Which Hiplok Bike Lock Should You Choose?
A lock for a five-minute café stop isn't necessarily the lock we'd choose for an expensive e-bike parked outside work all day. Where you leave the bike, how long it's unattended and what you can lock it to all matter.
Hiplok makes wearable chains, compact D-locks, heavy-duty chains and specialist anti-angle grinder locks. Here's how we'd choose between them.
What Do Sold Secure Ratings Mean?
Sold Secure independently tests locks against theft attacks. For bicycle locks, the familiar grades are Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond.
| Rating | What It Means | Our Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Basic tested security | Lower-value bikes and short stops in low-risk areas |
| Silver | Moderate security | Short stops where theft risk is lower |
| Gold | High security | Regular commuting and longer stops |
| Pedal Cycle Diamond | Highest bicycle security grade | Higher-value bikes and higher-risk locations |
| Powered Cycle Diamond | Highest powered-cycle security grade | High-security applications where powered-tool resistance is important |
What's the difference between Diamond ratings? Pedal Cycle Diamond and Powered Cycle Diamond are separate testing categories. A Diamond-rated bicycle lock isn't automatically designed to resist an angle grinder.
The Hiplok D1000 and DX1000 are specifically built to resist angle grinder attacks. No lock is completely theft-proof, but these make cutting through the lock considerably more difficult than a conventional steel D-lock.
If your bike is insured, check the policy wording. Some insurers specify minimum lock ratings and how the bike must be secured.
Which Hiplok Lock Is Right for You?
Hiplok Original 8 mm – Short Stops and Everyday Convenience
The Hiplok Original uses an 8 mm hardened steel chain and carries a Sold Secure Silver rating.
Its main advantage is convenience. You can wear it around your waist without locking it to your body, then use it to secure your bike when you stop.
It's useful for shorter stops in lower-risk locations. We wouldn't recommend it as the only lock for an expensive e-bike left unattended for several hours.
Shop Hiplok Original 8 mm Wearable Chain Lock
Hiplok DX – Commuting and Regular Stops
The Hiplok DX is a compact D-lock with a 14 mm hardened steel shackle and double-locking mechanism.
It carries a Sold Secure Gold rating and uses Hiplok's CLIP + RIDE system, allowing you to carry it on a belt or bag strap without a frame bracket.
It's a good option for regular commuting, although its compact size means you need to check that it will fit around your frame and the racks you normally use.
Shop Hiplok DX Wearable D-Lock
Hiplok D1000 – Anti-Angle Grinder Protection
The D1000 is designed for riders who want considerably more protection than a conventional steel D-lock.
It uses Hiplok's specialist anti-angle grinder composite technology and carries Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond and Powered Cycle Diamond ratings.
At approximately 1.9 kg, it's portable enough for regular use. The main limitation is its smaller locking area, so make sure it fits around your frame and a suitable fixed object.
For an expensive road bike, mountain bike or e-bike regularly left unattended, this is one we'd seriously consider.
Shop Hiplok D1000 Anti-Angle Grinder D-Lock
Hiplok DX1000 – Better for Larger E-Bikes
The DX1000 uses the same anti-angle grinder technology as the D1000 but has a larger locking area.
Its internal dimensions are 205 mm × 112 mm, making it easier to secure larger e-bike frames and motorcycles.
At approximately 2.6 kg, it's heavier than the D1000, but the extra room can make a real difference when trying to secure a large e-MTB to a bike rack.
For a larger e-bike, we'd generally favour the DX1000 if the extra clearance makes it easier to lock the frame properly.
Shop Hiplok DX1000 Anti-Angle Grinder D-Lock
Hiplok DXXL – Heavy-Duty Chain Security
Sometimes a D-lock simply won't reach around the object you want to secure your bike to.
The Hiplok DXXL combines a 14 mm hardened steel loop-end chain with a DX D-lock. The loop-end design gives you more locking reach without needing a longer chain.
The complete DXXL system carries a Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond rating.
It's particularly useful for home storage, larger posts and situations where you need more flexibility than a compact D-lock provides.
Keep in mind that the DXXL is not part of Hiplok's specialist anti-angle grinder 1000 Series.
Shop Hiplok DXXL 14 mm Loop Chain + DX Lock
Our Hiplok Recommendations at a Glance
| Where You're Locking Up | Our Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick café stops | Original 8 mm | Convenient wearable chain for lower-risk stops |
| Everyday commuting | DX D-Lock | Compact Gold-rated security |
| Expensive road or mountain bike | D1000 | Portable anti-angle grinder protection |
| Larger e-bike | DX1000 | More locking room with anti-angle grinder protection |
| Large posts or awkward racks | DXXL | Heavy-duty chain with extra reach |
| High-security home storage | DX1000 + AX1000 | Compatible anti-angle grinder lock and anchor |
How Should You Secure Your Bike at Home?
