Gear News

Hiplok launch Kickstarter campaign for lockable bike storage hanger

Want to hang your pride and joy but value security as much as style? Hiplok may have the answer

Hiplok have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the first production run of the Airlok – a wall-mounted bicycle storage hanger which seeks to combine practicality and style with a high security lock.

While existing bicycle storage hangers exist – and some look very nice, indeed – none offer any kind of integrated security. On the other hand, it’s possible to secure your bike at home with a ground anchor and lock, but that’s an unsightly solution. That’s where the Airlok comes in – a design Hiplok say is both “functional and elegant”. We’ve seen a pre-production Airlok – bike in situ – and it’s certainly a smart-looking piece of kit.

The Hiplok Airlok looks to offer top level bike storage security in a functional, elegant design

How so? The Airlok has a hardened steel A-frame at its core, protected by an impact resistant outer body, and the unit is fixed to the wall via four mounting points. The triangular shape is designed to provide a stable connection with the wall and, at the tip of the triangle, your bike’s toptube slots into the rubberised mouth.

That’s where most conventional bike storage hangers will stop, but the Airlok then uses a hardened steel pin, with a high security, coded lock (three keys are provided). Hiplok say the Airlok is capable of accepting a wide variety of machines – and certainly any road bike – and does not have a bike weight limit.

While the Airlok is yet to be officially security rated, Hiplok expect it to achieve the maximum Sold Secure Gold rating. The Airlok is designed to stop a thief walking away with your entire bike, however Hiplok say you can use an additional cable or chain through the frame, wheels and pin to step security up another notch and ensure any removable components won’t disappear.

Hiplok co-founder Ben Smith said: “To date there hasn’t been a stylish yet secure means of storing your bike – the choice has been unsightly ground anchors or beautiful wall hangers with no security. Airlok solves this problem, combining top level security with elegant, function design.”

A hardened steel A-frame is at the heart of the design

How can you get hold of one? The Airlok will retail for £130 in a range of colours (‘bright white’, ‘stealth grey’ and ‘Italian red’, but first Hiplok are looking to raise £70,000 on Kickstarter to, well, kick-start production. Hiplok are offering a number of pledge options, including the chance to get an Airlok for the ‘super early bird’ price of £99, or to receive a discount on a multiple order.

The Kickstarter campaign will run until September 22 and you can find it here.