Category: security

Secure bike storage in the garage or shed

Bike theft from a garage, shed, or the back porch inside of a fenced yard is a fairly common problem around these parts. One solution is to install a floor anchor to which you can cable your bike.

Later this week at the Sea Otter Classic, Hiplok will introduce another option: the “Airlok,” a secure wall-mounted bike hanger for those who want to display their bikes, or if you need to keep your floor area clear.

hiplock airlok wall mount bike security

Secure wall fixings, hardened steel framework, and a secure lockable bolt combine to keep your bike safe while displayed on your wall. An impact resistant outer casing further prevents access to the framework and fixings. Hiplok says providing the Airlok design accommodates mulitiple styles and sizes of bicycles, while the rubberized mouth prevents frame scratch. The Airlok will be available beginning in May for $195.

Hiplok also announced Z LOK, an armored ratcheting cable-tie style lock to discourage crimes of opportunity from car racks. Z LOK is a 40cm long security tie consisting of a reinforced steel core with a durable nylon outer. Its double-sided ratchet system allows it to automatically lock when looped into place, and unlocks only with the included universal key. This looks like it might be convenient for quick coffee-shop stops at low risk locations during long road rides, too.

Hiplok cable tie / zip tie Z LOK

You can see all Hiplok products on display at the Sea Otter Classic this weekend in Monterey, California. The Z LOK will be available for purchase at Sea Otter.

Library provides loaner locks

The San Mateo County Library in Portola Valley, CA provides loaner locks for patrons arriving by bicycle.

portola valley library loaner bike lock

With a median household income of a quarter million dollars and a median home sales price over $2.8 million, I don’t perceive bike theft is a big problem in Portola Valley. Still, it’s a nice gesture, and I think it’s a good idea for any library.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Smith of Menlo Park and used with his very kind permission.

Update: Apparently, some libraries around the nation keep bike locks stashed away, but you have to ask about them.

Keyless security for your bike wheel

Bicycle wheel security without special keys using Kryptonite Gravity WheelNutz and WheelBoltz

kryptonite gravity wheelboltz & wheelnutz

Kryptonite announced these products a couple of years ago and I completely missed them because I was so focused on their then-new “Messenger Mini+,” which is the Kryptonite Mini with a rear wheel shackle designed specifically for quick locking and unlocking.

Kryptonite also offers secondary protection for both wheels with either the Gravity WheelBoltz wheel locks (for hollow axle wheels) or WheelNutz locks (for solid axle wheels). WheelBoltz replace standard quick-release skewers, while WheelNutz replace the 15mm nuts used on singlespeed and fixed gear bikes.

The genius of these products is the use of standard tools for removal and installation. A pin secures the wheel lock so that a potential thief cannot turn the nut securing your wheel. The pin drops out of place when the bike is inverted so you (or your bike shop mechanic) can repair your flat tire, and a properly locked bike can’t be inverted. This video from Kryptonite shows how these bicycle wheel locks work.

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