Hiplok Z Lok Combo review: A compact and versatile lock that cinches like a zip tie

Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned vet, there will always eventually come a time to research the best bike locks, in search of something to suit your needs.

It’s no secret that there’s an overwhelming amount to choose from these days, including a wealth of different types of locks. From weighty but super secure chain locks and D-locks, to more simple but less robust cable locks, there’s an option for every scenario. 

The Hiplok Z Lok Combo would fall into the category of one of the best lightweight bike locks, since it’s essentially a brawny cable tie with a combination lock at its centre. While it comes with no Sold Secure rating to speak of, it promises ease of use and convenience over heavy duty security, so that’s how I put it to the test.

Over a couple of weeks in a balmy <5ºC climate, I took the Z Lok Combo with me on numerous outings with different bikes, to see how well it served in several different situations, against a variety of anchor points. These ranged from inner city jaunts with a fully loaded commuter bike, to weekend jollies on a steel-framed single speed with a much more streamlined setup.

Design and aesthetics

The Hiplok Z Lok Combo is unassuming to look at, and notable for how compact and lightweight it is. According to the brand, the design was inspired by a cyclist who brought a cable tie on their rides to secure his bike when he left it. Hiplok took this rudimentary concept and developed its Z Lok line, which is essentially a reusable zip tie, albeit thicker, with a reinforced steel core and a combination locking mechanism.

The Z Lok Combo strap is about a centimetre thick and offers a locking diameter of about 43cm, which is significantly smaller than, say, the Hiplok DX D-lock, though if anything that demonstrates the difference in its purpose.

It feels really solid and robust, although it’s flexible enough to offer some give, making it a versatile option for fitting around an awkward anchor point, provided it’s long enough for the job.

At one end is the combination lock unit, with a large plastic slider to release the mechanism, complete with a ridged surface to push your thumb against. At the bottom edge there are three very small numbered dials, allowing for a three-digit PIN. 

Everything feels really well-made and sturdy in hand, and while its design was inspired by the humble cable tie, it’s clear that this is in a much higher league. The reinforced steel core lends a robust feel to the Z Lok Combo. It’s visible through an exposed panel, and through the slatted design if you hold it at an angle, and overall it’s a really nice looking piece of kit. The sample I tested came in black, which gives it a slick aesthetic and was subtle enough to blend in while secured to my bike.

For those who would prefer a brightly coloured lock to use as a deterrent, or simply who enjoy choosing their favourite colour accessories, the Z Lok Combo also comes in pink, teal, green and yellow.

Security

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The Hiplok Z Lok Combo is a later evolution of the original Z Lok model, and adds a combination lock for extra security. For anyone who regularly loses keys or resents having to add yet another one to their keychain, the combination lock should mean a little less hassle.

There’s also a reset function in case you want to change your original PIN, and you can register your code online with Hiplok, in case you forget it. Having said that, if you’re anything like me, you might find a three-digit PIN isn’t quite enough. I struggled to pick a three-digit number I’d remember that wouldn’t be easy to guess, and wish there were four dials, as we’re all much more used to remembering four-digit numbers in our day-to-day lives. Still, it’s a small gripe when the lock itself is so versatile. 

In addition to locking up your bike, there are lots of other handy uses for it, like attaching your helmet to the bike when you lock up and don’t want to take it with you, locking your bike to a car rack, or securing your bikepacking bags shut overnight.

Of course, when we’re talking about overall security, the level on offer here is minimal. This lock isn’t designed to secure your bike overnight, or in a high-risk theft area, and that’s reflected by the lack of a Sold Secure rating. That doesn’t need to be a deal breaker, though.

With its small locking diameter and cinching design, you can get a close fit to a narrow anchor point and defy most opportunistic cutting attacks. What’s more, the reinforced steel core is there to prevent any real damage from knives and scissors. It’s more of a deterrent in low-risk situations, like cafe stops where your bike is never too far away.

Performance

The Hiplok Z Lok Combo is incredibly simple to use. It works just like a cable tie: You thread one end through the other and pull it tight, then scramble the combination dials to lock it in place. It’s possible to cinch it super tight, down to a locking diameter of around 5cm, which can be really handy if you’re securing something small to your frame, or using it to lock your bike up to a narrow anchor point and want to leave as little room as possible for movement.

I found the mechanism to be really smooth and easy to operate, even one-handed at times. It also springs open in a really satisfying way when you press the release button.

The combo lock unit itself is very small, and the dials are pretty tiny. It’s worth bearing in mind that there’s a large difference between holding it in your hands and operating it, to real world use where you’re bent over your bike in low light on a winter’s evening.

In fact, testing it out in January, I found it quite fiddly to use at times, especially with gloves and/or numb fingers in the cold weather. The dials turn very easily, which is good news when you’re trying to quickly unlock, but bad news if you accidentally knock the previous dial out of place. It’s definitely best used without gloves, or with thin glove liners, as you’ll need full dexterity. In the summer though when there’s plenty of light to see by, I’m sure this wouldn’t be an issue at all.

I can’t fault the portability of the Z Lok Combo. It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to pop into a pocket or a bag. You could even lock it around a rear rack or to part of the bike frame to keep it in place until you need it.

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Verdict

The Hiplok Z Lok Combo is perfect for short-term and low-risk security. Whether it’s cafe stops on a road ride, or leaving a helmet locked to your frame. It’s lightweight and compact enough to carry in a back pocket, secure enough to stop a passing opportunist from making off with your bike before you can reach them, and has the added bonus of not requiring an extra key on your keychain. 

However it does have its limitations, especially in winter. You’ll want some sort of light to shine on it if you’re unlocking in the dark, and you’ll need to have some patience operating it with gloves or numb fingers.