If you’re the type of person to worry about someone stealing your components as much as the whole bike, take note. Hexlox has an answer. Over the years, many techniques and devices have been developed to keep those pricey parts safe.
From custom hardware to jamming wax into the bolt head, it’s probably been done before. But most likely it hasn’t been with the ease of use, or the security of Hexlox. As if by some sort of magic, magnetic plugs can be inserted into bolt heads and only removed if you have the right key…
We had a chance to meet up with Marcus in Taipei who is heading up half of the Hexlox venture. The other half of the operation includes Ian who spent the past 9 years designing products for the medical world.
The two wanted to create something that wasn’t just secure, but was easy to use, made in Germany, and even better – universal. Really the only requirement for Hexlox is that you are using a steel bolt that is magnetic. Initially the plugs will be available to fit 4, 5 and 6mm bolts. Any bolts – not just bikes. It’s because of that last bit that we think Hexlox will have no problem becoming an overnight success.
Each Hexlox set will ship with its own key that is meant for that system. Marcus wasn’t sure how many different keys there would be in total, but it would be enough that the chances of someone having the same key as you would be pretty slim. Like many other same key systems, Hexlox will ship with a key code card so you can order additional Hexlox bits or keys down the road.
When you look at the Hexlox bit, it’s so small, it’s hard to imagine that there are actually moving parts inside. However, simply place the key into the Hexlox, put the bit into the bolt, turn the key and remove and that’s it. The bit removes by pushing the key straight into the Hexlox and pulling straight out.
By now you’re probably thinking “that would be so easy to get out.” We were too. Until Marcus told us they gave the Hexlox system to the Berlin Lockpicking Society who is known for being able to pick just about any lock – and they couldn’t get it out.
Then Marcus pulled the strongest magnet I’ve seen a person carry out of his bag to show that thanks to internal magnetic shielding it couldn’t be removed with a magnet either. How it installs and removes so easily yet stays impervious to forced removal is mind boggling, but it seems to work. Sure, you could use a pair of vice grips on the bolt head or cut the bolt, but at that point, most thieves would probably just look for another bike.
Currently on Kickstarter (and already funded), Hexlox has a number of packages available for as little as €21 for 2 Hexlox bits with additional bits for €9 each, with delivery in June. At the moment Hexlox is only available for bolts, but Marcus tells us they are working on options for skewers and even thru axles in the near future.
Made in Germany just down the road from their office, the average weight of the Hexlox bit is said to be 1.8g, meaning a full set isn’t going to add much weight to your ride – but you will have to get rid of those aluminum bolts…
