New Hexlox system tackles component theft + video

A new system called Hexlox allows you to lock the existing bolts on your bike to prevent thieves taking your components.

Hexlox is a little device that fits into the head of a bolt to stop anyone else untightening it.

“To secure a saddle or a wheel just insert a Hexlox with your unique and personal key into the bolt you want to protect from being opened,” says Hexlox.

“The bolt is then instantly safe and magically all unwanted access is blocked. Your standard bolts have now become security bolts. Only you have access with your key.”

Clearly, this isn’t a system designed to prevent someone stealing the entire bike; you need to employ a heavy duty lock for that. 

Obvious first question: what holds the Hexlox in place in the head of the bolt?

A magnet.

Obvious second question: what if your bike has non-magnetic titanium, aluminium or stainless steel bolts?

Well, the people behind Hexlox can supply a magnetic insert for these bolts, or a replacement bolt. 

Okay, I’ll go for an obvious third question: so a thief in the know could just take out the Hexlox with a magnet then, right?

Apparently not, because it is ‘magnetically shielded’.

Pliers then?

Again, no. 

“We've… tested it to withstand tweezers, lock picking tools, needle nose pliers, gator/vice grip, hammer, liquid ice, hacksaw, screwdrivers and numerous other things,” says Hexlox.

You can remove the Hexlox yourself with a key. That’s not a generic Hexlox key, it’s specific to your Hexlox.

The system is designed to work with any standard hex bolt. If your bike wheel use quick release skewers you’d need to replace these with hex key skewers for the Hexlox to work.

Hexlox has been launched today on crowdfunding website Kickstarter.

Various Hexlox packages are available if you pledge to the cause and the campaign achieves its target.

www.hexlox.com