Bicycles

BluLocks bike has its own built-in lock

BluLocks bike has its own built-in lock
The BluLocks bike uses an external chain and an internal locking mechanism
The BluLocks bike uses an external chain and an internal locking mechanism
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You start by looping the BluLock's nylon sleeve-covered hardened steel chain around an adjacent immovable object such as a sign post, then plugging a pin on the free end of that chain into a receptacle in the seat tube
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You start by looping the BluLock's nylon sleeve-covered hardened steel chain around an adjacent immovable object such as a sign post, then plugging a pin on the free end of that chain into a receptacle in the seat tube
The BluLocks bike uses an external chain and an internal locking mechanism
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The BluLocks bike uses an external chain and an internal locking mechanism
The BluLock locking mechanism
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The BluLock locking mechanism
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Although we've seen a number of bikes with built-in locks lately, the Dutch-made BluLocks bike still manages to bring a fresh approach to the concept. It combines an external chain with a locking mechanism that's located inside the seat tube.

To use it, you start by looping the nylon sleeve-covered hardened steel chain around an adjacent immovable object such as a sign post, then plugging a pin on the free end of that chain into a receptacle in the seat tube. By turning a key in a keyhole in that same tube, the chain is locked in. Turning the key additionally causes the internal mechanism to lock the crank, so pedaling is impossible.

People wishing to steal the bike would then have to either go after the mechanism – which would be quite difficult, and involve wrecking the bike to the point that is was unridable – or they could cut the chain.

You start by looping the BluLock's nylon sleeve-covered hardened steel chain around an adjacent immovable object such as a sign post, then plugging a pin on the free end of that chain into a receptacle in the seat tube
You start by looping the BluLock's nylon sleeve-covered hardened steel chain around an adjacent immovable object such as a sign post, then plugging a pin on the free end of that chain into a receptacle in the seat tube

Doing the latter would still leave a bit of the chain dangling from the bike, however. Perhaps not a deal-breaker for thieves who are simply looking for a ride, but definitely a deterrent to people hoping to sell the stolen bike. Additionally, they would still be stuck with a bike that they couldn't pedal.

The 11.2-kg (24.7-lb) steel-framed bicycle itself comes in two frame sizes and four color choices, plus it features a flip-flop rear hub – this means that it can be used as a freewheeling single-speed or a fixie.

The BluLocks bike is currently the subject of a Indiegogo campaign, where a pledge of US$399 will get you one. You can see a demo, in the video below.

Sources: BluLocks, Indiegogo

BluLocks - the first bike with an integrated lock

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4 comments
4 comments
Bob Flint
Doesn't show the storage of the chain in the tube, rather important and how to remove the seat post?
MauritsKorthalsAltes
The chain is not stored in the tube. You could store the chain you're used to, except you don't have to carry the heavy lock itself with you, as it's integrated in the frame.
Timelord
This will never become widely accepted. It's not compatible with any other chain, and the chain they include features thin, round links that any cordless angle grinder or even 24" bolt cutters would make short work of. Likewise, you're stuck with their bottom bracket, so if you want to use ISIS or external bottom brackets to access the much wider variety of cranks those offer over the nearly obsolete square taper interface, you're out of luck.
unklmurray
I like the design,those commenters so far didn't read the article very well,Yes you can put any gearing you want and Yes the chain is small but it is purposely so,....if it gets cut the bike looks real dumb with the chain dangling and more over......until the lock is opened the crank will not work,making it worthless, so stealing it becomes pointless........just leave a note on it telling thieves of this and they will just leave it alone.......there are so many other bikes available why try to take one you can't resell and can't use??......LOL :-)