Z LOK: A beefed up zip tie to protect your bicycle

Z LOK cable tie lock bicycle

They say that every bicycle weighs the same; a lightweight (and by extension, expensive) bike requires a heavy lock whereas its cheap and cheerful cousin (which weighs more) can make do with a lighter version.

If you own a lightweight road bike it’s likely that you often ride without any lock at all, but what to do when you stop for a coffee or a loo break. Hoping to solve this particular conundrum is HipLok with its new Z LOK.

ZLOK

The Z LOK is a reusable reinforced zip style tie for use on car racks, with accessories and other outdoor equipment. While the Z LOK might look similar to a conventional zip tie, it features a stainless steel core to deter the opportunistic thief.

We know it’s stating the obvious, but the Z LOK is not rated by Sold Secure and, as such, it’s use as a primary lock will render your cycle insurance policy void. Its designers intend the lock to be used to deter opportunistic thieves when the bike is within your sight.

The Z LOK costs £14.99 for a pair.

Win a pair of Z LOK zip ties

We have a pair of Z LOK zip ties to give away. Leave us a message at the bottom of the page and we will draw a winner at random.

How do thieves steal bikes?

A few years ago, the lock manufacturer Kyrptonite suffered a bout of bad PR when it was alleged its D-Locks could be opened with a modified Bic Biro. The episode called into question the efficacy of many cylindrical-lock products, but in reality most thieves don’t have the time, patience or skill to pick locks – they prefer to cut, freeze or smash them.

A well-equipped and determined bicycle thief can defeat most designs of lock within minutes and with many bikes now worth thousands on the second-hand market, the crime is rife. And when a thief is unable to remove a lock, it is not uncommon for him to vandalise the bike or simply steal parts. Thieves in London this spring have taken to stealing handlebars from road bikes. Once a few control cables are severed, they walk away with bars and shifters worth hundreds of pounds.

The lesson is that even stoutest lock is no replacement for a good cycle insurance policy. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes the theft of parts and has an excess of only 5 per cent. See a full list of everything that is included or get an instant quote.

Comments

  1. The Next Lance

    Reply

    These would be great for that extra bit of security, to lock both my wheels when parked in the town centre.
    I would then have three locks, surely a good deterrent as any for the lazy/opportunist thief!

  2. Jason Boyle

    Reply

    Would love to try these out on the coffee runs and on the bike rack 🤗

  3. Alastair Seagroatt

    Reply

    Just the thing for a quick stop in a low risk area, or where the bike is in view, but not close.

  4. Ben Holland

    Reply

    These would be an added layer of protection with an added bonus of being light and portable.

  5. Martin S Ross

    Reply

    I always said cable ties will save the world 🙂

  6. Richard Scrase

    Reply

    Saddle security and securing panniers I reckon

  7. Ian G Ramsey

    Reply

    That’s my worries when getting an espresso en route to Windsor sorted… great concept!

  8. Pat Hagen

    Reply

    Great idea for short stops

  9. Richard Gregory

    Reply

    These would also be great for securing bikes to a car rack when stopping at service stations etc.

  10. Bryn Jones

    Reply

    What a brilliant idea, and how thoughtful! Thieves are not going to recognise them as insecure locks.

  11. Maxime Pley

    Reply

    Would be great to stop for a coffee during a long ride 🙂

  12. Oliver Spall

    Reply

    These would be V useful to zip up my bike while nipping in for a restorative coffee after a day out on the peaks.

  13. Eddie Kinghorn

    Reply

    An essential cure for the ‘how’s my bike’ syndrome as we queue for our coffee half way through a 40 mile ride!

  14. Neil gathani

    Reply

    Just what I need! Always contemplating how I can take my baby (Tia-Marie Emonda) out on a long ride, stop for a coffee without carrying my gold standard lock..and get disapproving looks when I bring her into the coffee shop! Not to mention a loo break!

  15. Zbigniew Mroz

    Reply

    Would love to try these out

  16. Nick Rossell

    Reply

    Good idea!

  17. Geoff Hudson

    Reply

    Wow! These are just what I’ve been looking for! Not only could they be used on my bike but I can think of many nautical uses when I’m out in my boat.

  18. Phil

    Reply

    Yes please Cheddar cheese

  19. Chris

    Reply

    Great idea for short stops on long rides

  20. Mike Rosam

    Reply

    Simple but effective

  21. Alasdair Dewar

    Reply

    Would love the Lockd for coffee stops 🚴🏻☕️

  22. Rory Harkins

    Reply

    Brilliant idea

  23. James

    Reply

    Looks great

  24. Claire McDaniel

    Reply

    Would be great to use with bike rack whilst recovering in cafe.

  25. Elizabeth Smith

    Reply

    Perfect for when I pop into local shops

  26. Jayne Smith

    Reply

    Looks like a great idea, would love to try!

  27. Pete

    Reply

    Nifty! Yes please 🙂

  28. Alan Catley

    Reply

    Great for coffee stops – we can lock the fast guys bikes together and get a ‘flyer’ so be aware Dave and Rob 😉

  29. Michele

    Reply

    They look good and great that they’re lightweight – just the job for a quick nip to the shops. Would love to try them as my other half always forgets the code for our combination lock!

