Hiplok DX review: Wearable D-lock with top-tier security credentials

Whether you’re riding your bike to work every day or leaving it unattended momentarily to run errands, keeping it securely locked is crucial. Bike theft is a huge issue, especially in cities, so it’s important to invest in one of the best bike locks that you can afford. It’s almost as important as knowing how to lock a bike effectively.

I’ve spent some time testing the Hiplok DX, a compact d-lock with a patented Clip + Ride system, to see if it’s a good option for urban cyclists. With its Sold Secure Diamond rating for use with regular pedal bikes, and Gold rating for powered bikes, it could be a potential option for those needing one of the best e-bike locks too. 

Meanwhile, its 1.11kg weight on my scale means it just about scrapes its way onto our list of the best lightweight bike locks, but is it practical enough to use every day? And will it satisfy the best bike insurance providers who ask you to use a lock that meets their minimum security requirements? Read on to find out.

Design and aesthetics

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It would be fair to say the sleek, all-black design of the Hiplok DX prioritises subtlety and style. While some might prefer a brightly coloured lock for its potential as a visual deterrent, the minimalist aesthetic of the DX will appeal to those who prefer their gear to blend in rather than stand out. 

The lock’s compact dimensions, with an internal locking area of 150 x 85 mm, make it ideal for securing a frame to dedicated anchor points, like Sheffield stands, though it struggles with thicker structures like lampposts. If you’re a city dweller with lots of dedicated bike parking at your disposal, this won’t pose too much of a problem, but if you have to get more creative with your locking, then it’s something to consider. 

What makes the Hiplok DX stand out is its patented Clip + Ride system, comprising two integrated belt clips on the lock bar. This is designed to make carrying the DX simple and convenient, whether you choose to attach it to your waistband, belt, or even the edge of a pocket. The clip system itself is slightly flexible, making it easy to attach quickly, and it’s even removable with a 5mm Allen key, if you’re unlikely to wear it. While it’s designed to be clipped to a belt or waistband, this isn’t practical for everyone, so it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility. We’ll explore that more shortly.

Despite its 1.11kg weight, the lock feels surprisingly manageable, compact, and well-balanced in hand. The shackle is coated in a durable finish that appears to protect your bike’s paintwork from scratches, while a rubberised keyhole cover keeps the internal components protected from dirt and moisture, making it a reliable choice for year-round, all-weather use.

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Security

The Hiplok DX features a 14mm hardened steel shackle and a double deadlock mechanism, which requires two cuts to break. On top of this, the anti-rotation locking system is designed to prevent twisting attacks, according to the brand, which is a common method used by thieves. The lock boasts a Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond rating, which is the highest level for standard bikes, as well as a Powered Cycle Gold rating for e-bikes.

If you’re riding an e-bike and need a higher Powered Bike rating, you can opt for the Diamond-rated D1000, though it weighs significantly more at 1.9kg. For an even lighter option, there’s the Hiplok D, which is Silver-rated, however, it only shaves about 100g overall, so it doesn’t seem worth the sacrifice of the security rating. It’s a good sign that all Hiplok locks come with a lifetime warranty.

In use, the shackle fits snugly around Sheffield stands, limiting any space leftover for prying or leverage attacks, making it a very secure option if you’ve got good access to dedicated bike parking. However, its compact size does limit it to narrow anchor points like these stands, narrow signposts and iron railings. It won’t hold up to a standard lamppost or any kind of anchor point that’s unconventionally shaped.

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Performance

Provided there’s ample bike parking available, I can’t fault its use. The Hiplok DX works exactly as you’d expect it to. The key inserts smoothly into the lock cylinder, and the mechanism operates effortlessly, releasing the shackle without any struggle. Operation is seamless.

As mentioned above, the compact locking area is the perfect size and shape to secure a rear wheel and frame to a dedicated bike stand with minimal space left over, minimising the risk of leverage attacks. Without dedicated bike parking, it’s less versatile.

The Clip + Ride system is a highlight and offers a very convenient way to carry the lock without the need for a bracket (thereby eliminating the risk of rattling). It’s particularly useful for quick commutes or short trips, though its practicality is entirely dependent on your clothing. 

I like the idea of having a D-lock readily available at my hip, as it can save time and reduces the need to faff around with a bracket in the winter with cold fingers or dig through a bag to find it. However, I don’t tend to dress in clothes with an exposed waistband, especially at this time of year (November). I prefer a longer winter jacket that keeps most of my middle covered, making it nigh-on impossible to use the Clip + Ride system in winter without changing the way I dress completely (and no one is going to change their style to suit their lock). 

In the summer, it will be perfect, but for a winter review, I relied on my partner to model its wearability, as it’s more suited to his style. If you’re using it to commute and prefer to ride in your regular clothes, this is something to consider seriously before investing.

Of course, you don’t have to wear it. Size-wise, if you choose not to clip it to your belt or waistband, it fits comfortably in larger back pockets (and by this I mean a proper-sized pocket that you’ll find on most menswear, and only rarely on women’s clothing). It can also easily be stored in an external bag pocket, or inside a pannier or backpack, so it’s pretty adaptable to different preferences.

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Verdict

Overall I really like the Hiplok DX. It’s smart, compact, and secures my bike snugly against dedicated bike stands, giving me enough confidence to leave it unattended for long periods of time. 

With its high-security ratings, it will satisfy most bike insurance providers, and all in all, it’s a sleek design that will suit most inner-city commuter cyclists. Combined with a similarly snug and secure lock for the front wheel, you’re onto a winner. There’s even a DX+ option that comes with a cable included. However, the Clip + Ride system won’t work for everyone.