Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock Review
The bike lock is one of those investments you don’t want to go cheap on when it comes to cycling gear. After all, it’s essentially an insurance policy for your bike, which may have cost you over a thousand dollars.
And all of that rings even more true if you live in dense metropolitan areas where bike theft is typically higher.
A leading contender for one of the best all-around U-locks is the Abus Granit X-Plus 540. It has one of the highest security ratings and is practically indestructible thanks to its incredible German engineering.
Of course, when a lock is considered one of the best of the best, it’s going to come with a premium price tag. As mentioned, though, a three-figure bike lock might save you the hassle of tracking down a stolen bike you paid four figures for.
Technical Specifications
- Weight : 1,450g
- Shackle Size : 10.8cm x 23 cm
- Shackle Thickness : 13mm
- Shack Material : Steel
Who is it For?
The Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock is for any cyclist who parks their bike in a public area and needs an ultra-secure lock to protect their investment.
This is for the cyclist who isn’t afraid to drop three figures on a bike lock. It’s not cheap.
Our Opinion
There’s a lot to like about the Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock. Here are some of its top features and benefits.
Pros
- Top-notch security. The high-end German engineering of this U-Lock makes it one of the best on the market today.
- High-precision engineering. You won’t have a doubt in your mind when this lock is clicked into place.
Cons
- Expensive. Expect to pay triple-digits for this bike lock.
- Mounting bracket bolts are too long. When installed, it can be cumbersome on the bike.
Super-Tough Construction and Design
A bike lock needs to feel indestructible and the folks at Abus certainly deliver on that promise with the X-Plus 540.
This U-Lock is made of special temper-hardened steel that, simply put, feels tough.
Of course, the tough design doesn’t come without compromise. These high-end materials are quite heavy, which can add weight to your pack or to your bike if you opt to use one of the two different bracket mounts for the lock.
The Abus Granit X-Plus 540 weighs in at 1,450g, or about 3lbs, which is heavy for a lock.
Durability obviously comes to mind when talking about construction, and the Abus certainly delivers in that category. But the tough design also impacts function.
When I used this lock, everything simply worked. The key fits in the hole perfectly and everything just clicks into place perfectly. You won’t have to worry about getting everything lined up when you park your bike. Just wrap the shackle around your bike, click it in and be off.
As I’ve mentioned throughout this review, a tough design that simply works comes with a premium price tag. In addition to the peace of mind that the security level of this U-lock provides, the hassle-free factor also has to be taken into mind.
If you’re using this lock on a daily basis, let’s say in a dense urban area, you want something quick to pull out of your bag (or off a bracket mount) that can lock up quickly so you can be on your way.
Highest Possible Security Rating
Sure, a bike lock can feel challenging, but can it withstand being broken and a bike stolen when put to the test?
There are two central rating systems to pay attention to when it comes to cycling locks: Abus’ system is highly respected, along with Sold Secure, which rates a wide range of security products.
Abus rates locks on a scale of 1 to 15, with 15 being the most secure. Bicycle locks with a security rating between 10 and 15 are considered to have maximum protection. Ratings between five and nine are considered entry-level locks for low-theft areas.
Sold Secure rates using a three-tier system, gold, silver, and bronze.
The company’s gold rating means it has the highest possible level of security. Silver is a good compromise between security and cost. According to the company, a top-rated lock is not only extremely tough against bike thefts but should also last you a lifetime.
The Abus Granit X-Plus 540 checks all of the boxes :
- Sold Secure gave the lock its highest-possible score with a Gold security rating.
- Abus gave its lock a perfect rating of 15.
Reliable Use and Easy to Carry if Done Right
The good news with bike locks is that they can prevent a thief from swiping your ride.
The bad news is that you have to carry yet another piece of gear with you when enjoying your bike.
So, first: Abus makes a quality product that you can easily use over and over again every day. That’s definitely the case with the X-Plus 540.
You have to figure out, though, what works best for you when it comes to transporting this lock. It comes with two different bracket mounting options. You can also opt to just carry it with you in a bag.
Mounting Made Easy
Abus gives us two options for mounting this U-Lock on your bike.
- EaZy KF Bracket. I like how discreet this bracket looks. You should also be able to take it off the bike using one hand.
- USH 540 Bracket. This can be tricky to figure out. After a few times, though, of taking it off and putting it back on, you should be able to do it relatively quickly.
You’ll have to ultimately decide which bracket is best for you, but I’ll give a slight nod to the USH 540 Bracket. It simply feels more secure and we think it’s worth the pain of setting it up initially to have for long-term use in the future.
Convenient Fit for Wherever
The shackle size of the X-Plus 540 will obviously fit all bike racks, street signs, and parking meters. Thicker trees, lamp posts, or other utility poles could be tricky.
The lock measures in at 23cm, which is about 9”. That should be all you need for securing a single bicycle, but in the event, you want to secure two bikes, Abus also sells this same lock with a longer shackle.
Plenty of Keys
Abus sells its locks with two keys, in addition to an LED light, which makes it helpful for night-time use.
We are all human after all, so in addition to the keys, you also receive a code card that allows you to order replacement keys in the event you lose your set.
What I really like about Abus is that they allow you to order locks that are keyed alike. So, if you ride with your spouse often, you could technically order locks that are keyed alike and only worry about bringing one key with you.
What Others are Saying?
The best U-lock ever made
For my money, the best U-lock on the market. It’s incredibly tough, and features a DUAL locking system when most U-type locks on the market have only ONE. It’s expensive, sure, but what price security, especially if you own an expensive bike like I do. This heavy-duty lock is also quite light for it’s overall strength, unlike what some reviewers here mistaken report. You simply can’t beat German engineering.
Kim K, purchased from Amazon
Top notch lock
Excellent, smart looking lock that’s well worth the money. It’s heavy duty and therefore does weigh a fair bit.
Charles A, purchased from Tredz
Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock
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Buy This If...
You need the best of the best when it comes to securing your high-end bicycle. The Abus Granit X-Plus 540 is extremely secure and easily secures any size bicycle. Yes, it’s more expensive than the competition, but you’re paying for a quality lock that will last a lifetime. This is ideal for people who live in major metropolitan cities where bike thefts are more common.
Abus Granit X-Plus 540 Alternatives
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini
Some have called this lock the best bike lock ever made. It does hold a higher security rating and is a favorite among cyclists in New York City, where bike theft is fairly common.
While both locks are similarly priced, the Kryptonite lock is slightly more secure thanks to a steel sleeve over the crossbar, which adds this element of double security.
Kryptonite also offers anti-theft protection with its high-end locks. If your bike is stolen and you have proof the lock was broken to take the bike, you can file a claim with the company.
Abus Ultra 410
A lighter and more affordable option, but that comes at a lower security level. The size makes the bracket mount easier to install on most bikes.
Secure bike locks can become a nuisance to carry around, so if you can find something even 1lbs lighter, it’s going to make your commutes into the city more enjoyable.
The Abus Ultra 410 is 2lbs, while the Granit X-Plus 540 is 3 lbs.
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