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Zip ties to hold smart-lock on frame

Bicycles Asked on December 12, 2020

I’ve recently bought a smart lock for my bike that can be mounted directly on the frame. Problem is that my frame has no hole for screwing it on the frame. So I improvised with with 3 zip ties on each side. Question: will it hold or should I remove it and use some other system? It’s been a week so far and it held quite well.

Thoughts?

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Here’s an image of the lock being used. As you can see the 3 holes where the zip ties are going into to then tie against the frame:

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3 Answers

Zip ties don't last forever, so you'll need to keep an eye on them and replace them periodically. P-clips would probably work.

Behold, a P-clip

Correct answer by Adam Rice on December 12, 2020

On one bike, no longer in my possesion, I attached such a lock with hooks that had bolds on the other end. I used normal nuts to fix the lock to those hooks.

As it was about 30 years ago, I do not remember how and where I got hold of those hooks. I do remember that I used tape, around the frame on that point, to protect the paint and to make for a better fit.

If you feel the cable ties work for you, keep using them. You will likely not lose the lock unless all 6 fail at the same time. When the lock starts to rattle it is time to check and likely replace the ties. If you re-do all of them, you may want to tape your frame to protect it against the rub of your lock.

For longer locking, add a second lock with which you can fix your bike to a sturdy object. Your lock likely is made to add a cable and you enter it in the top of the side that is opposite of the key, not to be seen in your photo. Those come in several lengths and the longer ones seem useful. I use a separate cable lock and a friend a D lock instead.

Answered by Willeke on December 12, 2020

Zip ties should be fine, especially since you’ve used 3 strong ones on each side. I would have wrapped some rubber or tape around the frame to protect it from scratches and to reduce the chance of small vibrations or movement.

As others have pointed out in the comments, keep in mind that such a lock adds a minimal amount of security. Personally I’d rather carry a solid ~700g U lock when I need it instead of this permanently attached 500g frame lock.

Answered by Michael on December 12, 2020

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