10 min read
The ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 is a bike lock that I was using before I created BikeLockWiki. I’ve had over three years of experience with this folding lock, so it’s about time I produced a my own ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 review!
ABUS’ Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 is their flagship model of folding lock.
The X-Plus 6500 has been one of the most popular folding bike locks on the market for years now, and I’ve been meaning to write my own review for a while now.
The article below will help decide if this impressively strong folding lock is suitable for you.
Keep reading and I’ll let you know my thoughts on the Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500, after three years of using it as a primary bike lock.
I’ll cover its weaknesses and strengths, and towards the end of the article, I’ll let you know the best ways to use it and how the 6500 compares with other bike locks.
First, let’s find out how secure the Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 is.
Overview - ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 Review
Pros
- 5.5mm hardened steel plates
- Sold Secure Gold rated
- Pick resistant X-Plus cylinder
- Compact and highly portable
- Automatic dust cover
Cons
- Less secure than the Foldylock Forever
- Slight rattling when riding
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Specifications:
Security Rating – Sold Secure Gold
Weight – 1.58kg (3.48lb)
Internal Locking Space – 11.8 x 25.8cm (4.65x 10.16″)
Shackle Thickness – 5mm Hardened Steel
Warranty – 2 Years
If you’re after a super-secure folding bike lock, the ABUS Granit X-Plus 6500 is a great choice.
The X-Plus 6500’s 5.5mm hardened steel plates and protected rivets make it highly resistant to all forms of attack, whilst its Sold Secure Gold rating shows its build quality and security is comparable with the best.
It’s worth noting that even the best folding locks don’t offer the same level of protection for your bike as a high-end D lock. Instead, a folding lock will offer increased portability and multiple locking options.
Over the last three years, I’ve been using the X-Plus 6500 as one of my primary bike locks and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. The only issue I’ve had is its rivets loosening very slightly due to wear.
After contacting ABUS, they confirmed that this wear was normal and that it does not affect the security the Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 offers.
You can view the most up to date and competitive price for the X-Plus 6500 here [Amazon].
How Secure is the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500?
With its Sold Secure Gold rating, the X-Plus 6500 is one of two Gold-rated folding bike locks on the market. ABUS rated the 6500 at 15/15 on their in house security scale, which means this is their most secure folding bike lock.
I reviewed the best folding bike locks and the X-Plus 6500 was (obviously) included within the article and performed really well when compared to the other locks in the review.
This folding lock uses 5.5mm hardened steel plates to encompass and secure your bike. 5.5mm may not sound like much when compared to the 18mm shackle of some of the best D locks.
However, the wide flat shape of the X-Plus 6500’s plates makes them a real pain to cut through with bolt cutters.
It wouldn’t be easy to cut through the X-Plus’ 5.5mm hardened steel plates. It’s worth noting though, that this folding lock won’t offer the same level of security as a good quality, double bolted D lock.
Just because the X-Plus 6500 doesn’t match D locks for security, don’t be put off. Cyclists benefit from using folding locks thanks to their increased versatility and usability.
Compared to D locks, folding locks offer a much better strength to practicality ratio.
ART the Dutch security testing organisation gave the X-Plus 6500 their Level 2 Certification, which means that it’s suitable for use with bicycles.
The rivets of a folding lock are the part that allows their metal plates to flex. However, these moving parts provide a weak point for thieves to target.
Fortunately, ABUS addressed this issue and implemented their Link Protection Shield, which protects the rivets from almost all types of attack.
Overall, The X-Plus 6500 is suitable for use in higher risk areas and is one of the most secure folding bike locks on the market. ABUS are known for their top quality products, and I think the 6500 is one of their best yet.
Using two locks will help to increase your bike’s security and give you extra peace of mind whilst away from it.
However, I’ve used the X-Plus 6500 on its own and am yet to be targeted by thieves whilst leaving my bike locked.
As always, it would greatly increase the security of your bike if you knew how to lock your bike properly.
How Practical Is the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500?
Weight and Size
Folding locks are used by many cyclists for their increased portability and multiple locking options.
Weighing 3.48lb (1.58kg) without its mount, the Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 is one of the heavier folding bike locks on the market. The other Sold Secure Gold rated folding lock, Trelock’s FS500 Toro weighs 0.28lb (0.13kg) less.
Whilst the X-Plus weighs slightly more than the Trelock, you won’t notice once you’ve got it mounted on the frame of your bike.
