Update 23 Sep 2016: The Airlok has exceeded its Kickstarter funding goal of £70,000, raising £80,339 in total so the bike storage hanger will now head into production. The locks will be delivered to customers in early 2017 with sales to bike stores worldwide commencing in spring 2017. If you're in the UK and heading to the Cycle Show at Birmingham's NEC this weekend, you'll be able to take a look at it there, on Zyro-Fisher Stand #H45.
Original story continues below...
Best known for its range of wearable locks, UK firm Hiplok has now come up with a stylish security solution for the home or workplace. It’s called the Airlok and it's part of a new pledge on crowdfunding website Kickstarter.
Bolting directly to a wall, the Airlok secures a single bike via its top tube through the use of a lockable bolt. Quite simply, most ground anchors or wall-mounted security solutions are rather unsightly.
On the other hand, most bike storage solutions offer very little in the way of security. The Airlok aims to bring the best of both worlds, with an attractive design that fits nicely alongside Hiplok's other products as well as a Sold Secure Gold rated security level to annoy even the most persistent of thieves. It's a way of displaying and securing your bike at the same time.
The Airlok campaign on Kickstarter is already live, with a number of pledges already made.
The Airlok consists of a hardened steel A-frame that bolts directly to a wall, and a secure lockable bolt with a patent-pending design. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the Airlok can be secured at a height of your choice. Its rubberised mouth works to shield frame's from potential damage while an impact resistant outer casing should be enough to deter thieves before they have to deal with the hardened steel framework beneath it.
The Airlock is, Hiplock states, large enough to take most mountain bikes, road bikes and commuter bikes and while Airlock haven't given an exact weight, the company states they have tested a wide range of bikes types on the lock and it's handled them safely and securely. The locking mechanism is secured with a coded key which you can register, making replacements easier in case of loss.
You can fit the Airlock onto a number of wall types, though of course the ultimate security of the system will be somewhat dependent on what the lock is fitted to. Coming in top for security are concrete or masonry walls, with wood panel walls providing moderate security.
The Airlok will be available in a choice of 3 colours: white, grey and red, and will retail at £130, with delivery estimated from January 2017 for Kickstarter pledges, dependent on the project getting fully funded.
Pledges start from £15 which gets you a Hiplok carabiner key ring and the gratitude of the company. Next up for £99 is the super early bird supporters deal with gets you an Airlok with a 25% saving off the RRP, free international shipping and a key ring. There are range of further packages and offers available.
The Kickstarter campaign runs until Thursday 22nd September, 2016.
