Cable tie on steroids doubles as lightweight cycle lock

ZLOK

They say that every bicycle weighs the same; a lightweight (and by extension, expensive) bike requires a heavy lock to keep it safe from thieves 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 Z LOK.

Z LOK cable tie lock bicycle

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 next week.

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.

ETA cycle insurance

Comments

  1. Anna

    Reply

    Genius

  2. John thys

    Reply

    Better safe than sorry

  3. Lance Woodman

    Reply

    These are a great idea

  4. John thys

    Reply

    Better save than sorry

  5. Kath

    Reply

    A useful addition to the security options

  6. Chris

    Reply

    A handy ‘don’t leave home without one’ whenever you make that unplanned stop. Who wouldn’t want one of these?

  7. Jane B

    Reply

    Sounds ideal. I’d love to try one.

  8. Chris

    Reply

    An excellent idea for lightweight securing of your bike when you’re near it & in sight of it.

  9. Helen

    Reply

    Perfect for locking the kids’ bikes at school without them being weighed down by big locks.

  10. steve

    Reply

    At that price, they’re a steal!

  11. Gavin

    Reply

    Proper job… I look forward to receiving them in the post.

  12. Huw Thomas

    Reply

    Z lok it.

  13. Carol W

    Reply

    Excellent idea

  14. Bob H

    Reply

    Just the thing for a quick zip to the shops!

  15. Peter S

    Reply

    Zip and go – great idea.

  16. Andy

    Reply

    Smart

  17. Graham Corfield

    Reply

    Super lightweight lock!! Great idea. Who wouldnt want one of these??

  18. Steve K

    Reply

    Don’t leave home without one. Yes please!

  19. Francis Voon

    Reply

    I’d like to Zlock my bike.

  20. Derek

    Reply

    What a great idea. I often forget my lock, so being able to carry one of these all time would be perfect.

  21. Mike Croker

    Reply

    Neat lock!

  22. Vick

    Reply

    Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-Ay
    My oh my what a wonderful day
    Hope one of these is headed my way

  23. FT

    Reply

    Will also lock my panniers when riding!

  24. GG Leviathan

    Reply

    What a genius idea. And one that’s perfect for my kids’ bikes, especially on days when we want to leave the bikes in the playground or schoolyard to go off and play without lugging along a D-lock that weighs more than my three-year-old. Yes, please!

  25. Mike H

    Reply

    They would probably be pretty good for tying the bike on to the car cycle carrier too.

  26. Pat

    Reply

    I’d really like one for my son’s bike if at all possible.

  27. Jim Woodlingfield

    Reply

    A handy lightweight lock for when nature calls.

  28. richard

    Reply

    tie me in

  29. Glynis brewer

    Reply

    Whoa, this is supercosmic 🤗🤗!

  30. Fergus Duncanson

    Reply

    Sounds ideal; even carry one in your pocket?

  31. Nicette Ammar

    Reply

    I think I need one of these.

  32. Richard Newman

    Reply

    I could see myself as a HipLOkster.

  33. craig

    Reply

    Neat idea, YES PLEASE!

    Thanks again to ETA for the opportunity.

  34. Gillian Davies

    Reply

    Had my favourite helmet stolen off my parked bike recently in Cambridge…… 🙁

    I can also see a use for these in securing accessories to the bike when parked up outside shops.

    Nice idea!

  35. Darren C

    Reply

    Just the job for locking each wheel to the frame.

  36. Raf

    Reply

    these will keep the wheels from coming off (while the bike is parked)!

  37. David Hunt

    Reply

    This is a fantastic lock thats fit in a pocket for the cafe stop; I’d love to win one.

  38. Stephen D.

    Reply

    Anything which frustrates the evil bike thief, if only a little bit, is fine for me.

    I hate carrying a heavy D lock around with me, so this looks like a good idea.

  39. Mark

    Reply

    Loads of potential uses. The café stop is only one. It would be nice to use it as an additional lock to a more substantial one as well. Good for attaching accessories

  40. stevo

    Reply

    Knowing that any lock is breakable by a determined thief, it’s got to be worthwhile giving one of these a try as a “better than nothing” deterrent.

  41. Harry Cripps

    Reply

    Sounds ideal for short stops and when one’s forgotten the conventional lock.

  42. Wayne Fox

    Reply

    Very TIEdy Idea!

  43. Ray Smith

    Reply

    Use as trouser clips while riding, and as double locks while in the café.

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