Bike theft is an unfortunate fact of life for cyclists nowadays, but it doesn’t have to be your bike. This is the mantra that Leamington-based Hiplok was founded on way back in 2011, and the brand is constantly designing, testing and updating its award-winning range of bike security products to stay one step ahead of the thieves. Here we’ll delve into Hiplok’s passion for innovation, and highlight some of its latest and greatest products that will help you protect your most prized and useful possession.
Quite fittingly, the idea for Hiplok came about because co-founder John Abrahams’ bike was stolen. He would chance it by going without a decent lock for running errands by bike, because options at the time were big, heavy, and difficult to carry. He paid the price at the time, but little did the thief or victim know that they’d just helped to inspire the creation of the world’s first wearable bike lock.
Teaming up with fellow product designer and cyclist Ben Smith, the pair launched the Hiplok ORIGINAL in 2011… named Hiplok because this ingenious lock is worn around the hips, not because of any association with fixie-riding hipsters, contrary to popular rumour!
The latest version of the ORIGINAL could not be cut by bolt croppers and survived an angle grinder attack for over 30 seconds in the big 2025 road.cc bike locks test, which is infinitely better than risking it with a cheap cable lock.
From its debut innovation, Hiplok went onto create secure storage, angle grinder-resistant D-locks and the unique Z LOK, the ideal lightweight security device for road cyclists who need something to deter opportunists during the café stop.
All Hiplok products go through rigorous testing under controlled conditions before they go on sale, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to solving security dilemmas faced by cyclists, motorcyclists, and even those who just want to add an additional layer of security to their airport luggage (the Z LOK can certainly double up as a bag lock, pushchair lock… you name it).
Let’s take a closer look at Hiplok’s three latest product releases, and what cycling situations they are most useful for…
Hiplok BR1000 Lock Bracket (£24.99)
As Ben Smith puts it, when it comes to securing your bike at home or in an area where thieves are known to operate, you want to invest in the best lock you can afford.
Hiplok recommends the 10% rule, which deems that you should spend roughly 10% of the value of your bike on a lock – however, as detailed in Hiplok’s ‘It’s Not Just A Bike’ campaign, lots of us have bikes that aren’t worth a great deal in cash, but might hold a lot of sentimental value, or are just ideal for our needs.
This is certainly the case with road.cc editor Jack’s beloved second-hand Bickerton folder. A potential thief might be disappointed with how much they could sell it on for, but this bike does everything its owner wants it to and more. That means Jack is happy to spend considerably more than 10% of the bike’s value on a decent lock to ensure it won’t go anywhere – but sometimes, carrying a D-lock can pose problems if the work or shopping bag gets too full.
That’s where Hiplok’s new BR1000 bracket comes in, designed to securely hold your Sold Secure Diamond D1000 or DX1000 lock while you ride. It can mount directly on pannier racks, or combine with KlickFix/Ortlieb mounts to fit to your handlebars or seatpost. That means you don’t have to save space for a lock in your bag, and just need to undo one strap to take it out and lock your bike.
Where our busy editor might have been tempted to take a cheap cable lock for convenience when out running a quick afternoon errand, the BR1000 bracket means there’s no longer any need to compromise. The lock stays securely on the bike while riding, and the bike stays where it was locked up thanks to the highly angle grinder-resistant D1000 lock, even if a very committed thief fancies their chances. At less than 2.5kg for the whole system, it won’t affect your bike’s handling either.
Z LOK COMBO (£24.99)
While 2.5kg isn’t a huge amount to lug around, it’s certainly more than most road cyclists would be prepared to haul on a long weekend ride. 82g is a much more acceptable figure, and that’s where Hiplok’s new, revamped Z LOK COMBO comes in handy.
Building on the original and unique Z LOK design, the latest Z LOK COMBO has a combination code and frame bracket for ease of use. The reinforced steel core adds an impressive level of protection for such a lightweight lock, that would hopefully make a thief move onto the next bike if you’re unfortunate enough to encounter one when stopping to refuel. You can stuff it in your pocket or make use of the mount to store it on your frame while riding, whatever you prefer.
Of course, the Z LOK COMBO isn’t designed to protect your bike from a sustained bolt cropper or angle grinder attack – but on the café stop, where you’re ideally not leaving your bike unattended for more than a few seconds, it could be the difference between your bike being there or not in those brief moments you do turn away. It will take much longer than that split second for your casual opportunist to defeat the Z LOK COMBO.
The Z LOK COMBO can be used in many other situations too: pushchairs, helmets, car racks, bags… it’s not just a bike lock, making that £24.99 outlay go much further.
Hiplok TRACK (£14.99)
You’ve invested in some decent bike locks, but how about tracking its location for an additional layer of security? Hiplok’s new TRACK securely holds and conceals an Apple AirTag, in a weatherproof casing that easily attaches to your bottle or frame mounts.
“We’re in the business of protecting your bike with our locks first and foremost, but trackers are an increasingly viable option to provide that additional peace of mind”, says Smith.
“The Find My network is getting bigger and bigger, so there’s now a better chance of the police locating your bike if it is stolen.”
Apple AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers are also useful for locating your bike during a flight, and as they weigh very little, it’s a discreet and affordable way to add an extra layer of security.
There are many places the Hiplok TRACK can be mounted, and it can even combine with the Z LOK COMBO so you can keep your AirTag and cafe lock together on your bottle cage mount.
This nifty piece of kit – in combination with your AirTag – won’t prevent theft, but it could certainly prove useful in many situations where you need to know that your bike is where you left it, or where you expect it to be when travelling for your big cycling trip abroad.
Hiplok’s innovative range covers almost every bike storage and security scenario. The versatile mounting options for the class-leading D1000 lock means there’s no longer any need to compromise and head out the door with a cheap, easily cuttable lock for commutes and urban rides. The re-engineered Z LOK provides plenty of deterrent on the café stop for even the weight weeniest of road riders, and Hiplok’s handy new TRACK could even help you locate your bike if the worst does happen.
After all, it’s not just a bike, so it’s worth protecting with quality equipment you can trust.
To see Hiplok’s full range of bike security and storage products, head over to hiplok.com
