Hiplok Spin chain lock

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.

• Pros: Super-easy to use and very comfortable to wear
• 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).

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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