While non-riders might disagree, in a forum such as this it’s safe to say not much could be worse than getting your bike stolen. In an effort to put bike thieves out of business Matteo Diego Caldiroli, the founder of custom bike studio Milanobike, designed and patented the FrameBlock. As its name suggests, a cable lock is built into the bike’s frame for security and convenience.
The FrameBlock provides some unique advantages, especially for forgetful people who simply neglect to bring a lock or keys when they go places. Aside from always being there the lock fits neatly into the frame for unobstructed riding, the bike maintains a clean overall appearance, and you never have to figure out how best to lug a heavy lock around.
Unlock all the details after the break…
While not in use, the FrameBlock’s lock attaches to a bracket on the underside of the down tube, and the two cables protruding from the seat stays sit alongside the frame. When you want to lock your bike up simply unlock the latch, extend the cables out of the frame and lock them around the post, fence, bike rack or your solid object of choice. If there’s nothing around, the lock will easily reach into the rear wheel to immobilize the bike, and for high security scenarios it is long enough to secure the frame, seat and detached front wheel.
The lock cables are covered with rubber so you won’t sound like you’re cheering on a world cup race during every ride. To further discourage theft, the steel cables cannot be removed completely from the frame, as doing so would apparently break a junction and cause the bike to fall apart. The frames are also made to be non-repairable, so stealing one and getting it fixed is not an option.
The bikes also include a digital code printed onto the frame and a matching code on your lock key. If you need the lock (cylinder, presumably) or key replaced, you can get a duplicate by presenting the key code card that comes with each bike. Scanning the frame’s identification code with the free Frameblock app provides information about the bike, like its personal identification code and whether or not it has been reported stolen.
While the inventor points out that in order to steal the bike you’d have to do irreparable damage to the frame, this isn’t necessarily going to prevent all theft. The design would make it hard to sell, as the hacked lock is a dead giveaway that the bike was stolen. However, it is still a functional bike with or without the lock so there’s still value in stealing it, just not re-selling. If you can cut through a steel cable, you can steal this puppy.
The FrameBlock comes in two color schemes, the Original cream colored cruiser or the Shark Kickstarter Edition with red seat stays and lock cables on a silver frame. Early bird buyers can purchase either style for $457 USD (plus $69 for shipping to the USA) on the FrameBlock’s Kickstarter page. Estimated delivery is November 2015.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2067944774/frameblock-the-coolest-theft-proof-bike-in-the-wor/description
