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review
Locks
Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties
Hiplok Z-Lock Security Ties

Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties

8
by George Hill
UPDATED Sat, Nov 04, 2017 00:05

First Published Nov 3, 2017

15
£14.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A simple but well-thought-out piece of kit providing extra peace of mind
Weight: 
36g
Contact: 
www.zyrofisher.co.uk
How we test

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Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties are a practical, small, well-designed alternative to a 'proper' lock. They certainly don't have the same level of security as a full-on bike lock, but for some situations they provide just enough peace of mind.

  • Pros: Small, light
  • Cons: Not as secure as a 'proper' lock…

The Z-Loks look just like slightly larger, regular zip-ties. They fit in your pocket easily or you can just wrap them around your wrist to transport them. What sets them apart from run-of-the-mill zip-ties is that they have a reinforced steel core, so you can't just twist them to break them. They are also reusable, with a universal key.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The Z-Loks are never going to provide the same kind of security as a regular lock – you'll get through them fairly quickly with pair of cable snips – but for peace of mind when your bike's on a rack within eyesight or you're sitting outside a coffee shop, for example, they're a great idea.

In terms of use they are very simple: you simply feed one end through the hole in the other, which then secures it in place. Each tie is around 40cm long, so it easily fits around most things you would think of locking, and if not you can attach one to the other and double the length. To undo them you use the universal key by pressing the pins into the slots either side of the tie, then pulling it back through. It's a really simple and quick-to-use design.

Hiplok Z-Lock Security Ties - key.jpg

Each tie weighs 18g, so very light for carrying around in a pocket or saddle bag, and they come in a pack of two (hence the scales of truth registering 36g).

> Beginner's guide to bike security

Their RRP is £14.99, which I think is a decent price given how useful they are, for bikes and almost anything else. It's one of the cheapest currently available at Wiggle, for example. Hiplok's wearable cable lock or its FX retractable lock are next up in the Hiplok hierarchy as easily portable alternatives.

Hiplok Z-Lock Security Ties - locked helmet.jpg

I was really impressed with the Z-Lok Security Ties. It's such a simple idea, and one that has been executed really well.

Verdict

A simple but well-thought-out piece of kit providing extra peace of mind

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties

Size tested: 40cm locking diameter

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

A small, easily transportable security aid.

Hiplok says: "The first secured reusable zip style tie provides ultra-convenient added protection for use on car racks, with accessories and other outdoor equipment. A cutting edge concept in security with a multitude of applications"

This seems about right. I haven't seen reuseable versions before and given their small size and robustness, they're definitely useful for that little bit of protection.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Hiplok lists:

- Stainless steel core.-

- Double sided locking.

- Security cover.

-Universal key.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Well made, and much more secure than you would expect from just looking at them thanks to the steel core.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Simple to use and add a bit of peace of mind.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Reusable.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
10/10

They hardly weigh a thing, but still offer a bit of protection so somebody can't just snatch your pride and joy.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Difficult to say given that it doesn't really have much competition in this area. Not a huge layout for what it could save you...

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well, easy to store, can fit round most bits of kit, and is simple to fit and remove when needed.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The simplicity; a really easy, simple design that makes using them a breeze.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing springs to mind.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

They look really simple and almost pointless, but in reality are a really useful piece of kit to have in your jersey pocket, small enough that it doesn't really matter if they don't get used.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 29  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Mercian King of Mercia or Cinelli Gazzetta  My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties 2017
Hiplok Z-Lok Security Ties
Hiplok 2017
Hiplok
George Hill

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

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