Hiplok Lite review: lightweight and wearable chain lock

When it comes to locking up your bike, chain locks can offer a flexible alternative to traditional D-locks since they can fit around larger and unconventionally shaped anchor points. It’s especially helpful if they’re easily portable. Known for its wearable locks, Hiplok has one such option available in the form of the Hiplok Lite. It’s designed to be worn around the waist while riding, which eliminates the need for a bag or bulky frame mount that can potentially rattle as you ride. While its wearability makes the Hiplok Lite a strong contender among the best bike locks for urban and commuter cyclists, is it one of the best chain locks? 

Unlike heavier chain locks, the Hiplok Lite aims to keep things lightweight and practical. However, its Bronze Sold Secure rating means it’s probably not ideal for high-theft areas or overnight use. If you’ve taken out one of the best bike insurance policies and have certain requirements to meet, this probably won’t be the right fit, as most insurers stipulate the need for a Gold or Diamond-rated lock. That said, if your priority is portability and ease of use, then the Hiplok Lite could fit the bill.

Read on to find out how it performs in daily use.

Design and aesthetics

Hiplok is well known for its wearable locks, and the Lite model is one of the most compact options in its range of chain locks. Designed to be worn around the waist like a belt, it’s a practical alternative for anyone who doesn’t like to carry a lock in their bag or have one mounted to their frame. The padlock doubles as a belt clasp, while a long velcro strap secures it in place, with adjustability to fit waist sizes from 26-44 inches.

While the design is pretty innovative, not everyone will find it comfortable or practical to wear, and with no way to attach it to a bike frame, this could be a downside for anyone who prefers to ride unencumbered, especially on a hot day in the summer.

The chain itself comprises 6mm hardened steel links, measures 75cm in length, and feels robust but not overly heavy in hand. The chain’s enclosed in a fabric sleeve that makes it a lot more comfortable to wear and hold on a cold winter’s day, and it carries minimal branding: namely a single tab with the Hiplok logo. 

It’s worth noting that on the regular version of the sleeve — we tested the black colourway — there’s no reflective detailing to speak of. If nighttime visibility is a concern, then we’d recommend getting the Superbright version, which would be ideal for year-round commuters. Otherwise, the Hiplok Lite comes in a range of bright colour options, which is great for anyone who enjoys adding a splash of colour to their outfit or prefers to have a lock that stands out as a visual deterrent.

Security

The Hiplok Lite is Sold Secure Bronze rated, which means it provides a basic level of security but isn’t recommended for high-theft areas. The 6mm hardened steel chain links are smaller than some others on the market, including among Hiplok’s own range, which makes sense since its USP is its wearability. Combined with an 8mm shackle padlock, the Hiplok Lite offers a decent level of protection against casual theft, but it’s unlikely to withstand prolonged attacks from well-equipped thieves.

With a locking length of 75cm, it has enough reach to secure a bike to standard bike racks, though it leaves plenty of room between the bike and the anchor point, which could make it vulnerable to bolt cutters. Unlike some longer chains, it’s not quite lengthy enough to wrap around a stand twice for added security. However if you’re only using it for brief stops in low-risk areas, the length has the added bonus of being flexible enough to navigate thicker or unconventionally shaped anchor points, like the base of UK lampposts, which are too wide for standard D-locks.

Given its rating, I wouldn’t feel comfortable using it for overnight locking or in high-risk areas. Instead, it’s probably best suited for quick stops in relatively safe locations, or as a secondary lock when used alongside a more robust D-lock. Cycle commuters with access to secure bike parking at work may also find it a good option, particularly if they need something flexible for unconventionally shaped anchor points.

Performance

Wearing the Hiplok Lite is more comfortable than I expected. The weight is noticeable but doesn’t feel excessive, while the velcro strap keeps it securely in place. The adjustability makes it accessible for a range of body sizes, which I like, though I found the long strap to be a bit of a hindrance when it actually came to locking up. The way the sleeve is designed means that the Velcro strap overlays the opening where the end of the chain protrudes. When the time comes to lock it around your bike, once you’ve secured the two chain ends in place with the padlock, you’re left with a long strap that needs to wrap around the main locking area and then fold back on itself, which isn’t as neat a solution as I’d expected.

Locking up is reasonably straightforward, though not without its slight annoyances if you’re in a hurry. While the chain easily threads through the frame and wheel, the padlock mechanism only works if you rotate the outer casing clockwise for the shackle to align properly before you can push it in and turn the key. Rotating it the wrong way causes it to catch against the plastic of the padlock body. It’s not a major issue, but it adds a slight fiddliness to the process, especially when compared to some locks that snap into place automatically. Another gripe I had, especially for year-round all-weather commuter cyclists, is that there's no rain-protective keyhole cover to speak of.

In terms of portability, the Hiplok Lite is compact and easy to carry, whether worn as intended or stored in a bag. Despite its wearable design, it’s still a chain lock and weighs 1,054g on my scales, making it not overly heavy, but still noticeable when you wear it. The Velcro fastening keeps it securely in place, and it doesn’t shift or ride down while I’m cycling. Compared to flatter and more rigid belt-like wearable locks, the rounder profile of the Hiplok Lite feels very comfortable for me, as someone who carries extra weight around the middle.

Verdict

Overall the Hiplok Lite is well thought-out. For anyone who prefers the robustness and versatility that comes with a chain lock, it’s a convenient and portable option that doesn’t overly weigh you down, and comes with a fair amount of adjustability to accommodate a range of body shapes. The flexibility of the chain makes it useful for navigating non-standardised anchor points and is especially useful if quickly locking up to a lamppost, though if you’re sticking to Sheffield stands and the like, you will find it leaves lots of room. While it does come with a bit of faff to use, it’s a good wearable option, though its Sold Secure Bronze rating makes it best suited for low-theft areas and quick stops, rather than overnight security.

For those who want a lightweight chain lock that is easy to transport and use, the Hiplok Lite is a solid choice. However, if you need a higher level of security, the Hiplok Gold offers a more robust alternative, albeit at a higher price and weight.