problem. (Ti threaded into steel or aluminium is.)

Avatar
localsurfer | 11 years ago
0 likes

"This material confounds machine shop tools, let alone those found in the average cyclist's or pro thief's arsenal."

It really doesn't. Titanium is surprisingly easy to machine, although these things are relative. It's no harder to cut than stainless steel though; actually easier as it doesn't work harden.

If it was a good work-hardening inconel, like say, 625...THAT would be hard to cut.

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