Slide, lock, go – bag handling made easy
The idea behind the new InLock system sounds simple at first: instead of attaching brackets directly to the bag, the mechanism is mounted on the luggage rack. To secure it, the bag is slid onto the InLock frame via a fabric sleeve and clicks into place. To remove it, simply pull on a tab. Thule sums up the principle as “Slide. Lock. Go.“ together.
The main advantage is felt when you’re off the bike. As there are no longer any hard plastic or metal parts on the bag itself, it’s more comfortable to carry and looks much tidier. At the same time, the system is designed to prevent annoying rattling whilst cycling.
Universal fit for many luggage racks
One important point is compatibility. The new Thule InLock Universal Mount According to the manufacturer, it fits most luggage racks with tube diameters between 10 and 16 millimetres.
For bikes without a traditional luggage rack, Thule offers a combination of Tour Rack and matching InLock Adapter . This means the system is not only suitable for city and trekking bikes, but also for bikes that were not originally designed for traditional panniers.
New, versatile bag collections
Alongside the InLock system, Thule is launching two new ranges of bags designed specifically for the new mounting system.
Thule Chasm: For everyday use and adventure
The new Chasm Collection is aimed at users who do not use their bags exclusively on their bikes. Water-repellent materials, versatile uses and a robust design are intended to bridge the gap between shopping, leisure and touring.
The range includes:
- Shopping bag
- Insulated cool bag
- Foldable luggage rack
Thule Shield: For commuters and everyday cyclists
With the new Shield Series Thule is aimed primarily at commuters and everyday cyclists. The bags feature a IPX4 water resistance and are designed to provide reliable protection for the contents even in bad weather. At the same time, they retain the quick-fit installation offered by the InLock system.
The Shield collection comprises:
- Laptop bag
- Everyday rucksack
- Roll-top cycle bag
Thule InLock Information & Prices
- New mounting system for cycle bags
- The hardware stays on the bike rather than on the bag
- Textile fastening on the bag without any hard components
- Quick assembly using a slide-and-click mechanism
- Low-noise, rattle-free design
- Compatible with luggage rack tubes from 10 to 16 mm
- Prices:
- InLock mount: 39.95 euros
- Bags: 69.95 to 149.95 euros
Conclusion from the editor’s perspective
With the InLock system, Thule turns the tables: rather than fitting the panniers with hard, angular brackets – which would simply get in the way when not attached to the luggage rack and, until now, often had to be hidden under an extra cover – the plastic parts remain attached to the bike. This is a clever solution and is likely to prove particularly advantageous when used in the city.
Only time will tell whether the approach of separating the technical mounting bracket from the bag body can establish itself as a new standard for travel bags and the like. The concept seems more innovative than many of the bag designs unveiled recently, though the bulky mounts for the luggage racks are unlikely to be to everyone’s taste.
Stefan Frey
Editor
