At the Sea Otter Classic, Hiplok unveiled a range of new products designed to keep your bike safe and help you track it in case of theft. Below are a few of my findings.
Hiplok Z LOK Combo with bracket
https://hiplok.com/product/hiplok-z-lok-combo
Price: $29.99
Dimensions: 510mm (L) x 28mm (W) x 15mm (D)
Length: 45cm
Weight: 0.082kg
Colors: Blue, Green, Black, or Orange
Locking Method: 3-digit resettable combination code
Availability: Online or Retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Truly Relax at a Mid-Ride Coffee Stop
The Hiplok Z LOK’s next-generation reusable security tie has one main upgrade that cyclists with older eyes will appreciate – a larger display on its 3-digit combination lock. I’ve used the previous model since receiving it at Sea Otter 2024 but struggle to read the small dial number. Now that I’ve switched to the new version, it’s perfect for securing my bike or helmet at a coffee or bathroom stop.
This lock is a zip tie design and acts as a theft deterrent rather than a true security lock or chain. The Z LOK is 45 cm long, and multiple Z LOKs, if you need a longer length, simply daisy chain them together.
At only 0.082 kg, the Z LOK fits in a jersey pocket or, with this combo design, mounted to the frame mounting bracket included standard in the packaging. The bracket attaches to the bike frame using the water bottle mounting holes or zip ties to the seat post.
I always like products that have multiple uses beyond cycling. Use a Z LOK to lock sporting equipment such as skis or backpacks. Or to secure a gate.
Hiplok Track Secure AirTag Holder with ZLOK COMBO bracket
https://hiplok.com/product/hiplok-track-airtag-holder
Price: $19.99
Dimensions: 90mm (L) x 40mm (W) x 25mm (D)
Weight: 0.055kg
Discreetly Mount an AirTag to Your Bike
Having the ability to track your bike, if stolen, increases your odds of getting it back. Hiplok’s new Track Secure is a hidden Apple AirTag™ mount and lets you use the Find My App to see the bike’s location. If only I had this on my Trek Farley when it was stolen from a hitch rack a few years back.
TRACK is lightweight (only 0.055kg) and weatherproof. It securely and discreetly attaches to a bike’s frame or bottle mounts. The packaging includes an integrated bracket allowing you to store a Z LOK (see Z LOK review above).
Remember, the TRACK does not come with an AirTag, so figure an additional $29 to purchase one from your local Apple store.
Hiplok Switch – Folding Bike Lock
https://hiplok.com/product/hiplok-switch
Price: $89.99
Locking Length: 85cm
Weight: 1.05kg (approx. 2.31 lbs.)
Bar Thickness: 5mm
Colors: Black, Blue, Urban Green
Security Rating: Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Bronze
Lock Type: Key (3 coded replaceable keys included in box)
Foldable and Wearable Bike Lock
The Hiplok Switch lock folds into a convenient holster that clips to your belt or bag strap when transporting. Use the flexible Switch mounting system to swap between carrying the lock or a water bottle.
Once at your destination, unfold the Switch lock, secure the bike to a post, and lock it with a coded key provided in the box.
Like the Z LOK, the Switch lock aims to stop opportunist thefts when making short stops for coffee in high-traffic or low-risk areas. Rated as a Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Bronze bicycle lock, which is typically lighter and less robust. Sold Secure is a UK-based premium lock testing center owned by The Master Locksmiths Association. It tests and certifies a variety of locks, including bicycle and motorcycle locks.
Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Bronze bicycle locks are not designed to protect against the determined thief and a full range of attack tools. They are resistant to a 1-minute attack test using basic tools that can be easily concealed, such as a screwdriver, small hammer, or junior hacksaw.
At a little over 2.31 pounds, the Switch lock is heavy for minimum protection. At that weight, I’d opt for a stronger lock. It’s perfectly fine if you’re biking a short distance or on an eBike. However, this isn’t a lock you’d want on your frame during a feisty weekly group ride.
Bottom Line
Hiplok has a variety of locking options to fit your needs and budget. From lightweight lock deterrents to heavier-duty locks. You’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Isn’t the Z lock sort of a joke for a lock? Even at a short bathroom stop someone with a pair of wire cutters can cut it in seconds and be gone. The Switch is the only portable one that would prevent a bathroom snatch and go, but gone much longer than a bathroom break and an angle grinder will make mincemeat of it in short order, but at least the Switch is a hell of lot better than the Z lock for short breaks.
If a person wants a lightweight but semi secure but lightweight lock there are other brands out there that have good enough protection for short breaks that weigh about half as much as the Switch. Since this article was an advertisement piece I’ll keep the brand of the other one out of my comments, but a quick search would reveal those.
I use my Z lock with my Kuat bike rack by strapping the front fork to the top of the swing arm. It’s not really for theft deterrence, which I appreciate, but the last thing I want to see in my rear view mirror is my bike bouncing down the road. Belts and suspenders.