Later in the review, I’ll cover the best ways you can transport the X-Plus, make sure to have read.
The internal locking area of the X-Plus 6500 measures 10.16” x 4.65” (25.8cm x 11.8cm). This is only slightly larger than the shackle of your average D lock.
However, the value of this folding lock is found in its ability to flex and lock your bike to almost any immovable object.
The folding shackle of the X-Plus 6500 provides enough space to secure multiple bikes at the same time, so you’ll have no trouble locking a single bike if you ride and lock your bike on its own.
Just below I’ll teach you the most effective ways to lock your bike with this impressively secure folding lock.
Mounting System
The mounting system supplied with the ABUS’ X-Plus 6500 isn’t anything special, that being said it does a good job at transporting the lock and provides easy access whilst you’re out and about.
I’m not a huge fan of the rubber strap used to hold the X-Plus 6500 in place. Out of the box, it was stiff and hard to close, but over time the rubber strap has loosened up and closes easily now.
The mount doesn’t grip the lock tightly enough for it be silent and a very quiet rattling noise can be heard when cycling over bumpy terrain. This isn’t an issue, just not silent like the Foldylock Compact.
The best way to mount the X-Plus 6500 is by using your bike’s water bottle mounting screws. This will secure the mount firmly in place, whereas I found the Velcro straps supplied with this folding bike lock provide a less secure hold.
Quality & Maintenance
After three years of intense use, my Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 is still in great condition. I’ve used it in all weathers, and it’s had a good battering at times from knocks and drops, but it’s a real workhorse and is still going strong.
German engineering is known to be some of the best in the world, and attention to detail is cleary something ABUS do well.
Unlike some of the more budget locks I’ve reviewed, the X-Plus 6500 has no rough edges. Unlike the Foldylock Compact, the 6500 is coated in an anti-scratch rubber cover.
This has managed to keep my bike’s paintwork free from dents and scratches.
The strengthened rivets the X-Plus uses have slightly more play in them now than when I first started using the lock. ABUS themselves have assured customers that this is completely normal and will not affect the security the X-Plus offers.
Every month I carry out basic maintenance on all of my locks. This keeps them in a reliable working condition.
Most folding locks will become squeaky and stiff without lubrication, so learn how to take care of yours!
If you’re going to invest in a good quality bike lock such as this one, have a read of my free guide on bike lock maintenance.
Locking Mechanism & Operation
Since I first started using the X-Plus 6500, it hasn’t jammed once and has always been responsive when locking my bike with it.
Sometimes when locking to a larger object, I’ve had to give the shackle a bit of encouragement to slot it into the locking mechanism. This doesn’t affect the locks security, from time to time it just takes a second or two longer to lock your bike.
Two X-Plus keys are supplied upon purchase, one of which has an integrated LED, which helps with operating the X-Plus 6500 in the dark.
The keyhole to the lock’s cylinder is guarded by an automatic keyhole cover. Keyhole covers help to keep the cylinder free from build-ups of dirt and debris, which means less maintenance is needed!
The ABUS X-Plus cylinder (hidden behind the keyhole cover) provides impressive protection against picking and manipulation.
Whilst these methods of defeating bike locks are now almost a thing of the past, it’s nice to have that added layer of security there.
All ABUS Plus locks can be keyed alike. This means if you already use another ABUS Plus lock, you can order the Granit X-Plus to be operated by the same key (as long as you have kept hold of your original key code!).
ABUS Warranty
ABUS offer a 24-month warranty on all products, including the Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500.
If at any point during this period you experience any issues with your lock, get in contact and ABUS’ customer service team, and they’ll help you out.
Even once your warranty period is over, if you experience any issues with your lock, I’d advise you to get in contact anyway.
ABUS Key Replacement Scheme
If you manage to lose both keys supplied with the Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500, you’ll be able to get replacements cut using ABUS’ key replacement scheme.
It’s pretty straightforward to get new keys cut, all you’ll need it the key code card that was supplied in the box at the time of purchase. You can read more about ABUS’ key replacement scheme here if you’re interested.
How Much Does The ABUS Granit X-Plus 6500 Cost?
The price that the X-Plus 6500 sells at is constantly fluctuating. Considering this is one of the most secure folding bike locks on the market, I think it’s sold at a very reasonable price.
