If you have to leave your bike even for a second you need a quality lock. That means bringing keys or remembering a combination. The Skylock is a keyless lock system that works with your mobile phone. It can keep your bike secure – and even alert you if the bike is moved – plus it can act as an alert should it detect a crash.
But the best part is that it syncs with your mobile device so there is no need to bring a key! Video after the jump
You can’t always keep your eyes on your bike, but the RFID Bikealarm is the next best thing to having someone watch your bike. Designed by Dennis Siegal, this device attaches to a bike saddle and emits a 120dB alarm when moved. This isn’t meant to replace a physical lock but rather to provide a low-cost second line of defense.
The alarm is activated by holding an RFID tag close to the device until an audio acknowledgement is sounded, and deactivated the same way when the owner returns. Siegel opted to use RFID technology as opposed to Bluetooth as a way to keep the costs down. Siegal designed the RFID Bikealarm as part of his university studies at University of the Arts Bremen in Germany.
There are plenty of bike trackers on the market and a lot of bicycle locks. The LOCK8 is designed as the first “smart bike lock” and acts as both a lock and tracker should the lock part be compromised. Now being developed via a Kickstarter project, the LOCK8 is a keyless system that relies on the smartphone to do the unlocking, while integrated GPS can transmit the location of the bike.
The system features a number of systems, so that if a bike is stolen the geolocator kicks in, while the smart cable will set off an alarm and send a push notification should it be cut. A gyro accelerometer will also send the push notification and do the alarm thing should someone try to cut the LOCK8 or otherwise remove it.
The idea here is that you can’t stand around and watch your bike all day, so the LOCK8 will do it for you. Video after the jump
If you ride your bike to work in the city and can’t bring it into a safe and secure place you need worry about the wheels, seat and other parts as much as you do about the whole bike. In other words locking the bike up, even with a secure lock, isn’t enough to ensure that the parts aren’t stripped off.
This is where Sphyke comes in. It offers a line of keyless combination locks for the wheels, seatpost, even steam cap and saddle. With this every part that can be easily stolen is quickly locked down, which can increase the chances of the bike being safe and ready for the ride home. It could give you extra piece of mind so you can get through the work day and you know… focus on work instead of running out to keep checking on the bike. Continue reading Wheel Lock
There are plenty of durable and very secure bike locks on the market, but one problem is that if you lose the key you’re bike isn’t exactly accessible. However, Mehrdad Majzoobi is looking to launch a Kickstarter project for the BitLock, which turns a smartphone into the key for the lock.
This works with iOS and Android and takes advantage of Bluetooth technology. In addition to providing a secure key that you hopefully won’t use, it also records the location of the bike lock via GPS, which can allow multiple users to “share” a bike and find it when it is needed.
We’ll be sure to watch this project and let readers know when it goes live.
A bike without a lock is often a bike you won’t see again. However, all locks won’t guarantee that it will be enough to deter thieves. At the recent Interbike trade show in Las Vegas bike security brand Hiplok has announced the launch of two innovative new products.
Hiplok D and Hiplok Pop could make bringing a lock a little less of a pain. The Hiplock D is designed to be the first wearable D-Lock, and it utilizes a unique clip system integrated in to the body of the sold secure rated D-lock. With this it can easily be attached to belts and bag straps as well as fit firmly in pockets, offering maximum comfort and convenience when riding.
The Hiplok Pop is designed as a lightweight, versatile cable lock and it utilizes Hiplok’s innovative patent pending “pop” system, where it easily adjusts to and fits around the riders waist. It is available in six funky colors that can be customized to suit the rider’s individuality offering a convenient and stylish way to secure your bike in lower risk areas. Video after the jump
Currently in development through a Kickstarter project the BikeSpike is being designed as a bicycle GPS that could also offer automatic crash reporting. This small gizmo features a GPS chipset with a built-in antenna, on-board accelerometer and a connection to a global cellular network.
This could allow users to pinpoint the exact location of a bicycle via the web or through a mobile smartphone, and aid law enforcement in recovering a stolen bike. It this way it could digitally lock a bicycle and notify owners if the bike has left its location, or even if it has just fallen or been disturbed. In the event of a crash or collision that is detected by the on-board accelerometer the BikeSpike could contact those on a pre-selected list so that help can be on its way. Video after the jump
Expensive bikes are just magnets for thieves. One solution is to never, ever leave a bike unattended. That isn’t always possible, but fortunately there are those inventors and innovators who are looking at ways to keep our bikes safe.
One such example is the BikeWatch, which is being developed through Indiegogo. This concept device combines an LED light, an alarm and a cable lock. This ensures that riders have a small but durable cable lock for those times when a bike needs to be left for just a minute. If the cable is cut an alarm will sound for 10 minutes at a far more than annoying 105 dB. Attempts to remove the BikeWatch from the bike will get various “warning” alarms as well.
The system also provides a rear “blinky” light that can run for up to 24 hours of continued use. The entire BikeWatch is housed in an IP53 water-resistant housing. The BikeWatch sounds like a good way to protect the bike when a rider can’t actually watch it. Video after the jump
There are times when a serious bike lock is needed and there are times when a simple light duty call will do the job, and fittingly the Party is just the lock. The Knog Party Coil features an 8mm steel braided cable over a fiber core, making for a lock that is flexible yet resistant to cutting. So for those who need to lock up for just a few minutes it might be time Party down.
A bicycle lock is the first (and sometimes best) line of defense against having a bike stolen. No lock will deter every would-be bicycle thief, but a good lock and chain is necessary or those times when you need to leave a bike for “just a second.” The problem is that it often takes longer to lock up the bike than it might to say, drop a letter in the mail at the post office or pick up that takeout order. In those cases locking a bike can be annoying, but still so necessary.
The InterLock, which is now raising funds via a Kickstarter project, could simplify the procedure to lock up one’s bike by including a cable system within the seatpost. This means the lock and cable are with you wherever you go and this system makes looking up the bike a snap. Video after the jump
In case you are still looking for a belated holiday gift for that commuter cyclist, the Mission Bicycle Company has these U-lock Holsters. These handmade holsters will have riders to be quick on the draw.
We first heard about the TiGr lock back in May of 2011, when it was still just a Kickstarter project. But now the TiGr is ready to roar and roll. This 23-inch titanium strap provides a secure lock around the rear wheel and a bike rack, or even street post. Unlike other materials titanium is both strong and flexible – the result is that it can be harder (more difficult) to cut through than steel chains or even a U-Lock. Video after the jump
We’ve seen folding bikes and even folding bike helmets, but the new Abus Bordo 6000 Ecolution is a bike lock that folds up. As with prior models from Abus, the lock can fold into a compact package that can be mounted on the bike or stashed in a pack. The lock unfolds via a series of riveted links making for a variety of locking configurations.
The Bordo line is available in a range of security levels, but the Bordo 6000 Ecolution is designed to be recycled at the end of its life. That’s an odd twist for a product, especially one that most users would want to last forever. Some reviews also note that because it is easy to break down to be recycled it could be all too easy to break when it should be protecting the bike. Continue reading Abus Folding Lock