Lock

Locking your outdoor gear up certainly helps keep it from getting stolen, but guess what – thieves may still go after it anyway! That's where goLock's Venture lock comes in. Unveiled at Interbike 2017, it notifies you and sounds an alarm if anyone messes with it.

Security startup August has returned with a new generation of connected door locks, which includes support for voice assistants like Alexa and Siri, along with a sensor that alerts you when you leave it unlocked.

​We've seen a number of electronic bike locks lately, and we've also seen several GPS units that let you track the whereabouts of your two-wheeler if it gets stolen. The new Deeper lock, however, combines the two in one bicycle-mounted weatherproof device.

Drivers aren't the only road users susceptible to smartphone distractions. To keep cyclists focused on the road, Dutch telecom company KPM has teamed up with the Dutch Traffic Safety Association to develop a smart bike lock that disables the rider's phone while on the move.

The Ottolock bike lock recently raised a few eyebrows, as it looks like a zip-tie on steroids. Hiplok's Z Lok should raise a few more, as it looks like a regular zip-tie – but there's more to it than that.​

​The BitLock and Skylock may look like traditional U-locks, but they unlock and lock as the user comes in and out of Bluetooth range. Users still have to lug them around, though. Some Korean entrepreneurs have come up with what they believe is a better idea, in the form of the wheel-mounted Bisecu.

​It's safe to say that most people lock their bike up with it sitting in an upright position. Realizing this, the folks at Abus went and created a system called NutFix. Once it's installed, the only way of removing a bicycle's wheels and/or seat involves turning the whole bike on its side.

​​Steel cable bike locks may be lighter than U-locks, but they're also notoriously easy to cut through. Chains are one alternative, although they're heavy. So, what's lighter than a chain, and more cut-resistant than cable? According to a group of German designers, their textile-based lock is.​

​Unless you use lights that are semi-permanently attached to your bike, you generally have to bring them inside with you when leaving your bike parked. Don't want to bother? Well, that's where Lemurlock comes in. It combines a headlight and tail light with a steel cable lock.

Homewares are a tried-and-true gift avenue, but candelabras and doormats can be pretty dull. That's why we've rounded up some of the coolest home gadgets and gifts to help your friends and family (or yourself) relax and make the most of the holiday season.

​If you look at the Skunklock, you'll see that it's black with white stripes. It's no coincidence that that's the same coloration as a skunk. And, just like a skunk, it will make a big stink if anyone messes with it.

​​If you're a recreational cyclist, chances are you don't lug a U-lock along on all your rides. So, what happens if you make a quick stop at a coffee shop? Well, the OttoLock works essentially like a big cut-resistant zip-tie. ​