The X-Plus and the Trelock FS 500 Toro retail at a similar price, so it might be worth having a read of my review of the FS 500 (Trelock’s best folding lock).
If you’re interested in the X-Plus 6500 and want to find out more, you can find the most competitive and up to date price on Amazon here.
The Best Way to Use the ABUS Granit X-Plus 6500
If you’ve read any of my other bike lock reviews, you’ll probably know by now that you should always aim to secure your bikes most expensive components.
This will almost always be your bike’s frame and wheels. Fortunately, thanks to its flexible shackle, this is easy to achieve with the X-Plus 6500.
If like me, your bike uses quick-release wheels you’ll want to make sure these are locked whilst leaving your bike unattended.
When locking my bike in a busy public area, I remove my front wheel and use the X-Plus 6500 to secure both of my wheels and frame at the same time. This is the most secure way to lock your bike.
If you don’t have quick-release wheels or don’t want to remove your wheels each time you lock up, a looped cable extension used alongside the X-Plus will provide a quicker and easier way to secure your bike.
Included in Box
- ABUS Granit X-Plus 6500
- ABUS X-Plus folding lock mount
- 2 x Velcro mounting straps
- 2 x X-Plus keys (1x LED fob)
- Key Code Card
- ABUS manual
How Does the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 Compare to Other Bike Locks?
Foldylock Forever
The Best Folding Bike Lock
Pros
- Sold Secure Gold rated
- Silent whilst riding
- More secure than the FS 500
- 6.5mm hardened steel plates
- Best folding lock
Cons
- Not as secure as the FS 500
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The Fodlylock Forever is a newcomer to the folding bike lock market, and it’s taken the market by storm.
The Forever uses thicker (6.5mm) hardened steel plates than any other folding lock, which provides an increased security for your bike and you with greater peace of mind.
Just like the FS 500, the Forever received the Sold Secure Gold rating, sitting it alongside some of the best locks on the market.
Read or watch my full review of the Forever here.
Trelock FS 500 Toro
Top Quality Materials, Design & Security
Pros
- Sold Secure Gold
- Lighter than the ABUS 6500
- 5.5mm TREDUR steel plates
- Increased locking area
- Auto-locking mechanism
- Good mounting system
Cons
- Hard to buy outside of the EU
Today’s Best Deals:
The Trelock FS 500 Toro is the other Sold Secure Gold rated folding bike lock. After reviewing the FS 500, I switched over to using this rather than the X-Plus 6500, however, I now use the Foldylock Forever (see below).
Out of the box, the FS 500 felt sturdier than my three-year-old X-Plus 6500, and after testing, I found that the FS 500 offered increased usability.
It’s spring-loaded locking mechanism makes it super smooth to operate, and it offers a significantly larger locking area.
If you want to find out more about Trelock’s FS 500 you can read my in-depth review here.
Foldylock Compact
The Best Lightweight Bike Lock
Pros
- Sold Secure Silver rated
- Silent whilst riding
- Lighter than the FS 500
- Cheaper than the FS 500
- Better mounting system than the FS 500
Cons
- Not as secure as the FS 500
Today’s Best Deals:
In my review of the best folding bike locks, the Foldylock Compact came out on top. Seatylock, the company behind the Foldylock invested time and effort into making this the Compact as user-friendly as possible, and it shows.
I’ve been using the Foldylock Compact whilst working as a cycle courier and have nothing but good things to say about this Sold Secure Silver folding lock.
Whilst it’s 5mm hardened steel plates aren’t quite as secure as the X-Plus 6500’s it weighs a tiny 2.2lb (1kg) and outperforms the 6500 in almost every category but security.
You can read more about the best folding bike lock here.
Summary - ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 Review
For anyone looking for a top-quality folding bike lock, the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 will be an excellent choice.
It’s worth noting that whilst folding locks offer a great level of protection for your bike, they don’t provide as much security as D locks. If security is your priority, you’ll be best off with a D lock.
However, if you’re looking for a versatile bike lock that performs well in all situations whilst providing Sold Secure Gold security, the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 will do you proud.
If you’re considering purchasing the X-Plus, I’d highly recommend you check out the Foldylock Forever as well. As we found out above, the Forever is more secure and comes at a similar price.
If you want to find out more about the different options you have when it comes to choosing a new bike lock, read my review of the 8 best bike locks, or pick one of my recommendations below!
Otherwise, thanks for reading, and remember…
Lock it, or lose it!
