Steel-O-Chain 5805k Key (No Bracket)

The ABUS Steel-O-Chain 5805K is a 75 cm key-operated chain lock made from 5 mm square chain in specially hardened steel, covered by a textile sleeve to protect paintwork. It weighs 590 g, sits at Security Level 5 of 15 on ABUS's scale and suits low-value bikes and spots with a low risk of theft.

How secure it actually is

ABUS rate the Steel-O-Chain 5805K at Security Level 5 of 15. It is built for low-risk locking: the kids' bikes at the school rack, a quick stop at the bakery, the beach cruiser at the holiday unit, or a second lock to hold the front wheel while a heavier lock takes the frame. The chain is 5 mm square links of specially hardened steel, and the chain bends to fit around whatever the rack gives you.

Weight against security

At 590 g the 5805K is light enough to live in a frame bag or backpack every day, which is the lock that actually gets used. It does not come with a frame bracket, so plan to carry it in a bag or wrapped under the saddle.

What it locks to

The 75 cm chain bends around a bike rack, a sign post or a railing beside the frame, and links a frame to a rack or two bikes standing side by side. ABUS point out that only one end of the chain has to be locked, which keeps it very easy to use. A textile sleeve over the chain protects against damage to your paintwork.

Looking after it

Rinse off salt spray after a ride along the coast and let the sleeve dry before the lock goes back in the bag.