Anyone who has spent any time in a large city has probably seen riders “wearing” their bicycle chain and lock. This “fashion statement” was popularized by bike messengers since the early 1980s. Unlike most U-locks or other cable locks that can be defeated with relative ease, a sturdy lock and tough chain are actually serious deterrents.
Now with more urban commuters, it is no surprise that some companies have taken the simple concept and turned it into true fashion statement. This includes Hiplok, which does sound like something hipsters would either embrace or shun for the name alone.
The idea is here isn’t really that unique, the Hiplock is a basic heavy-duty steel chain, covered in a nylon sleeve, and attached to one end of the chain is a combination belt buckle and padlock. In the “lock” mode, the last link of the other end of the chain simply goes through the hasp of the padlock. In “belt” mode, a length of webbing that extends past the non-buckle end of the chain is threaded through the buckle, allowing it to be cinched tight around the rider’s waist, as opposed to across the torso much like a shoulder strap.
It is simple yet effective. Just don’t wear it as belt without a bike, as steel chains are a bit heavy.
Begun, the great internet edutcoain has.