HIPLOK Gold Wearable Chain Lock Review

If you have never used a HIPLOK you are in for a treat. The HIPLOK is a wearable waist belt chain lock designed for cyclists. Rather than having to stuff a lock in a bag or carry it somewhere on your bike, the HIPLOK is designed to be worn around your waist just like a traditional belt.

The advantage of wearing it around your waist is the weight (i.e. chain) is equally distributed, making it feel not as heavy. Another advantage is the HIPLOK Gold comes with a reflective casing, which is perfect if you ride in the early mornings or at night.

HIPLOK GOLD Review

HIPLOK Gold is the highest rated lock HIPLOK sells and you can see why. It comes standard with a 12mm hardened steel shackle (Lock) and a 10m hardened steel chain. This makes for a very tough lock to pick, cut and/or break. It certainly can be done given the right amount of time, but most thieves will move on to easier targets.

Combine the HIPLOK gold with a HIPLOK DX U-lock and your bike will probably be as safe as it could ever be.

HIPLOK Gold Keys

The HIPLOK comes with 3 replaceable coded keys and can be replaced for ¢$19.47. I found the keys to be super solid and you really feel confident when using them. They are about the beefiest keys I have used for a bike lock.

Make sure to register your HIPLOK and key code in case you lose them. Given the fact that every lock comes with 3 keys, you should have 2 spares in case you lose one.

HIPLOK Gold Technical Specifications

Color: Superbright

• Our High-Security Wearable bike lock for high-risk areas
• 8mm hardened steel chain combines with our 12mm hardened steel shackle sleeved in a robust impact-resistant nylon.
• Huge 85cm locking circumference fully adjustable to fit waist size 28-44″
• Hiplok’s patented wearable design – never locked when worn
• Removable, washable 600D nylon sleeve with optional reflective detail
• Sold Secure SILVER rated
• 3 keys are included featuring Hiplok’s unique, smooth action, curved design.
• Retail: $139 (I have seen it for less on Amazon)

TIPS FOR LOCKING YOUR BIKE

When locking your bike I have found it is best to use 2 locks. I like to use a combination of a chain lock and a u-lock. While you can use the top tube to lock the bike to a rack, it is usually better to lock your bike using the downtube or seat tube. If you can combine locking a wheel or both wheels as well, all the better.

I really like the HIPLOK Gold bike lock. In fact, it is my go-to lock when biking downtown and knowing I will be leaving my bike unattended for a while. While bike theft is possible, it does give me more peace of mind compared to many other locks on the market.

Having a hardened steel chain lock sure beats the heck out of cable locks and while it is heavier, bike thieves will probably move on to easier targets.

I also use a product called HEXLOX to make the bike even more secure.