Review of Abus Steel-O-Chain 880 Bicycle Lock (7mm x 3.58-Feet)

Abus Steel-O-Chain 880 Bicycle Lock (7mm x 3.58-Feet)
By: Abus Average Rating: 5.0 Total Reviews: 3
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long enough for two wheels and frame, light *riding* chain

On: 2009-09-12

In terms of security, the chain is not different from any other 7mm chain: all chain locks of similar thickness perform similarly, so you know what you are getting: 7mm is stronger than 6mm, and weaker than 8mm or 10mm, and there is no way around this. Now, my point of view: if someone gets through a 7mm chain in broad light, they deserve my bike. Wouldnt use it at night though - use heavy 10-12mm "parking" perma-chain for that.
Now, what sets this thing apart is this: for many bikes with short-medium wheelbase, the length of a chain is enough to engage both wheels and the frame around a typical street parking sign pole. That is a big deal.
Secondly, this is a chain you can ride with - unlike 10-12 mm cryptos and onguards which are usable only for long term and overnight parking - they are not portable, IMO, I just leave them clipped to the favorite pole and ride with relatively light Abus...

Better than Kryptonite

On: 2009-09-09

Ive used this lock for over a year in New York City, bike-stealing capital of America. I park my bike outside every night with it (wouldnt recommend that though if your bike is very expensive), so I think it is pretty good on security. Plus this lock is much lighter than heavy Kryptonite locks, so it is easier to ride around with and lock up on the go. Plus, it is one convenient snap-in piece, unlike Kryptonite locks which are 3 separate pieces (2-piece U-Lock and separate chain) and can be annoying to lock and unlock repeatedly.

Quality

On: 2009-08-09

Ive been using my lock daily for five months now without fail. Weight to security ratio is perfect.

Abus carries a great warranty, the last reviewer should have sent it back.

does not work for me

On: 2009-07-09

The lock mechanism has a little problem -- sometimes it looks and feels like it has caught, but then it falls undone after you let go. That makes this lock essentially useless for me, because I never can be sure that Ive actually secured my bike. I used to have a Cordo Stone chain lock (apparently available only in the Netherlands and Belgium), and its locking mechanism did not have this problem: the noticeable "click" provided tactile and auditory assurance that the lock was fast.