The Hiplok Spin is a fairly substantial-feeling chain lock that has the benefits of being both wearable and keyless (so won't be rendered useless in the event of a lost key) – although you will need to remember your four-digit combination, of course. Hiplok advertises it as 'medium security' and, while it is not Sold Secure certified, I was confident it provides enough of a deterrent to use it to lock a decent bike up for a few hours during daylight hours. It has 6mm hardened steel links and the lock barrel is protected by an outer case, another feature to help put off opportunist thieves.
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Pros: Super-easy to use and very comfortable to wear
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Cons: Perhaps could be a little longer
The 75cm length is ample for securing your frame to a stand or slim lamppost, but it would be more versatile if it were, say, 25cm longer (although this would clearly make it heavier).
> Find your nearest dealer here
Its light weight (774g) contributes to it being so comfy to wear – I hardly noticed it, to be honest. It is easily adjustable to fit riders from the skinny to the portly, thanks to the wonders of Velcro. The chain has a thick fabric cover (secured by Allen bolts at one end), which both protects it – from the elements as well as bolt croppers – and makes it comfortable to wear. If rained on the fabric does soak up water but dries surprisingly quickly.
It's very well designed in that ease-of-use is a priority – firstly, you don't need to rummage around in your bag for it, and because the lock mechanism remains open while you're wearing the Spin, you can whip it off, wrap it around your bike, insert the 'key' into the lock barrel then twizzle the numbers in mere seconds. Similarly, to remove it you only have to spin it into the correction combination, pull the key out then fasten around your waist with the single strap.
Setting the four-digit code is simplicity itself, and if you want to choose a new code at any time you can reset it using the same method.
While you can buy D-locks that are Sold Secure rated for the same price or cheaper than the Hiplok Spin, such as the Master Lock Street Fortnum, they are heavier with a relatively short and narrow shackle compared to the versatility of a chain, and don't offer the convenience of the Spin – being wearable is its USP. For the same RRP you can buy the Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain, which is 10cm longer but double the weight, not designed to be wearable and uses keys.
> Buyer's Guide: 6 of the best bike locks
There are seven options in Hiplok's chain lock range, and all bar the two chunkiest ones have a wearable design. The Spin is Hiplok's lightest wearable lock, and consequently is its only chain lock without a Sold Secure badge. If you want added peace of mind, the next one up in its wearable range is the Hiplok Lite, which weighs 1kg, costs another £15, and is Sold Secure Bronze certified. Another level up again is the Hiplok Superbright, reviewed here.
> Beginner's guide to bike security: how to stop thieves nicking your bike
Overall, I'd say the Hiplok Spin is a very handy deterrent if you're not leaving your bike for too long, and it's available in black or neon yellow for extra visibility when riding.
Verdict
Lightweight, portable and easy to use, this wearable lock offers a great balance between security and convenience
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Make and model: Hiplok Spin
Size tested: 75cm Locking Length
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Ideal if you want a convenient and portable lock that offers decent security yet isn't too heavy or expensive.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Hiplok:
Weight: 800g
Mechanism: 4-digit combination lock
Size: 75cm long
Construction: 6mm hardened steel with fabric cover
Medium security
Adjustable fit (26-44in waist)
1 year warranty
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
Look after the lock by lubricating the mechanism occasionally. The fabric cover is removable for cleaning.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
9/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
10/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well: it's easy to use, comfy to wear and looks like a solid deterrent to bike thieves.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The ease of use.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
While you can buy D-locks that are Sold Secure rated for the same price or cheaper than the Hiplok Spin, such as the Master Lock Street Fortnum, they are heavier with a relatively short and narrow shackle compared to the versatility of a chain, and don't offer the wearable convenience of the Spin. For the same RRP you can buy the Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain, which is 10cm longer but double the weight, not wearable and uses keys.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
The Spin is undoubtedly very good and fills a specific niche in the market, but the score reflects that it isn't Sold Secure rated.
Age: 45 Height: 170cm Weight: 62kg
I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er My best bike is: Whyte T-130 RS
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mountain biking, audax
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