Media buzz surrounds around-the-waist bicycle chain that is is easy to carry
Hiplok is a new around-the-waist bicycle lock chain from the U.K. that is easy to carry.
VANCOUVER, B.C.— Hiplok, the world’s first bicycle lock you can wear around your waist, arrives in Canadian bike stores February 2013.
Live to Play Sports—the new face of Norco Products Ltd.—will be the exclusive Canadian distributor to the U.K.-designed cycling accessory. The announcement follows a flurry of industry and media curiosity since Hiplok introduced the unusual lock internationally in March 2011.
The brainchild of bike-riding industrial designers Ben Smith and John Abrahams, Hiplok solves the problem of how to carry a secure bike lock without burying it in a pack or mounting it on the bike.
“This lock is unique because it’s comfortable,” says Live to Play Sports Product Buyer, Sean Glass. “It’s a heavy-gauge chain, but when you strap it around your hips it feels surprisingly light. That’s because the safety-release shackle and 8mm steel links are encased in an adjustable nylon strapping. It has a Velcro-type closure so you can slip the lock on and off in seconds.”
“It’s great for sport and trail,” says Glass. “And it’s great for the city—both Hiplok V1.50 and Hiplok Lite are Sold Secure-approved for security. The shackles are beefy, but they come in a range of colours. Riders can also select strapping with logo art in bright colours, blacks and grays, or 3M reflective silver.”
Hiplok in the news
Hiplok has only been in the U.S. and European markets for about a year but it’s already racked up reviews in the pages of sport cycling outlets (Bike, Bicycling, Dirt, Triathlon Training) and urban cycling outlets (Fixed, Momentum, Urban Velo, bikehugger.com).
The buzz goes outside the bike press, too. Hiplok’s fresh design and hip appeal (literally) have wowed staff at Wired tech magazine and Men’s Journal.
Hiplok’s partnership with Live to Play Sports
“We are really excited to be partnering with Live to Play Sports as our exclusive Canadian distributor for Hiplok,” says Ben Smith, co-founder of Hiplok. “They share our vision for the brand and have a fantastic team. We can’t wait to see Hiplok in cities across Canada!”
Adds Martin Tammik, Aftermarket Division Vice President at Live to Play Sports, “Hiplok represents an innovative approach to portability, fashion, and design in the high security lock segment. We look forward to bringing this versatile security solution to Canadian cyclists through LTPS’s Independent Bicycle Dealer network.”
To learn more about Hiplok and to watch videos, compare product features, and read reviews, visit Hiplok.com.
Hiplok V1.50—Weight: 1.8kg/4lb. Waist sizing: 24 inch to 44 inch. Chain: 8mm hardened steel. Padlock buckle: 10mm hardened steel shackle, brass mechanism. Sold Secure Silver rating. Casing: washable 600-denier nylon. Logo colours: 8 including 3M reflective silver. Price: CAD $115 MSRP.
Hiplok Lite—Weight: 1kg/2.2lb. Waist sizing: 24 inch to 44 inch. Chain: 6mm hardened steel. Padlock buckle: 8mm hardened steel shackle, brass mechanism. Sold Secure Bronze rating. Casing: washable 600-denier nylon. Logo colours: all black, cyan, pink, green, yellow, white. Price: CAD $75 MSRP.
Hiplok is a cross-continental collaboration between industrial designers and former classmates Ben Smith (Los Angeles) and John Abrahams (U.K.). Inspired and tested by London bike messengers and California trail riders alike, the Hiplok lock keeps bikes and riders safe, secure, and stylish. Hiplok.com.