Life In The Saddle

Last year I wrote a post 'What's in Your Gravel Adventure Handlebar Bag?' – it proved to be popular, perhaps because it provided a glimpse into my personal choices for my ride support kit. In this post, I turn to my road riding set-up, which is distinctly different from my gravel bike bag—with a lighter weight and more streamlined kit.  An obvious difference with my road handlebar bag is that to keep weight down, I also use a saddlebag on my road bike to house my tool kit, spare tube and repair kit. I also store my pump on the frame of my road bike rather than in the handlebar bag—to further distribute weight. I do not do these two things on a gravel bike because these two areas tend to receive too much in the way of wheel spray and muck. Omitting the tool kit from the line-up, you will see that my adventure road cycling handlebar bag is also subtly different in design and contents… Apidura Racing Handlebar Bag Mini Pack I have long admired Apidura kit, and their new ...

Bikepacking, cycle touring, and ultra-distance cycle racing are all rapidly growing pursuits; whilst café stops, bike errand runs, and quick pop-to-the-shop bike trips are thankfully also ever-increasing… All these pursuits and activities require the need for you to leave your bike unattended outside a shop or café on a frequent basis. To keep your ride safe, you need a lightweight lock that is easy to transport but will deter opportunist theft as you head inside. The Hiplok Z-Lok and Z-Lok Combo are two simple but remarkably effective bicycle locks that can fulfil this demand with colour and style. Hiplok is a UK-based brand, who became known for their pioneering wearable chain lock. That Gold Standard lock, and the other lighter weight chain locks within their range, are well-made pieces of security equipment—but all of them are hefty in weight and bulk. The Z-Lok and Z-Lok Combo are a minimalist solution to a bicycle lock, and a great diversification within the brand's line...

When it comes to wearable bicycle locks, UK brand Hiplok owns the show. Their cable locks and chain locks pioneered the concept of ditching the bike bracket and carrying your lock on your hips, with an adjustable Velcro belt. The new Hiplok SPIN Chain Lock is the latest release, and the first combination chain lock in the range. I have always been impressed by the quality of Hiplok products. From their super solid Sold Secure Gold rated Hiplok GOLD Chain Lock, which has accompanied me on many city errands; to their miniature Hiplok FLX Cable Lock and innovative Z-Loks that are perfect for bikepacking and lightweight touring. All the products are superbly designed and the highest possible quality level for their intended use and price tag. The new Hiplok SPIN Chain Lock is another superior design from the brand and fills the category of a lightweight chain lock with a combination closure. The Hiplok SPIN uses the same chain as the Hiplok Lite—my most used lock within the Hiplok ...

Last year, I reviewed the very neat  Hiplok Z Lok Bicycle Lock . The reusable cable tie design is great for securing everything from bag zips to car bike racks. The new Hiplok Z Lok Combo is an evolution of the product, and uses a combination lock to secure the tie. The Z Lok Combo takes the design of the original Z Lok, but adds the benefits of a larger locking circumference and a three digit combination locking mechanism. The added length is genuinely useful, as I found the original Z Lok to not be quite long enough if you wanted to use it for securing a bike round a lamp post or similar. The combination lock upgrade is also great, especially if like me you have a tendency to lose small keys. The toughened stainless steel band on the Z Lok is certainly enough to ward off opportunist thieves, and it would take a fairly serious set of bolt croppers to break through it. The locking mechanism itself also feels robust, and the ABS plastic outer avoids any rough edges that migh...

Café rides and bikepacking / bicycle touring share a similar conundrum: what to do with your bike when you are inside getting supplies? Out of sight, your bike is vulnerable to opportunists. A lightweight cable lock like the Hiplok FLX can provide the solution. The Hiplok FLX uses a small one metre cable, housed on a spring-loaded retractable wheel inside the unit's plastic shell. A combination code is used to open and close the locking device, and it is easy to set your preferred combination using a small button on the side of the product. The Hiplok FLX also features a 10 lumen red light, designed to be a back-up in case of emergency. You can clip the lock to a jersey pocket, and the light provides a respectable last-resort visibility aid if you are caught out later than expected on your cafe (or pub) trip. The unit itself is not overly robust, and the braided steel cable would be no match for a set of bolt croppers. That said, this is not meant to be a high protection lo...

Ever left a bike on a bike rack for five minutes, and wondered if it is safe from opportunist theft? Ever left your bag in the luggage area on the train, and wondered if it will still be there when you come to collect it? Hiplok have come up with a great little solution, for peace of mind in these situations. Meet the Hiplok Z-Lok. Taking inspiration from the classic zip-tie, which has long been a favourite with cyclists, the Hiplok Z-Lok is a reusable heavy-duty zip-tie, with a neat little key to unlock it. It is pretty self-explanatory how it functions, but the applications are endless. I have made use of the two little ties in situations like both those outlined above; as well as in roles like securing your helmet to your bike at events; or locking your empty pannier bag to your rack, as you run into the shops. It is a simple design, but very effective; and made to the usual high Hiplok quality standard. View the Hiplok Z-Lok at Hiplok.com (Link) View the Hiplok range ...