Lock

Invented by siblings Joe and Christine Edell, the AirLock is both a tire pump and a cable lock.

​More and more, we're seeing bike locks that open not with a key or combination, but with a fingerprint or Bluetooth signal. Almost all of those, however, are U-locks. What if you prefer the more compact form factor and wider reach of a folding lock? Well, that's where the ZiiLock comes in.

​Although U-locks are generally considered to be the most secure type of bike lock, the fact is that a portable angle grinder can typically cut through their shackle in a matter of seconds. Washington, DC-based Altor Locks has set out to address that problem, with its big n' beefy SAF Lock.

​It's always a risk, leaving detachable lights on a bike that's parked in a public place. It can also be a hassle to carry them with you, though. A group of North Carolina-based entrepreneurs has developed an alternative, in the form of lights that are attached to a bike-mounted U-lock.

​While bicycle U-locks may provide better security than their cable counterparts, the things can be a hassle to carry around in a backpack. The EverLock was created in response to this problem, as it's actually built into the bike's seatpost.

​Locking your bike up to an immovable object is obviously the best way of keeping it from being stolen while parked, but what if you're just making a quick stop? Well, you should still lock it to something, although inventor Mark Waldin thinks his Quick Stop Bike Lock may suffice when needed.

​We've been seeing quite a few "smart" door locks lately, that allow users to lock and unlock their door using a smartphone. Perhaps you don't want to replace your existing locks, though? Well, Locky offers some smart-lock features, but it's used to augment an existing old-school key.

​If you routinely park your bike in cramped areas such as a multi-bike racks, then there may be times when you find your lock rather difficult to access upon leaving. It was with this in mind that LA-based cyclist Scott Gold created the "two-faced" Option Lock.

Korean company KeyWe has launched what it’s calling the “smartest lock ever” on Kickstarter. And with Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, a touchpad and an old-fashioned backup key, it’s certainly swinging for the fences.

​Bicycle locks can be a hassle to cart around, which is why we've seen ones that double as part OF the bike, such as its handlebars, seatpost, pedal and saddle. One of the latest, the Nexibi, is a folding lock that also serves as a rear rack.

Last year we heard about Hiplok's Z Lok, a steel-cored zip-tie-style lock designed to temporarily secure your bike when you aren't going far away from it (such as when you stop at a sidewalk cafe). Now, Hiplok has improved upon it, with the Z Lok Combo.

If you haven't joined the Internet of Things (IoT) train yet, now's the perfect time to get on board. Smarts have been crammed into pretty much every household appliance, with more options than ever. New Atlas rounds up some of the best IoT gadgets to smarten up your home this holiday season.