HiplokGOLD: Sold Secure Rated Wearable Chain Bicycle Lock

Absolutely no safety. My bike was stolen in broad daylight during the two hours I was in the museum (Tate Modern, London, Bankside). The lock was broken and electric bike stolen from bicycle parking hoop. Not worth spending £££.

I've only ridden a bike three times whilst wearing the Hiplock so these observations are therefore sincere but limited. Obviously I have to trust the security rating but that said the Hiplock certainly appears to be a well made, high quality lock and chain. It's a brilliant idea. I like the covering of the chain, which is durable and washable when the time comes, and the easy waist fastening/releasing using the plastic clip. The large key is not double sided so one needs to look at the lock when inserting it, but practice will make that more instinctive. A little practice is also needed to quickly unbuckle, put the chain around the bike and then padlock it - and to reverse the process so that the padlock is not on the same side as the retaining clip, which prevents you securing the chain around your waist! But again that's only practice. Surprisingly, the weight is not really noticeable on rides of about five miles, particularly when wearing a few layers of clothes. I think this is an excellent product and I shall use it all the time for my commuting bike, which I leave with three locks securing it, and when touring, when it can sit in a pannier if need be. However, I find it too heavy for a day ride wearing thinner clothing and certainly 'overkill' when making a coffee stop with other riders, particularly if the bike is within view.

The lock seems to be very good but I don’t know why they have this cheap plastic buckle holding it together. I already have a Hiplok light and it’s a far better carrying mechanism with the Velcro strap. I have my doubts that this buckle will hold up long term.Update-When worn on the waist, the buckle becomes loose and the lock starts slipping down over my hips. Not ideal in busy traffic.

This is an excellent heavy duty bike chain and meets the criteria of my insurance and feels really secure. Whilst it is heavy the simple idea of having around your waist makes it easy to carry. Note that the chain is shorter than the complete webbing that goes round your waist. In use, it just manages to go around a lamppost and the bike. So make sure you check your measurements. I would recommend if you are on the robust size like me but if you are petite like my wife you may wish to think about a sturdy Sold Secure recommended D Lock (I have both). Finally there is a bit of a knack to locking and unlocking.

Sold Secure Gold Standard approved - meaning it meets with insurance company requirements.The weight may look a little off-putting at first, especially when compared with Hiplock’s Sold Secure Silver Standard lock, but in reality once you’re wearing it the difference becomes almost negligible. Is it worth the purchase price...absolutely if it saves your pride and joy disappearing down the road without you aboard!Top tip - take a look in the Amazon Warehouse deals and you could get this at a considerable discount. I only paid £54.