Zip tie cycle lock to deter opportunist thieves

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 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 – get an instant quote.

Comments

  1. Stevo

    Reply

    I love the simplicity of these, they are a nice compromise between a heavy lock and nothing.

  2. Gillian D.

    Reply

    Z LOK zip tie me up please ETA!

    Cables crossed!

  3. MARK

    Reply

    These could also be used to supplement larger locks to provide some deterrence for the theft of components, such as saddles. My daughter had a lovely helmet stolen off her bike recently and it’s really annoying!!!

  4. Craig

    Reply

    I am always petrified of leaving my precious stead anywhere, even for a wee break. Nice idea HipLok.

    Thanks to ETA for the opportunity.

  5. Peter Clark

    Reply

    True innovation. Great looking product

  6. Mikhail

    Reply

    Would be great when I need to buy something on a control point during an Audax.

    Fine for a few minutes I believe.

  7. Philip

    Reply

    I agree with Mark.

    More useful to protect a cycling accessory than your cYcle.
    Let’s face it. Securing with a proper lock takes how many more seconds?
    As for the extra weight….

  8. Huw Thomas

    Reply

    Especially helmets

  9. Kath

    Reply

    Would be a useful addition to my usual security. Most probably to secure my helmet instead of lugging it around

  10. Douglas Milsom

    Reply

    Great idea. Also handy to secure a wheel not protected by the main lock.

  11. Christopher Johnson

    Reply

    A very useful lightweight addition to a cyclists’ defence against theft. For example, at a cafe when the bike is pretty much nearby throughout, or for securing accessories when you stop and leave the bike.

  12. Susan Lancaster

    Reply

    My son has been unlucky enough to have several bikes stolen in the notorious hotspot of Cambridge. Despite this, he is cycling more than ever and I’m sure he would appreciate a pair of these!

  13. John thys

    Reply

    I’d be all tied up with these

  14. Dave Nunn

    Reply

    Security simplicity. Never be without Z LOK protection!

  15. Fergus Duncanson

    Reply

    Lightweight lock – a great idea for quick locking. Yes, please.

  16. Gavin

    Reply

    Handy and can be placed in a pocket… that said my “loo”, as a rule, would be a hedge so not a problem. A cafe is a different proposition altogether.

  17. Helen

    Reply

    Great idea. Would be super handy for locking my bike outside for school drop off and pick up…

  18. Richard Scrase

    Reply

    Be good for securing panniers to racks too

  19. Andrew McKellar

    Reply

    A couple of these would be a useful supplement to my regular lock to secure my luggage when on long cycle tours.

    It’s often not possible to remove luggage when stopping for a break or food and the added security would be reassuring.

  20. Pat

    Reply

    Gimme gimme gimme a lock after midnight!

  21. Brian Dorsett

    Reply

    So light, so useful.

  22. Jamie J

    Reply

    Yep, definitely worth carrying a couple of these around, panniers to rack and front wheel to frame…

  23. Andy

    Reply

    Well worth having

  24. Stephen

    Reply

    I can see several potential uses for one of these and would love to try one out. Thanks for the opportunity to win one ETA.

  25. David

    Reply

    Light weight is clearly the number one feature.

  26. Keith Bichard

    Reply

    Great for a quick stop.

  27. Sue

    Reply

    What a simple idea. Wish I had thought of it! Would love an opportunity to try them out.

  28. Isabella Gray

    Reply

    These look great! 🤞

  29. Jane Collier

    Reply

    So handy to keep something light in your bag. Would love these please.

  30. mike jupp

    Reply

    good idea

  31. Mrs Smith

    Reply

    Yes please! Would be great for securing saddle etc when leaving my bike at the train station.

  32. Darren C

    Reply

    Very useful for securing your quick-release wheels too.

  33. Greg

    Reply

    Zipidy do dah.

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