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review

Hiplok Gold Superbright

8
£89.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Strong, high-visibility lock that does exactly what it needs to without any hassle
Weight: 
2,400g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Hiplok's Gold Superbright is a well-designed and well-thought-out wearable lock that also provides some strong reflective qualities. Security seems good when locked, while adjusting it, putting it on and taking it off, is hassle free.

Using your bike as transport in an urban setting has some considerable differences to riding on country lanes, one of the main ones being that you almost always need to have some kind of lock with you. Heavy D locks can be carried on your bike if they have brackets, but otherwise are either uncomfortable to hook to your belt or you need to carry it in a bag. Hiplok, as the name suggests, has been attempting to solve this problem with its range of wearable locks.

> Find your nearest dealer here

There are two main elements to the Gold Superbright. The first it that it is one of Hiplok's most secure locks, with a Sold Secure Gold rating. In order to get this rating level, it is tested by Sold Secure and carries the logo showing it's been tested to the gold standard. It is practically impossible for a review to show whether or not this is accurate, we'll have to trust Sold Secure on that one. From a completely non-scientific perspective, the lock didn't budge one bit from pulling, hitting and even striking it with a hammer, so in my book, it seems safe enough.

Hiplok GOLD Sb - WornReflect.jpg

It has a locking circumference of 85cm, which is enough to get around almost any post plus frame and wheel. The 10mm hardened steel chain is locked through a 12mm hardened steel shackle with a Steel Impact resistant lock body with a super-tough nylon case. Surrounding the chain is a removable 600d ultra-reflective, water-repellent outer sleeve, which can (after unscrewing two Allen key bolts on either end) be removed from the chain.

Hiplok GOLD Sb - Lock.jpg

This outer sleeve is the second main element to the lock: it is very high vis. It really does shine out when the light hits it, making it really useful to wear in the dark. It does have a slight drawback though, in that if/when you get oil on it, it shows up very clearly, and for a lock it's something that happens fairly frequently.

Hiplok GOLD Sb - Reflection.jpg

The wearable element works well, with a clip on one end of the lock itself that connects to an adjustable seatbelt-like belt. It means the chain doesn't need to be connected in order to be worn and the belt element doesn't get in the way when trying to lock it. It is simple to adjust with an easy-to-use pull-through design such as you would find on a rucksack strap. It can also be worn in a couple of ways, either as a belt or over the shoulder. I preferred to wear it over the shoulder as it is quicker to remove when locking the bike, although it didn't tend to slip down when wearing as a belt and was just as comfortable.

Hiplok GOLD Sb - WornFront.jpg

It weighs in at 2.4kg, so you do notice when you are riding with it, but on short urban rides it arguably makes little difference. I wouldn't want to climb the Galibier with it, but that's not what it's designed for. It is simple to get everything out of the way when pedalling and at no point did I find that bits were prodding me or becoming uncomfortable.

> Beginner's guide to bike security: How to stop bike thieves and protect your bike

In terms of pricing, its RRP of £89.99 fits in at around the same price as other similar locks, such as the Kryptonite New York Noose, which is £10 more expensive but has a longer chain. For a gold standard lock that has the wearable advantages this has, I'd say it's a fair price.

Overall I was really impressed with this lock. The wearable element works well and locking it to things and around a wheel is not a problem. It also feels safe, backed up by the gold standard, and would certainly be difficult to get through. The high-vis element is also effective, the only downside being how easily it shows any oil that gets onto it.

Verdict

Strong, high-visibility lock that does exactly what it needs to without any hassle

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Hiplock Gold Superbright

Size tested: 85cm locking circumference, adjusts to fit waist 28-44in

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?

It is a lock designed to be both wearable and high-vis when not in use, and secure when locked to a railing.

Hiplok says: 'The Hiplok Gold Superbright is the convenient way to carry a high security lock without the need for a bag. Sold Secure Gold Rated for maximum protection.'

Yep, it is easy to carry around, the reflective elements work well, and it makes your bike significantly more difficult to steal.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Hiplok lists these features:

Sold Secure Gold Rated

Highly reflective sleeve

Adjusts to fit comfortably on waist (waist size 28-44')

Never locked to you while worn

Speed buckle fastening

10mm hardened steel chain / 12mm hardened steel shackle

Removable water repellent sleeve

Locking circumference 85cm

3 keys - Coded Key Replacement Program

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

The lock is sturdy and hardly showed a mark even after I was trying to smash it with a hammer. The belt mechanism works well and seems well made.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Fits well when wearing it and the high-vis elements help it shine out at night. It is also very secure when wrapped around your bike.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

A solid lock that I would expect to last for several years. The high-vis covering does pick up oil fairly easily, so may look a bit worn over time.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
5/10

A bike lock that is secure normally weighs a fair amount, this is no exception. It is very unlikely that anybody would want to tackle an Alpine climb while wearing it.

Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
8/10

Sits well over the shoulder or round the waist despite being relatively heavy. Nothing stuck into me or prodded me when riding, which was nice.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Pretty much exactly what I would expect to pay; a tenner less than a Kryptonite New York Noose, but not quite as long.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Performed very well: kept my bike locked up securely when needed; easy to wear when riding.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The belt clip element; needing to connect both ends of the chain and literally lock it around you would be a bit of a pain, and this simple design negates this completely.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Oil on the high-vis will make it a look a bit shabby over time.

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 score

Does everything it needs to, providing good security, good wearability and high visibility. It is easy to use around town and it has become my go-to lock when riding around London.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 29  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Mercian King of Mercia or Cinelli Gazzetta  My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

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5 comments

Avatar
ConcordeCX | 6 years ago
1 like

"A bike lock that is secure normally weighs a fair amount, this is no exception. It is very unlikely that anybody would want to tackle an Alpine climb while wearing it."

probably best not to cycle too close to the canal either.

Avatar
kevvjj | 6 years ago
0 likes

I really like the idea of this lock. However, if it can get oil and dirt on it as easily as is stated then surely this just gets transferred to your clothing when you wear it? Hmmm, not sure about that.

Avatar
peted76 replied to kevvjj | 6 years ago
0 likes
kevvjj wrote:

I really like the idea of this lock. However, if it can get oil and dirt on it as easily as is stated then surely this just gets transferred to your clothing when you wear it? Hmmm, not sure about that.

I've used one of these and there a hardy nylon wrap around the metal/tough part... it just wipes clean in my experience.

 

Avatar
oceandweller replied to kevvjj | 6 years ago
0 likes
kevvjj wrote:

I really like the idea of this lock. However, if it can get oil and dirt on it as easily as is stated then surely this just gets transferred to your clothing when you wear it? Hmmm, not sure about that.

I've been using the (much cheaper, musch lighter) Bronze version of this for a year & it's replaced all the other locks I own. Haven't had any problems with it getting oily or greasy even though I commonly loop it through just above the chain. Yes, it can be worn around the waist but have also found it's much easier to drop it over one shoulder. Why only 4 stars? Possibly the most useful £40 I ever spent.

Avatar
DrG82 | 6 years ago
0 likes

How to turn a minor crash into a broken back.

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