Hiplok D1000 Review: Is this the safest lock for your cargo bike?

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If you’re on the hunt for the best bike lock or best cargo bike lock to secure your family cargo bike, electric bike or your child’s bike, you’re in the right place. In this review, we put the Hiplok D1000 to the test to see if it stands up to real-life use.

Bike locks are an essential piece of kit to keep your bike safe, especially if you’re riding a high-value electric bike, like one of the best cargo bikes for families. A good lock needs to be secure, straightforward to use, and ideally, not weigh a ton. In our guides to the best cargo bike locks and best kids' bike locks, we explore different types of locks and their pros and cons.

With thieves increasingly using power tools like angle grinders to target bikes, we were keen to see how the Hiplok D1000, the world’s first portable anti-angle grinder bike lock, performs in everyday scenarios.

Disclosure: Cycle Sprog were sent the Hiplok D1000 to review. We were not paid to write this review, and all opinions are our own. We do use affiliate links so may get a small commission if you choose to buy through the links on this page. This funds the website, and we thank you for your support.

Hiplok: Brand overview

Founded in 2011 by two industrial designers and cyclists, Hiplok set out to create bike locks that are both secure and practical for everyday riders. Known for their innovative approach, they pioneered the wearable bike lock concept, making it easier for cyclists to carry robust locks without a backpack or basket.

Hiplok’s range covers everything from lightweight cafe locks to heavy-duty D-locks and chain locks, many of which hold Gold or Diamond Sold Secure ratings. They’ve become a trusted name among cyclists worldwide, especially those looking for high-security options against modern theft methods. The Hiplok D1000, part of their premium “1000 series”, represents the pinnacle of their anti-theft engineering, designed specifically to resist angle grinder attacks, the weapon of choice for professional bike thieves.

First impressions of the Hiplok D1000

The Hiplok D1000 is pitched as the world’s first portable anti-angle grinder bike lock. This high level of security does come with some heft, the lock weighs in at 1.9kg, which, admittedly, took me by surprise at first. However, given its purpose, this weight is to be expected.

I was immediately impressed by the soft, rubberised finish of the lock, which helps prevent scratches to your bike frame. Registering for the lifetime warranty and key replacement scheme was also quick and easy, giving added peace of mind.

Hiplok D1000 specifications

The Hiplok D1000 is proudly billed as the world’s first portable anti-angle grinder bike lock. It uses advanced graphene composite material technology, designed specifically to withstand even the most severe and sustained angle grinder attacks, the go-to method for professional bike thieves.

The D1000 holds the highest security accreditations, including the prestigious Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond and ART 4 Star ratings. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best bike lock to secure a high-value bike, whether that's an e-bike, electric cargo bike, or premium commuter cycle. And if you're looking at taking out cargo bike insurance, you'll find most providers require a Gold or Diamond Sold Secure rated bike lock as a minimum requirement.

Designed with usability in mind, the D1000 features a 92mm x 155mm locking area, which is optimised to prevent leverage attacks by ensuring a tight fit around the bike and stand. The lock is built with double locking tabs, meaning a thief would need to cut through both sides to break it, significantly increasing the time and effort required for a successful attack.

A soft rubberised outer shackle protects your bike’s frame from scratches, while the internal materials actively grind down angle grinder discs, rendering the tool useless.

The lock also comes with three coded replaceable keys and a lifetime warranty (when registered within 30 days of purchase), providing extra reassurance in case of loss or damage. Winner of the Design and Innovation Award 2021, the D1000 is a standout in its category and a serious deterrent against theft.

The Hiplok D1000 is engineered to counter professional-level attacks, giving you reassurance when leaving your bike in high-risk areas.

Using the Hiplok D1000

Using the Hiplok D1000 was straightforward. Its high security rating provided real peace of mind when locking up valuable bikes in public spaces. In fact, it even made me start questioning the strength of the bike stands themselves since the lock seemed more robust than some of the stands I was using!

It’s worth remembering that no lock is entirely theft-proof. Even the best bike lock is only one layer of protection, so it’s always wise to have bike insurance as well.

During a recent trip to Bristol, we relied on the D1000 to secure our high-value mountain bikes in areas known for theft. It offered great reassurance, though locking two bikes together was a tight squeeze. Similarly, when reviewing a longtail cargo bike, getting the bike positioned close enough to the stand was crucial to make the lock reach.

The D1000 is best suited for locking up one adult bike. If you need more space, it’s worth looking at the Hiplok DX1000, which offers a larger locking area of 112mm x 205mm - ideal for chunkier e-bike frames, multiple bikes, or situations where it’s harder to get the bike tight against a stand.

While testing this lock with the Gazelle Cabby longtail e-cargo bike, there was only really one place to use the lock with the bike's frame, and it required getting very close to the bike stand. We recommend considering the frame dimensions of bikes you plan to lock to know if the D1000 will be suitable, or if you need the larger Hiplok DX1000.

Carrying the Hiplok D1000

Hiplok also sent us the BR1000 bracket, which proved to be a really smart addition. It easily and securely holds the D1000 lock and can be easily mounted to a pannier rack, front rack, or cargo bike.

We found the BR1000 made transporting the hefty lock much more manageable. It attaches securely, meaning you’re not left juggling the lock awkwardly while riding.

If you have a cargo bike, you might not need the bracket at all, you can simply chuck it in the box of a box bike or pop it into a pannier.

For riders used to using rear panniers, it’s worth noting that the rack-mounted bracket doesn’t work alongside panniers, as they both compete for the same space on the rack. In this case, you’ll need to consider one of Hiplok’s alternative mounting solutions, such as their handlebar or seatpost adapters.

Similarly, if you're using a rack-mounted rear bike seat, you’ll also need to look at alternative mounting points, as the bracket won’t be compatible.

Overall verdict - is the Hiplok D1000 worth the money?

The Hiplok D1000 is a serious contender for anyone looking for the best bike lock to protect their pride and joy, whether that’s a family cargo bike, your child’s bike, or your own high-end ride. The anti-angle grinder technology really sets this lock apart, offering an unrivalled level of protection that provides genuine peace of mind when locking up in high-risk areas.

It’s a weighty piece of kit, but that’s to be expected given the level of security it offers. The design is thoughtful, with a rubberised outer to protect your bike frame, and it’s reassuring to know the lock comes with a lifetime warranty to cover against wear and tear (not attempted theft damage!) and key replacement service.

Daily use was straightforward, though it’s worth noting that the D1000 is best suited for securing a single adult bike or child’s bike.

If you need to lock up a larger cargo bike or two bikes together, you might want to consider the larger DX1000 model for a bit more flexibility.

In short, if you’re investing in an expensive bike and want the very best bike lock for peace of mind, the Hiplok D1000 is well worth the investment. It’s built to withstand attacks from the most determined thieves, making it one of the most secure locks currently available.

Where to buy the Hiplok D1000

The Hiplok D1000, Hiplok DX1000 and BR1000 are available to buy directly from Hiplok, as well as from a range of specialist bike shops and online retailers.

Prices tend to be consistent due to the premium nature of the lock, but it’s always worth keeping an eye out for occasional discounts or bundle deals, especially if you’re also in the market for accessories like an additional chain or mounting bracket.

Wherever you choose to buy, make sure you’re purchasing from an authorised retailer to ensure you benefit from the lifetime warranty and key replacement service.

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