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View Full Version : n'lock Bicycle Security Stem (Review; Picture Heavy)



flipstah
05-30-2010, 08:53 PM
Hi all!

I thought I'd share a hidden gem with my fellow Beyonders.

For fellow cyclists that didn't know, I own a Dahon Jack which looks like this:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1042.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1043.jpg

As you can see, the handlebars become quite cumbersome whenever I fold it in; I can't fit it in a bag and whenever I'm on the train, it's usually in my way.

I was looking for alternatives such as a folding handlebar but the ones I've found were either not compatible or still in concept.

I did however, find another alternative to my woe; the security bicycle stem.

When I discovered this in Google, I first discovered the Oredon FreeLock (http://www.oredon.com/produits/en/stem-anti-theft/26-freelock.html) and upon learning that they do not ship in Canada and did not return my email, I found its competitor, the n'lock system. (http://www.nlock.ch/)

Designed in Switzerland and engineered in Taiwan, the n'lock system was able to satisfy my need to minimize the space the folding bike takes up.

I immediately email their customer service and spoke to
Franklin Niedrig which seems to be the head-honcho for the n'lock system. We exchanged emails and finally, recommended the n'lock plus system that can also add cables for more protection (check out their website for more information.)

To save on shipping, I had the package shipped from Taiwan rather than Switzerland and it came quite prompt.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1038.jpg

Well packaged too! :thumbsup:

After unraveling the many newspapers...

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1039.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1040.jpg

There it is. Great packaging and very attractive advertising.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1041.jpg

So this is pretty much how it works:

- You install it on your bike like a regular stem
- When you insert the key, the stem locks. You cannot remove the key until you squeeze a mechanism, which releases it
- Once the key is free from the n'lock, you'll have difficulty steering the bicycle

For installation, this was pretty much my main stumbling block:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1045.jpg

The NVO stem that came stock on my Dahon. Thankfully, it was just a slip-on:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1046-1.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1047.jpg

Gonna need spacers for this... :banghead:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1050.jpg

Brass tubing for plumbing will be a temporary spacer until I find an aluminum spacer.

And thanks to this...

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/dj_flipster/IMG_1052.jpg

No more cumbersome handlebar! :clap:

I'm writing this review to expose this device to as many people as possible and I'll also be writing a review for the Dahon forums so that others may enjoy this device.

It comes in two sizes (standard and oversize, the latter of which I got) and it can also fit in quill but you'll need to purchase an adapter.

So check out the website and ride safe!

Oh, and here's a crude video review:

YivWxe1Fmto

If you have any questions, I'll try my best to answer any of them. :thumbsup:

EDIT:

For the n'lock plus oversize adjustable stem, it will cost ~$145CDN and shipping was ~$25CDN.

swak
05-31-2010, 01:11 PM
ahahaha i like the review video, but thats kinda cool (especially for your 'folding of bike' needs)...

Is it pretty heavy?

flipstah
05-31-2010, 01:52 PM
Originally posted by swak
ahahaha i like the review video, but thats kinda cool (especially for your 'folding of bike' needs)...

Is it pretty heavy?

Haha thanks! The bike itself isn't that heavy; around 28lbs.

It saves so much space and it always attracts attention whenever I fold it.

But if I hear 'your bike is broken' joke once more... :banghead:

swak
05-31-2010, 02:36 PM
Ahahah.. That's gonna be my line whenever I see a folding bike now :P.

.. I was referring to the stems weight there, but man.. That isn't too bad for weight when you think of all the extra parts on a folding bike, but my commuter bike isn't even 20lbs :S.

flipstah
05-31-2010, 02:46 PM
Originally posted by swak
Ahahah.. That's gonna be my line whenever I see a folding bike now :P.

.. I was referring to the stems weight there, but man.. That isn't too bad for weight when you think of all the extra parts on a folding bike, but my commuter bike isn't even 20lbs :S.

The stem is a tad heavier than the stock one but since it's adjustable, my ride is now more comfortable and it feels more responsive.

Yeah, it weighs way more than normal ones (my road bike is mad lighter than this) but the size factor totally makes up for it.

Now to find a bag so that I don't get hassled by transit cops... :rofl:

cr-xbrian
05-31-2010, 02:48 PM
Couldn't you of just lowered your seat and then the handlebars would of went over them?

flipstah
05-31-2010, 02:51 PM
Originally posted by cr-xbrian
Couldn't you of just lowered your seat and then the handlebars would of went over them?

Unfortunately it doesn't. Unlike its smaller counterparts, the one I have utilizes fixed handlebars/stem and does not fold.

cr-xbrian
05-31-2010, 03:08 PM
Originally posted by flipstah


Unfortunately it doesn't. Unlike its smaller counterparts, the one I have utilizes fixed handlebars/stem and does not fold.

ic ic, super cool bike man, first one ive seen like that. :thumbsup: