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ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a Review – Read This Before Buying

Do you find yourself worrying about your bike whilst it’s locked? If you do, then the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a can provide you with the peace of mind you need to leave your bike unattended.

Throughout this ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a review, I’ll break down this folding lock’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as providing you with several helpful tips to help increase your bicycle security skills!

In this day and age, with bike theft on the rise and portable power-tools becoming more affordable to thieves, you need to do everything you can to protect your bike.

Keep reading to find out how you can use the Bordo Alarm 6000a to help keep your bike safe.

Table of Contents
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    Overview - ABUS Bordo Alarm Review

    Pros

    Cons

    Specifications:

    Security Rating – Sold Secure Bronze
    Weight – 1.49kg (3.28lb)
    Shackle Dimensions – 11.8 x 25.8cm (4.65 x 10.1″)
    Shackle Thickness – 5mm Hardened Steel
    Warranty – 2 Years

    The ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a is an excellent quality folding bike lock. This folding lock was featured in my article reviewing the best bike locks with alarms and performed well compared to the other locks.

    Weighing 3.04lb (1.38kg), the Bordo isn’t the most lightweight folding lock. That being said, you won’t struggle to transport the 6000a whilst it’s secured in its super practical mounting system.

    Until recently I wouldn’t’ve hesitated to recommend the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a, its 100dB alarm is powerful and will scare off thieves who try anything funny. However, its security rating was recently downgraded from Sold Secure Silver to Sold Secure Bronze.

    Abus Bordo Alarm 6000a sold secure rating

    Its Sold Secure Bronze rating means that the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a only offers protection from a very basic tool kit and is aimed at preventing opportunist theft.

    I’ve never recommended Bronze rated bike locks for the reasons above. This being said, the Bordo Alarm will make a great secondary bike lock, alongside a more secure lock.

    The Trelock FS 500 (a Sold Secure Gold folding lock) or the Oxford Alarm D Max Duo (the best bike lock with alarm) are both good alternative choices. 

    How Secure Is the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a?

    The Bordo Alarm 6000a uses 5mm hardened steel plates to protect your bike. These plates provide a decent amount of resistance to most forms of attack but aren’t as strong as the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500’s 5.5mm plates.

    During production, the Bordo Alarm 6000a was Ice spray tested. This procedure involves using a pressurised spray or modified atmosphere to drastically lower the temperature of the lock’s metal components.

    When cold, metal becomes more brittle and can sometimes be shattered by a powerful blow. The Bordo Alarm held strong. 

    ABUS rate the Bordo Alarm 6000a at 10/15 on their in house security scale, but recently Sold Secure downgraded the security rating of the 6000a from Sold Secure Silver to Sold Secure Bronze.

    10 out of 15 ABUS security ratingABUS may be working to regain the Silver rating, but for now, this folding bike lock remains Bronze rated. I’d be hesitant to recommend the Bordo Alarm for use as a primary bike lock, solely because the Bronze rating is awarded to locks that only deter the opportunist thief using minimal tooling.

    During Sold Secure testing, the Bordo Alarm’s 100dB alarm feature was not taken into account when deciding its security rating. This is unfortunate, as the 100dB alarm does help to increase the overall Security the 6000a offers.

    The video below shows an example of how the Bordo Alarm works.

    The Bordo Alarm was included in my review of the best bike locks with alarms and performed well. If tampered with, the 6000a’s alarm will let off a warning sound for 5 seconds before activating its loud 100dB alarm.

    Whilst the 6000a’s alarm isn’t as loud as the Oxford Alarm D Max Duo’s, its 100dB Alarm would quickly grab the attention of a passer-by who could intervene or the alarm could be enough of a deterrent on its own.

    Special protected rivets hold the 5mm hardened steel plates together, and offer decent resistance to cutting and prying. The ABUS Plus cylinder secures the Bordo Alarm and provides impressive resistance to manipulation (picking, hammering etc).

    All in all, a relatively secure bike lock, with an additional 100dB alarm. It’s just a shame about the Bronze Sold Secure rating.

    How Practical is the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a?

    Weight and Size

    At 35″ (90cm) long, the Bordo Alarm 6000a provides plenty of space for securing your bike and its components.

    This long shackle provides 10.1″ x 4.65″ (25.8cm x 11.8cm) of internal locking space, the only folding lock which offers more space is the Trelock FS500 Toro.

    Weighing 3.28 lb (1.49kg) together with its mount or 3.04lb (1.38kg) without the mount the 6000a isn’t as lightweight as the Foldylock Compact (2.2lb [1kg]).

    When you consider the Bordo Alarm boasts the addition of a 100dB anti-theft alarm, the extra weight is welcome.

    ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a vs Foldylock Compact & ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500
    Compared to the ABUS Granit X-Plus 6500 and the Foldylock Compact the Bordo Alarm is slightly longer due to the addition of its 100dB alarm system.

    I was effortlessly able to carry the Bordo Alarm in my backpack whilst cycling, but I’d advise you use its super functional mounting system, which I cover below.

    The Bordo Alarm is also available in a longer 47.2″ (120cm) model. This larger model allows for more locking room which makes it more suitable for multiple bike lock-ups.

    ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a
    Weight: 3.28 lb (1.49kg)
    Width: 4.65" (11.8 cm)
    Length: 10.1" (25.8 cm)
    Shackle Thickness & Material: 5mm Hardened Steel
    Sold Secure Rating: Sold Secure Bronze

    Mounting System

    The mounting system supplied with the Bordo Alarm (Bracket SH 6000) is user friendly and provides quick and easy access to the lock whilst you’re out riding.

    Out of all of the folding locks I’ve tested, the Bracket SH 6000 is the best mounting system.

    This spring-loaded bracket is operated by two clips which sit on either side of the mount, when pushed outwards, the clips release the lock and when moved inwards, they hold the lock in place.

    Watch my video below to see how easy it is to operate the Bracket SH 6000.

    It was slightly fiddly to attach the Bordo Alarm’s mount to my bike and took around 5 minutes. It can be attached to your water bottle mount on the downtube of your bike, using two hex screws, or, you can attach it to your preferred position using its metal & rubber strap.

    Unlike the Foldylock Compact, the Bordo Alarm 6000a isn’t silent whilst riding. If you listen closely, there is a small rattling noise that comes from the lock, but it’s not loud at all, just not silent.

    Whilst putting this ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a review together, I didn’t have any issues with the mount, which is super durable thanks to the high-grade plastic it’s made from.

    Quality & Maintenance

    If like me, you try to keep your bike’s paintwork in pristine condition, the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a will keep you happy.

    Much like the Bordo Granit 6500, the Bordo Alarm uses an anti-scratch, rubber shell. This soft shell prevents the folding bike lock from scratching or denting your bike.

    The rubber shell also helps to prevent the 5mm hardened steel plates from becoming rusty over time.

    Bordo Alarm 6000a waterproof

    Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, minimal maintenance is needed to keep the Bordo Alarm 6000a functioning. I’ve put together a complete guide on bike lock maintenance here, have a read.

    The outer shell mentioned above and internal waterproofing layers help to keep the electronics inside the 6000a dry. A single CR2 battery powers the 100dB alarm and should last around five months before having to be replaced.

    When the battery needs placing, the alarm will provide alert the user when attempting to operate the lock.

    How to Replace ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a's Battery?

    1. Remove the Soft Rubber Casing

    How to change bordo alarm battery

    2. Remove the Sliding Compartment

    How to change bordo alarm battery 2

    3. Remove the Cover From Sliding Compartment and Replace the Battery

    Replacing the bordo alarm's battery

    4. Slide the Cover Back In Place & Reinsert the Battery Compartment

    Make sure the sliding cover is tightly closed and the rubber seal is placed back over the lock before using. 

    Locking Mechanism & Operation

    Operating the Bordo Alarm 6000a is very straightforward and doesn’t take much getting used to. As I’ve already covered in this review, the alarm feature can be disabled if it’s not required.

    On the endplate that’s inserted into the locking mechanism, there are two metal locking holes. When locked on the first hole, the alarm feature is disabled. Keep the lock on this setting when cycling and whilst the Bordo Alarm 6000a is not in use.

    To activate the alarm, insert the end link and both locking holes into the mechanism. Now twist the key into the closed position, and you’ll hear a double sounding high pitched tone. The Dual-tone indicates the alarm is now active.

    How to use the alarm of the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a

    Unlike some of the cheaper bike locks I’ve reviewed, I didn’t experience any issues with the locking mechanism of the Bordo Alarm, which operated smoothly and didn’t jam.

    Unfortunately, ABUS didn’t include a keyhole cover within the design of this lock, which does mean that over time the mechanism is likely to attract dust and debris. This means the 6000a will require slightly more regular maintenance.

    As I covered early in this ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a review, I’ve put together a guide that covers everything there is to know about bike lock maintenance. You can read it here.

    How Much Does the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a Cost?

    Whilst we all want a good deal, it's important to remember cheaper locks are often made using inferior quality materials and will provide less security for your bike.

    The Bordo Alarm 6000a isn’t the most affordable bike lock. The ABUS Bordo 6000 is the same folding lock as the 6000a (minus the alarm system) and costs considerably less, but won’t provide the same level of security for your bike.

    With the addition of the alarm system, the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a was the least affordable lock in my review of the best folding bike locks. I would say the increase in price is worth it for the peace of mind that its alarm feature provides.

    If you don’t mind using a D/U lock instead, the Oxford Alarm-D pro is a Sold Secure Gold rated lock, sold at a more budget-friendly price with a louder 120dB alarm system.

    Personally, I’d opt for the Alarm-D Pro or the Trelock FS-500 Toro over the Bordo Alarm 6000a.

    If you’d like to view the most competitive and up to date pricing, you can view the Bordo Alarm here [Amazon].

    Most Secure Way to Lock Your Bike With the Bordo Alarm 6000a

    As always with bicycle security, securing your bike’s most expensive components should be your priority. The most expensive parts of any bike are, almost always it’s frame and wheels.

    If you use quick-release wheels, remove your front wheel so that you can lock the frame and both wheels of your bike at the same time.

    Most secure way to lock your bike with the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a

    Otherwise, if you’d rather not remove your front wheel, use a cable extension or Hexlox to secure it. Many of my readers benefitted from increased security skills after reading my guide, which covers how to lock your bike properly.

    ABUS Plus Keyed-Alike

    ABUS provide their customers with the option to order Plus cylindered locks “keyed-alike”. Opting for this feature means that all of your ABUS locks can be operated by one single key.

    If you already have an ABUS lock (with Plus cylinder) and are thinking of buying the Bordo Alarm 6000a or another ABUS lock, I’d recommend you order them keyed-alike.

    Included in Box

    • ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a
    • Mount & Mounting Straps
    • Instructions
    • 2 x ABUS Plus keys
    Bordo Alarm 6000A review

    How does the ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a Compare to Other Bike Locks?

    Foldylock Compact

    The Best Lightweight Bike Lock

    Foldylock Compact Sold Secure Silver Folding Bike Lock

    Pros

    Cons

    In my review of the best folding bike locks, the Foldylock Compact was one of the best performers of the bunch.

    This super-lightweight folding bike lock weighs 2.2lb (1kg) on its own and bears the Sold Secure Silver rating, which makes it more secure than the Bordo Alarm 6000a.

    Whilst the Foldylock Compact isn’t the most secure folding bike lock, it offers the best security-to-weight ratio and is one of the most user-friendly and well-thought-through folding locks I’ve reviewed.

    It’s completely silent whilst riding, more budget-friendly than the Bordo Alarm and is designed to last. If you’re considering a folding bike lock, have a read of my review.

    Oxford Alarm-D Pro

    The Best Bike Lock with Alarm

    Pros

    Cons

    As I’ve already covered, the Oxford Alarm-D Pro is the best bike lock with alarm. Its 120dB alarm feature is noticeably louder than the Bordo Alarm’s and made me want to leave the area whilst I was nearby and the alarm was sounding.

    The Pro bears the Sold Secure Gold rating which makes it a higher security lock than the Bordo Alarm. It also uses one of the best D/U lock mounting systems that I’ve used and is super easy to operate.

    If you want a reliable alarmed bike lock, this is the one you need. It’s also the most affordable choice out of all of the locking systems mentioned in this ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a review.

    Have a read of my review of the Alarm-D Pro. this is a popular lock with many of my readers and for good reason.

    Trelock FS 500 Toro

    Top Quality Materials, Design & Security

    Trelock FS500 Toro review folding bike lock

    Pros

    Cons

    Today’s Best Deals:

    If security is your number one priority and you’re after a folding lock, you want to take a look at the Trelock FS 500 Toro. This Sold Secure Gold folding lock uses 5.5mm Tredur hardened steel plates to secure your bike.

    Arguably 0.5mm is only a small increase in plate size, but due to the long flat shape of the plates, even a tiny increase in width presents bolt cutters and grinders with much more metal to cut through.

    I enjoyed reviewing the FS 500 Toro, it’s spring-loaded shackle makes it easier to operate in the dark, and I could tell it was a top-quality lock just by its overall feel.

    The FS 500 Toro is more affordable to those on a budget than the Bordo Alarm 6000a, its Sold Secure Gold rating also makes it the more secure of the two.

    Read my detailed review of the Trelock FS 500 Toro to find out more about this impressive folding lock.

    Summary – ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a Review

    The ABUS Bordo Alarm 6000a is a great quality bike lock. It offers increased locking options when compared to a D/U lock and packs in a loud 100dB alarm feature.

    It was a shame to hear that the Bordo Alarm’s security rating got downgraded to Sold Secure Bronze.

    My standpoint has always been that Bronze rated locks don’t offer enough protection to be used as a primary bike lock, so, for now, I’d recommend the Foldylock Forever or the Oxford Alarm-D Pro as an alternative.

    ABUS might be working to regain the Sold Secure Silver rating. Still, until further notice, I’d only recommend you to use the Bordo Alarm 6000a as a secondary bike lock and opt for a more secure lock as your primary choice.

    Author of This Post:
    James Grear (Lead Editor)
    James Grear (Lead Editor)

    Understanding how devastating it is to have a bike stolen, I've researched & immersed myself in the world of bicycle security since 2013.

    I then built BikeLockWiki in 2019 to share everything I'd learned with the worldwide cycling community so that cyclists can improve their bike security skills and make informed decisions when purchasing new products and services.

    Learn More about Me & BikeLockWiki here.

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    James Grear is a lifelong avid cyclist and the lead editor of BikeLockWiki.

    Having invested over five years into researching bicycle security, all information obtained is shared for free with the online cycling community here on BikeLockWiki.

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