New Atlas

Bicycles Audio available

BrightLoc combines bike lights and bike lock

Ben Coxworth April 26, 2019

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.

The BrightLoc is presently on Kickstarter

Bicycles Audio available

EverLock bike lock doubles as a seatpost

Ben Coxworth December 5, 2018

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.

The EverLock's designers are presently raising production funds on Kickstarter

Good Thinking

Software uses AI to detect bogus robbery reports

Ben Coxworth October 26, 2018

If you like free money, one illegal way of getting it is to falsely claim that you bought an item which got stolen, so your insurance will cover the cost of a new one. You'll have to fill out a police report, however, and you could soon be caught out by software that detects bogus reports.

VeriPol detects suspicious language patterns in reports of robberies

Bicycles Audio available

Bike-tracking Limpet is set to startle thieves

Ben Coxworth October 24, 2018

Locks are all very well and good, but it always helps to have an extra layer of security that discourages bike thieves just a little bit more. British cyclists James Sheppard and Matthew Leach have developed just such a layer, in the form of the strobing, screaming Limpet.

The Limpet has a water- and dust-resistant polypropylene body

Bicycles

Bike lock disables steering during Quick Stops

Ben Coxworth October 22, 2018

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.

The Quick Stop Bike Lock is now on Kickstarter

Bicycles

Option Lock is accessible from either side

Ben Coxworth August 17, 2018

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.

The Option Lock incorporates two locking mechanisms

Bicycles

The Nexibi – it's both a bike lock and a rear rack

Ben Coxworth June 13, 2018

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.

When being used as a rack, the Nexibi gets attached to a steel bracket that remains ...

Bicycles

Waterproof locking capsule keeps your bike covered

Ben Coxworth June 11, 2018

If you don't have a garage or enough room in your home, it's certainly possible to lock your bike up outside … although that leaves it open to the weather and parts-thieves. That's why the Alpen Bike Capsule was created. It's designed to keep your steed enclosed and secure while stored outdoors.

Bicycles

Z Lok is back, with a combination

Ben Coxworth April 12, 2018

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.

The Z Lok Combo works like the original, but is unlocked using a three-digit combination

Around The Home

BoxLock Home only opens for you and your courier

Ben Coxworth November 15, 2017

Chances are, you probably don't like it when a courier leaves a delivered package just sitting on your doorstep. Well, that's why BoxLock Home was created. It's a padlock that only the courier and yourself (or someone of your choosing) can open.

BoxLock Home has a built-in barcode scanner