Review on 🔒 Abus Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500/85cm - Ultimate Bike Security with Folding Lock - Black (Level 15) by Daniel Steele

more flexible cables. The problem with U-locks is twofold: first, they can be bulky and difficult to use, and second, their rigidity makes them difficult or impossible to use if you don't have a bike rack. If all you have is a lamppost, they're just useless. Abus Bordo 6500, also known as Granit X-Plus, is a less common padlock that is almost as strong as U-locks but without the limitations. Consisting of six interconnected metal rods, these "Link" locks fold into a smaller overall area and offer much more flexibility of use. "Max Level 15". I bought this when I got a new commuter bike as I felt the old cable lock I used on my old racquet was no longer sufficient. Why did I choose this lock? Well, here's the rundown: - The device folds down to a fairly compact size, much smaller than a U-lock or equivalent chain lock. - The included cover can be mounted directly on the frame instead of the bottle cage, or for a less permanent installation you can place it inside the cage and use the velcro straps. I prefer this so multiple bikes can be used. - The link design allows the lock to be used with a variety of items that would not be possible with a U-lock. - In a pinch, you can even lock two bikes with one lock. In practice, it turned out that it is quite easy to use. The links are easy to insert and locking and unlocking works smoothly. You get two keys, so you always have a spare key. However, the lock is very heavy; My scale reads 1582 grams, which is very close to the advertised 3.5 pounds. Weight is, of course, an unavoidable reality of any lock that offers enhanced security, and it's not particularly heavy for a good quality lock - for example, my Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 U-lock with 4ft flex cable doesn't weigh much less ( 1297 grams) and it's not even a full-size U-lock. The big question, of course, is: how reliable is this thing? I can tell you my bike wasn't stolen but that's just a data point and not very useful. However, judging by the tests that can be found on the internet, this device is holding up well. Earlier and lower Abus Link locks can be broken with a sledgehammer via Link Links, but the 6500 seems more resilient to such attacks. The most effective attack vector for this device appears to be an angle grinder, against which it works just as well as high-end U-locks. If the thief really wants to steal your bike, this lock won't stop him, but he needs reliable hardware and more time to get through. Note: I bought this lock from Revain Xtreme Bike & Sport as they offered the best price at the time. Remember that there are actually two versions of this lock, one with a rubber coating and one without - Xtreme Bike & Sport offers a newer coated version.