It's easy to assume your bike is safe because it's inside a locked garage or shed. Unfortunately, bikes are stolen from both.
For an expensive mountain bike or e-bike, we'd recommend securing it to a properly installed ground or wall anchor, even when it's stored indoors.
The lock, anchor and mounting surface all need to be up to the job. There's little point buying an expensive lock if it's attached to something that can easily be removed.
Option 1 – Heavy-Duty Chain and Anchor
A heavy-duty chain is a practical choice if your bike is stored in the same place every day.
The Hiplok DXXL gives you the reach needed to secure a bike frame to a suitable fixed anchor. It's particularly useful when the bike can't be positioned close enough for a D-lock to fit directly.
Make sure the anchor is installed into an appropriate structural surface, following the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Shop Hiplok DXXL Heavy-Duty Chain and Lock
Option 2 – Anti-Angle Grinder Lock and Anchor
For higher-value bikes, we'd look at combining a Hiplok D1000 or DX1000 with a compatible Hiplok 1000 Series anchor.
The AX1000 features a rotating base and pivoting arm, allowing you to secure a bike without needing a separate chain.
It's particularly useful for larger e-bikes and motorcycles where a conventional D-lock and fixed anchor arrangement might be awkward.
Both the lock and compatible anchor are designed to resist angle grinder attacks, making this a strong option for home security.
Shop Hiplok AX1000 Anti-Angle Grinder Anchor & Arm
Option 3 – Securing Multiple Bikes
If you've got several bikes stored together, think about how each one is secured.
Where possible, secure the frames individually to properly installed anchors rather than relying on a single chain through several wheels.
For a garage containing several expensive bikes, we'd also consider an alarm, good door security and keeping the bikes out of sight from the street.
How to Lock Your Bike Properly
Even a very expensive lock won't help much if the bike isn't secured correctly.
- Lock the frame: Don't rely on securing only a wheel, particularly if it has a quick-release axle.
- Choose a solid fixing point: Make sure the rack, post or anchor is securely installed and can't easily be cut, dismantled or lifted over.
- Keep the lock tight: Avoid leaving unnecessary space inside a D-lock.
- Keep it off the ground: Where practical, position the lock so it can't easily be struck against the ground.
- Protect removable components: Consider a second lock for wheels and accessories.
- Choose a visible location: Busy, well-lit areas with proper bike racks are preferable to isolated spots.
For e-bikes, removing the battery or display where practical can add another layer of inconvenience for a thief. However, it doesn't replace a good lock.
Do You Need Two Bike Locks?
For an expensive bike left unattended for longer periods, using two good locks can make sense.
Different lock types may require different tools or techniques to defeat. For example, you could use a high-security D-lock through the frame and a second lock to secure a wheel.
We'd rather see one properly fitted high-security lock than two poor-quality locks, though. Start with a strong main lock and add another layer of security where it makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a D-lock better than a chain?
Neither is automatically better. D-locks are compact and can offer excellent security, but their size limits what you can lock to. Chains give you more flexibility and reach, although high-security chains can be heavy.
The lock's construction, rating and how you use it matter more than whether it's a D-lock or chain.
Can an angle grinder cut through a Diamond-rated lock?
Yes. No portable lock is completely theft-proof.
However, the Hiplok D1000 and DX1000 are specifically designed to resist angle grinder attacks, making them much harder and more time-consuming to cut than conventional D-locks.
Is a Silver-rated lock enough for an e-bike?
For a high-value e-bike left unattended for long periods, we wouldn't recommend relying on a Silver-rated lock as your only security.
We'd look at Gold or Diamond protection, with an anti-angle grinder lock worth considering where the risk of theft is higher.
Should I lock my bike inside a garage?
Yes, particularly for expensive bikes. A locked garage door is one layer of security, but securing the bike to a properly installed anchor adds another.
Does a more expensive lock guarantee my bike won't be stolen?
No. A good lock reduces risk, but thieves may target the bike rack, anchor, components or storage building instead.
Good locking technique, secure storage and appropriate insurance all matter.
Why Buy Your Hiplok from Chain Reaction?
Choosing the right lock isn't just about buying the highest security rating. It needs to fit your bike, work with the places you regularly park and be practical enough that you'll actually use it.
At Chain Reaction in Christchurch, we can help you compare Hiplok's different locks and work out which option makes sense for your bike and where you store it.
If you're buying a new mountain bike, road bike or e-bike, it's worth sorting out security at the same time rather than leaving it until later.
Come in and have a chat at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. We have 200+ free car parks, so bring your bike if you're unsure what size lock will fit.
