ABUS: Security for your Ride
by Marc Zingarelli, EMSC #179/SCI #002, Circleville (OH) Fire Department
If you ask most people who ABUS is, you’ll probably get a blank look unless you’re talking to someone from Europe. ABUS is a German lock company that’s been around since the ‘20s, but, with two other companies making U-locks, cables and chains for the U.S. market, ABUS is better known over here for unique locks, like frame locks and folding locks. The latter was a product I’d been looking for.
The ABUS Bordo folding lock is a unique lock that bridges the gap between a U-lock and a chain. At first glance, it looks like a U-lock made of flat bars linked together. It folds into a very small package (slightly smaller than a water bottle) and can be easily carried in a bag, pocket, or its own holder, which mounts to a frame or water bottle mount. That is its big appeal.
Weight depends on the level of security you want, with models weighing in at 1.3 to 3.5 lbs.
I was lucky enough to place the winning bid on one of the folding locks (a Bordo Granit X Plus 6500) in the silent auction at the 2014 IPMBA Conference in Tampa (one more reason to go to a conference!).
Shortly after the conference, I decided to put it to the ultimate convenience test. I put it on my touring bike and went on GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure), a week-long trip across our state. I mounted it on my frame and forgot about it except when I needed it. A couple of friends took standard U-locks, cables, etc., and those were always in sight, in the way, etc. The only time I noticed the lock was the extra weight when I picked up the bike. It locked to every post or device I would normally use a U-lock on and was sometimes easier due to the flexibility of the links. When I was done, it disappeared into its holder. That is exactly what I was looking for in a lock.
This isn’t the lock for you if you’re going to leave your bike in a dark place for a day or two, but, if you’re looking for a convenient lock that stows away, with a fair-to-good security level, then the ABUS folding lock may be your solution.
ABUS makes a full line of bike locks and accessories, including frame, cable, cable coil, lock-chain combinations, U-locks, wall-floor anchors, and specialty locks. They also sell helmets and bags as well as home security products. They do not yet participate in the IPMBA Product Purchase Program. Visit http://www.abus.com or call 800-352-2287 for more information.
Marc Zingarelli is a Captain with the Circleville Fire Department and the founder of their bike team. He is also a life member of Adventure Cycling Association and is always looking for an excuse to be on two wheels. He recently completed two terms on the IPMBA Board of Directors, having served as EMS Coordinator and Treasurer.
(c) 2014 IPMBA. This review appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of IPMBA News.