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“HexLox anything”: Secure your saddle, wheels, etc. against theft in just 3 seconds

You may not believe it, but in just 3 seconds you can make it impossible for either casual thieves or professional gangs of thieves to steal your bike parts. But how, exactly? Simply by installing the smart, minimalist security system for saddles, wheels and other bike components: HexLox. This article is dedicated to this wonderwork among anti-theft devices – with a combination of these two ingenious systems, HexLox and our GPS tracker BikeTrax, you will never again have to lose your e-bike or any of its components to bike thieves.

Is it possible to crack HexLox? Not without your key!

The basic HexLox system consists of a HexLox inlay (also called a “nut”) and a matching “key”. What makes this combination so ingenious is that no two keys are alike. Each key and the corresponding HexLox inlay are programmed with a code, so that the HexLox inlay cannot be removed with a random magnet or key. Your inlay can only be removed with your very own key. No chance with standard tools!

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The HexLox system provides almost invisible all-round theft protection for your bike or e-bike parts.

Whether it’s a seat clamp, the pedals, the rear wheel, the front wheel or a saddle theft protection, the stainless steel HexLox inlay blocks the way for Allen keys on all of these bicycle components, thereby reliably preventing the theft of your high-quality, sought-after bike accessories. The HexLox system can easily be integrated into the mounting elements already installed on the bike, providing almost invisible all-round protection for your bicycle or e-bike.

E-Bike- und Fahrrad-Diebstahlschutz durch Hexlox

How does HexLox theft protection work?

The HexLox system secures all bicycle components that are attached to the bike with an Allen screw. A special screw attachment closes the opening in the socket head of the screw, so that it is no longer possible to insert the corresponding Allen key. Only the small, coded HexLox key, which is unique, can remove the attachment from the hexagon socket in a flash. Here is a four-step summary of how it works.

Step 1

Always keep the key and the HexLox inlay together if you have not yet installed the inlay. This way, you can be sure that you will not lose the small object. The key is the size of a coin and can easily fit on a key ring, for example.

Step 2

Before installation, make sure that both the key and the inlay are free of any dirt. Dirt can interfere with problem-free insertion and removal. For this very reason, the HexLox sets also come with small white or black sheets. These are sealing caps for the inlay, to protect them from contamination.

Step 3

You can install the HexLox inlay in a flash, in just 3 seconds. First, make sure that the key is fully inserted into the inlay. Now insert the inlay into the hole of the Allen screw and turn the key, a quarter of a turn clockwise. The key is already programmed with its own unique code.

Step 4

Removing the insert is just as quick. Insert the key completely into the HexLox inlay, wait for one to two seconds and then pull it straight out. Avoid any jerky movements. You can tell that the key is ready to be pulled out by waiting for the pull of the magnetic forces. If you do not feel the pull of the magnetic forces after two seconds, the key is not properly placed onto the insert. Take the key out again and reinsert it.

Would you like someone to demonstrate the four steps? Then take a look at our video! Matthias from PowUnity explains it perfectly. To the Video

HexLox anything – One product in all variants

With HexLox, you can protect various bicycle components. Saddles, seat posts, front and rear wheels, cranks or pedals – all of these components are different in terms of size, dimension and design. But HexLox works on the principle of “HexLox anything”, and can lock anything.

HexLox in various diameters

HexLox products are available in various sizes, dependent on the diameter of the Allen screws used on the bicycle. Currently, the following sizes are available: 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and soon also 10mm.

HexLox for magnetic or non-magnetic screws

Most bicycle screws are magnetic, but stainless steel screws or non-magnetic Allen screws are sometimes used. Hexlox has a solution for every type of screw. Before buying, it is best to test whether your bicycle screws are magnetic or non-magnetic.

Also, be aware that some stainless steel screws can be slightly magnetic – in this case the standard HexLox magnetic solution will not work. Then you have two options: Either replace the screws with magnetic ones, or get HexLox’s solution for non-magnetic screws.

Non-magnetic HexLox

uitable replacement screws

Locking types for bicycle components

Quick-release skewer or standard nuts are commonly used to attach bicycle components. HexLox also has a solution for this. Quick-release skewers are often used on the wheels. The solution: security skewers, which replace existing axles with quick-release levers. The replacement axle can also be secured with a standard 5mm HexLox.

HexLox Security Skewer

Axles with nuts (M9, M10, M3/8, …) can easily be replaced with “HexNut” security bolts with round heads. These security wheel nuts offer a safe solution for standard nuts. You need an additional 6mm HexLox to secure the HexNut.

HexNut security screw

Classic seat post clamps or quick release skewers on saddles can also be replaced and secured. This works either with a universal seat post clamp or with a special M8 stainless steel security nut and bolt. After installation, you can add a 5mm HexLox.

HexLox Saddle clamp screw

Securing the stem prevents thieves from making off with the handlebars, fork and front wheel. In the illustration, you can see two variants. Securing with screw B is already sufficient. Variant A only works on magnetic screws. If the screw protrudes too far from the stem, in case of doubt, it can be replaced by a round head bolt.

Steel Screws

HexLox for the GPS tracker BikeTrax by PowUnity

Why do we at PowUnity rely on HexLox as the best additional theft protection for bike components? Our GPS tracker BikeTrax is a cigarette lighter-sized tracking device that is mounted in the engine housing of the e-bike and is therefore invisible to the thief. However, to open the engine housing of the e-bike, the pedal crank must be removed on some e-bikes. This crank can be secured with the 8mm HexLox insert.

With 10,000 BikeTrax installed, we are not aware of a single case in which BikeTrax was found and removed by the thief. However, if an e-bike owner wants 110% security and wants to make his engine compartment with the integrated GPS tracker inaccessible, he can also secure his crank with the 8mm HexLox insert.

This not only seals the engine compartment! With HexLox, the thieves can’t sell the stolen e-bike, because as long as the GPS tracker is on guard inside the e-bike engine compartment, the rightful owner can see its location at all times with the PowUnity app. BikeTrax and e-bike are inseparable. Of course, this only applies to e-bikes where the crank has to be removed in order to open the motor housing.

CTA Pfeil

Buy and compare HexLox – at PowUnity

PowUnity now offers the 8mm HexLox security system here in the online shop, for BikeTrax owners whose engine compartments can only be accessed by removing the crank.

For those who would like to compare the HexLox security system with other locks and systems, such as the Pitlock alternative, we have written a comprehensive article on the subject, where you can read about all the popular and innovative security systems for bicycle components.

Summary: Quality and Security with HexLox

The HexLox security system seals Allen screws with light and barely visible magnetic components that can only be removed with a special coded key. The parts used do not only protect all types of bicycle components from theft! They can also deny bicycle thieves from gaining access to the engine compartment if you choose. If the GPS tracker BikeTrax is installed in the engine compartment, allowing for unhindered real-time tracking, it is impossible for thieves to remove the tracking device, even if they do manage to steal the bike, and the recovery of the e-bike is guaranteed.

Why are we so convinced by the HexLox system? Compared to other products, it is the only one that offers complete security. No other system can be combined with existing components sufficiently, and in some cases, it is even necessary to replace screws. HexLox, on the other hand, is uncomplicated, flexible, can be mounted in just 3 seconds and, above all, does not affect the appearance of the bike.

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