Whether you’re cycling a world tour or your daily commute, making sure your bike remains where you left it when you’re out of the saddle is an ever-present concern. There are a number of locks on the market today to address this concern and they vary widely in type, size, materials, weight, and price. ABUS provided one of their folding locks, the Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500, for evaluation so I swapped out my trusty U-lock and spent the last couple months testing it out.
Best of both worlds?
Cyclists are generally familiar with the ubiquitous U-locks and cable/chain locks that provide a modicum of security at an entry-level price point. While higher quality versions of these types of locks utilize more robust materials and construction, they still have their design limitations of being a small/fixed size in the case of the U-lock or greater susceptibility to brute force attacks in the case of cable/chain locks. With their line of folding locks, ABUS has combined the strength of a U-lock with the length and maneuverability of a cable/chain lock.
ABUS Bordo GRANIT – How is it?
The Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500 is their highest security model of the nine folding locks they manufacture and comes with two keys (one with built-in LED) and a plastic case that can be mounted to your bike frame with rubberized velcro straps or bolted in place of a water bottle mount. I was able to find a convenient location that didn’t interfere with brake or shifter cables and strapped it on. Inserting and removing the lock from the case can be accomplished with a gentle tug on the restraining strap and is a simple friction fit. Once holstered, the lock remains secure and rattle-free over even the roughest road surfaces. Upon arrival it takes just a few moments to unholster and unfold the lock [assuming you remember to bring your key] and thread it through your frame and one or both wheels to a fixed object. There’s a soft-touch coating on each of the links to prevent scratches on your frame and rims and the coating has held up well with use but I must confess that I take my time while locking and unlocking for the sake of bike and lock alike. So far everything sounds great, and it is, with just two caveats.
What’s the catch?
To paraphrase Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben, “With great security comes great weight and cost.” With the lock in the holster and key in the cylinder this weighs in just north of 3.5 lbs and feels as solid as the day is long. M.S.R.P is $179.99 but retail prices vary and the value seems high, even at this price, considering the robustness of this lock and expected longevity/durability. Thankfully ABUS provides several other folding locks of lesser cost, weight, and security to meet the needs of a broader range of consumers who appreciate the utility of a folding lock but may not need the Fort Knox level of security afforded by the Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500. For cyclists who place security, utility, and ease-of-use as their top priorities, I would encourage you to check out the complete line of ABUS folding locks including technical details on their website at: www.abus.com
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