  30. Charlotte

    Reply

    Still feeling sore from my brand new bike being stolen two years ago. The more deterrents the better!

  31. Stephen

    Reply

    Great idea. My club would buy loads.

  32. Robert Callan

    Reply

    Great idea for locking up your bike and your helmet to it as well.

  33. Keith Quinton

    Reply

    Great idea for peace of mind when nipping into a shop

  34. Patrick Lally

    Reply

    I bought a Hiplok Gold the other day. It’s too big for my waist so I’ve had to wear it like a sash! I’d love an alternative for low-risk cycle stops.

  35. Stuart Kowalski

    Reply

    Would be a great addition to secure a few more bikes together when out on the club run with CCC.

  36. DaveD

    Reply

    good idea for short stops ….

  37. Pete Hughes

    Reply

    Sounds like a great idea, I’d like to try them out

  38. Francis Voon

    Reply

    A quick coffee tie will be handy.

  39. Peter Chisnall

    Reply

    Good

  40. Roger Birchall

    Reply

    Great idea, and light weight!

  41. Stephen Wardrobe

    Reply

    Looks just what I need for my Sunday ride coffee break.

  42. Liz

    Reply

    Great to keep my seat on my bike when I leave it locked up.

  43. plevyadophy

    Reply

    Zipping along nicely

  44. Gregory Chauvet

    Reply

    Nice and simple idea!!

  45. vicky hirsch

    Reply

    Perfect lightweight deterrent..

  46. Gavin

    Reply

    Clunk click on every trip.

  47. TheCyclist

    Reply

    Hey, this is just what I need to stop the opportunist thief while I pop into a café during my long tours on my bike.

  48. Alex Ralton

    Reply

    Useful little gizmo to protect against ad hoc thievery.

  49. Rob

    Reply

    It would be nice to have a lock I can carry in my pocket!

  50. Dawn

    Reply

    What a great idea for a quick loo break! 🚴🏻😃🚴🏻😃

  51. Eric Ludlow

    Reply

    Zippedy Doo Dah

  52. Mark gibson

    Reply

    I completely agree with all those valid reasons when stopping quickly…. we do long multidst rides where you want to keep the weight down …. these would be perfect!

  53. David

    Reply

    needs more info!

  54. Jones the Bike

    Reply

    Zippedee doo da, zippedee a, my oh my what a wonderful day.

  55. Steve K

    Reply

    Looks a great and simple idea!

  56. DougMilly

    Reply

    Yes please – A very handy additional security item.

  57. Fredthebike

    Reply

    Here in Norfolk hardly need a lock, but would use these just to be on the safe side

  58. Jamie Johnson

    Reply

    Nice one. They look easily as effective as the heavy snake of a thing that i currently carry…

  59. Frank Lee

    Reply

    Lock stock and no smoking barrels!

  60. Greg

    Reply

    Zipidy do da, great for a bar.

  61. Fergus Duncanson

    Reply

    Great idea. I could find this really useful!

  62. twhitney

    Reply

    I want a bunch of em

  63. kris

    Reply

    Very cool, just the thing to slow a theft down just enough to catch the person and give them a good kicking😁!

  64. Dom

    Reply

    These would be perfect for all sorts of securing needs. Would secure my front wheel to my frame along with my pannier and would be perfect on the bike rack. Would love a pair

  65. Cliff G

    Reply

    Brill. Can be stored in coat pocket or small back pack and without the weight to carry. Just the job. Fingers crossed in the draw

  66. Hannah

    Reply

    Would love these for securing saddles! Great idea 🙂

  67. Mike Croker

    Reply

    Look good for deterring the opportunistic bike ‘borrower’.

  68. kris

    Reply

    Very handy indeed!

  69. Janie Smit

    Reply

    If one guy can manufacture them, another guy can figure out a way to break them. Deterrence buys time and also the chance of someone spotting the bad guys fiddling where they should not be fiddling. Would love a pair of these, well done for coming up with a lightweight solution.

  70. Hollie

    Reply

    This is such a nifty idea! Would certainly put my mind at ease during cafe stops.

  71. Matt P

    Reply

    this is an excellent idea! Why didn’t I ever think of this!?

  72. Jane Collier

    Reply

    Brilliant, non-cumbersome way for added security. Zip ties are pretty much the answer to everything!

  73. Sue Bower

    Reply

    Seeing is believing!

  74. Jonathan Hunt

    Reply

    Perfect for when I ride up to the garage to get a pint of milk.

  75. Jonathan Hunt

    Reply

    Oh, some other tips if you are leaving your bike at a cafe/garage briefly without a lock.
    Remove computer, phone, lights if all quick release.
    Shift gears into top gear whilst stationary – the chain will shift and maybe even jam if a thief tries to steal, giving you some precious seconds to catch up with them.
    Undo the quick releases and unseat the rear wheel slightly for a similar effect.
    Loosen saddle bolt so it drops if someone tries to jump on it (ensure you know your correct saddle height so you can reset it if you need to).

  76. Ema

    Reply

    I would not mind one, thank you 🙂

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