Just this past spring we spotted the steel reinforced Z Lok zip ties from Hiplok that offered a tiny bit of security for those times you pop into the local café to grab a coffee on a recovery ride. They were never meant to really lock up you bike – rather more of a theft deterrent. (Hiplok has plenty of solid chains for properly locking up.) But Hiplok realized that by adding a simple combo dial on the end, the Z Lok Combo could offer the same light, quick & easy locking with more of a feeling of security.
Hiplok Z Lok Combo
Hiplok got a strong positive response from riders looking for something more secure than the Z Lok’s universal two pin key (which I have unlocked with a pair of sharpened spokes in the shop when I couldn’t find the proper key). So now Hiplok are back, just half a year later with a new 3-number customizable combination version of the same reinforced zip tie. It still isn’t a super secure locking device. But we’ve played around with the original, and once it is in place, try as we did to yank & pull on it, the Z Lok held strong.
Our favorite use is actually looping the Z Lok around a wheel & tray on a bike rack that otherwise only locked the frame or fork, so this new version will make me much more comfortable leaving a bike with an expensive wheelset on the roof while I go inside a restaurant while driving to & from events.
As for availability, the new Z Lok Combo that we have played with at Eurobike is still a preproduction prototype. (I got the OK to disregard those Do Not Touch signs.) But Hiplok seems to move quickly, so it looks like the new Z Lok Combo should be ready to buy in early 2018 in black, teal, or yellow. As for pricing, that isn’t set yet either. But the idea is to keep it cheap. Hiplok is working to produce them under $20€ a piece.
Hiplok Z Lok
The Z Lok zip tie that started it all carries over as well for £15/18€ a pair. It does get a bunch of new colors though – now available in black, red/orange, purple & blue to add to the original dark gray, red & yellow. The new Z Lok pairs will also include a pair of universal keys in a new, all metal design.
Hiplok E-DX
On the properly secure locking front, Hiplok also has a new E-DX lock that combines their 14mm steel shackle DX U-lock with a 10mm hardened premium steel chain to lock up expensive cargo bikes & e-bikes. The 1m long chain gets large loop noose-style ends so it can be looped back on itself to make it easier to secure large & bulky bikes. The hefty lock even includes a Z Lok so you can lash the E-DX down to your bike while cruising around town.
