German lock maker ABUS has a new bike lock and chain for Brooklyn-level urban security (they give it their own security rating of 12 out of 15). The unique 50mm alloy padlock and 10mm hardened steel chain are bombproof, and with a proven lock tumbler design, you can trust there isn’t a Youtube pen or soda can hack to worry about…
While cynics might assume Titalium is an alloy extruded by the ABUS Marketing department (or a typo), rest assured, it’s a legit proprietary aluminum alloy that is 30% lighter than traditional brass, while providing equivalent strength and corrosion resistance. Even with the lighter aluminum lock, the 6.6lb/3kg chain was a bit too hefty for me to lug around in my messenger bag. But when I did have to carry it, it wasn’t horrible to loop around my waist, belt-style (as suggested by ABUS). For me, the lock and chain was best suited for my semi-permanent bike installation at the office. I could ignore my office-bike worry-free for days at time, knowing it was firmly attached to the enclosed bike rack, and always ready for lunchtime errands.
The lock features a hardened steel shackle with a Nano Protect coating, a 6-pin key cylinder, and a full-sized key to deter picking. The nylon sleeve keeps the burly chain from scratching your bike. The 3.9ft/120cm chain is plenty long enough for securing the front wheel and frame (likely good for a scooter or motorcycle too), but it was a few links too short to grab both wheels without having to remove one. The big round first link does provide additional looping options though.
If you want a practically uncuttable chain and strong, corrosion resistant lock, and if you don’t mind the heft, than the $100 MSRP seems like a solid value.
