A lock that fits in your pocket and is enough to deter an opportunistic thief

Getting bike security right isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Too much lock and it's weight and size can make it cumbersome and result in it being left at home; too little and you spend your coffee stop looking over your shoulder the whole time. So when looking for the best bike lock there's a lot to consider.

Hiplock set out to fix this issue with a waist mounted chain lock which gave the brand it’s name. They now have a full range, including some very secure D-locks, which will hamper all but the most persistent and well equipped thieves.

The Z-lok isn't trying to replace a proper lock, it’s instead providing a deterrant for those moments where you otherwise might not lock your bike at all.

Hiplock Z Lock construction

The Z-Lok Combo is essentially a reinforced cable tie – a re-usable, steel core zip tie with a three digit combination head. It weighs around 70-80g and packs down small enough to disappear into a jersey pocket or decent sized saddle or frame storage bag.

At 45cm long it’s got just enough length to reach through the frame and attach to something fixed, provided you’re not trying to lock it to a lamp post or anything too substantial. It works like a cable tie in the sense that it grips as you push one end through the other, before the combination lock mechanism secures it.

A small frame bracket is also included, although I didn’t fit that and I suspect most riders will just pop it in a bag or pocket.

I find combination locks more practical than one with a key as there’s nothing to forget or drop mid ride, and nothing to fumble with cold hands.

Hiplock markets this lock as offering protection against opportunistic theft, nothing more determined, and that makes total sense. You wouldn’t use this if locking your bike out of sight for longer periods of time.

Hiplock Z Lock in use

Used within it’s limits, the Z-Lok Combo is a very sensible option. I’m often riding on my own, and have decided not to run into a garage or cafe as I don't want to leave my bike, unlocked, out of sight even for a couple of minutes. It’s an ideal lock for that little bit of peace of mind in those situations.

It’s really easy to use and functions just like a cable tie. You simply loop it around, feed it through itself, pull it tight, spin the combination dials and off you go. Because it pulls in snugly to whatever length you need it, there’s little slack for your bike to ‘fall into’ meaning it keeps the bike from falling. Useful in a location where someone else might nudge yours to get their own.

It’s the immediacy and portability of the product that changes behaviour. Because it’s so easy to take with you, I found myself using it in more situations. That might mean I’m drinking more coffee, or taking in an extra cake stop, but it’s made that all possible again.

Security-wise, expectations need to be realistic. This is not going to stop your bike getting stolen if a thief is well equipped and really wants to take it. It is reinforced but I suspect a heavy set of cable cutters would make relatively light work of it. I didn’t cut it as part of this test.

It’s simply there to hamper or deter someone who might see your bike and try to ride off, and for that it is perfect. Even if someone was more determined, the lock is enough to cause some delay, giving you time to spit out your flat white and throw your croissant at them.

Limitations include having to be selective about what you lock it to due to it's length, and the small dials being fiddly with cold hands when it’s cold. But those aren’t deal breakers .

I also use mine for a number of other things, including locking a paddleboard, skis and securing a motorbike to my bike. I’ve also used it for securing my camera bag to a table and I you could use it for a pushchair. I’m certainly using mine a lot more than I expected.

Verdict

Choosing a bike lock is always involves some compromise. Weight versus security, convenience versus peace of mind. The Z-Lok combo isn’t trying to resolve that tension, it's purely on the side of low weight and convenience. But in that bracket it does offer good security.

This is definitely not a primary security device, and shouldn't be used for long-term storage at home (in a shed or garage) or to secure a bike left outside all day.

For the quick dash into the shop or cafe, where you might just leave a bike outside, it’s perfect. In those scenarios, it’s adding just enough complexity to a thief who would have to carry, rather than ride it off, therefore making your bike a less appealing target.