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A smart, digitally networked bike lock - is that necessary? The ultra-modern Abus Bordo One 6500A relies on Bluetooth and should open virtually automatically. No annoying fumbling with the key. The robust folding lock also features a motion alarm to keep thieves at bay.
Two functions that have the potential to be a real comfort and safety boost. In case of doubt, however, such features can also become a pain in the arse. Namely when the additional functions don't work the way you want them to. We have tested the smart Abus lock in practice.
The construction of the Abus Bordo 6500A
Alongside heavy chain locks and rigid U-locks, folding locks are among the most secure bike locks on the market. They can be folded up quite compactly and then unfolded to a decent size. The Abus Bordo 6500A is available with 90 or 110 mm circumference.
We opted for the larger version, as this gives you more flexibility when securing the bike. Those who are used to long and flexible chain locks will still have to get used to the rigid design of the folding lock.
There really isn't much space to connect several bikes or dock the frame to a fixed object. Incidentally, the Bordo can't exactly boast a low weight. Few people will want to lug this 2.3-kilo piece of equipment with them on sporty tours.
Information about the Abus Bordo One 6500A
Operation of the Abus Bordo
Open the bike lock without having to take the key out of your pocket. This is the simple idea behind the smart functionality of the Abus Bordo. Prerequisite: A smartphone with the Abus One app. The lock and app must be paired using the enclosed QR code, which is quick and easy.
Incidentally, you never have to lock the lock. If the rod is pushed firmly into the cylinder, the lock locks automatically. An acoustic signal is emitted as soon as locking is active. This signal tone is very loud on delivery, which can be annoying. However, the volume can be significantly reduced in the app.
There are several options for opening it. Either manually by pressing a button in the app. Or, for complete convenience, automatically as soon as the mobile phone is near the lock.
Both options worked very reliably and quickly in the test. As soon as you pick up the lock, the connection is established. Which of the two options is more suitable depends heavily on the application scenario.
The "hands-free function" for automatic unlocking can be set accordingly in the app. This adjusts the required distance between the lock and the smartphone. This is to prevent the bike from being left unlocked on the street while the owner is sitting a few metres away in a café. The correct setting requires some experience and time to try it out. If in doubt, simply deactivate the hands-free function.
And what if the smartphone runs out of juice? Is it paralysed with a defective display, lost or simply forgotten? There is an optional remote control for these emergencies. It is already included in the complete package for 300 euros. And yes: from our point of view, this add-on is highly recommended.
How the alarm works
The alarm function of the Abus Bordo One 6500A is two-stage. If the lock registers movement or vibration, a pre-alarm is activated first. The volume of the beeps can be adjusted and, if desired, they can be really loud - but not really intrusive.
If the lock is moved further after the pre-alarm, the real alarm starts. And it is really loud and clearly recognisable as an alarm. The sound lasts for 15 seconds and is reactivated when the lock is moved again.
The lock can be opened using the hands-free function with a smartphone or by pressing a button to switch off the alarm.
The volume and tonality of the alarm absolutely deserves the name alarm. The noise can be heard clearly even from a distance and the whining should definitely alert passers-by. Although this is not 100 per cent theft protection, it is definitely an enormous security boost for the effect of the lock. It has given us a clear sense of security in precarious situations where you wouldn't normally want to let your bike out of your sight.
What about false alarms and annoying operating errors?
Who hasn't experienced it: annoying car alarms that seem to beep out of nowhere or apps that simply don't do what the user wants them to. Is this also a threat with the smart Abus Bordo?
In our test use over several months, the function was very reliable. The responsiveness of the motion alarm in particular - in combination with the more discreet pre-alarm - seems very successful to us.
For example, we were able to lock two bikes on the rear rack of a camper and stay in the camper - without normal movements activating the alarm. However, the alarm reacts very reliably to clear movements of the bike.
However, there was one small, partly self-inflicted false alarm. A night-time thunderstorm activated the pre-alarm several times. Admittedly, the bikes were also a little wobbly leaning outside.
When locking, you should therefore always make sure that the lock is in a stable position and that the wheels have a firm footing. The heavy head and rigid design make this very possible.
And we also had a supposed malfunction when opening in a special situation. The locked lock only responded to the signals from the remote control and mobile phone with beeps, but wouldn't unlock at all.
The problem: the lock was locked with too much tension and was under tension. The Bordo obviously doesn't like this. If you push the shackle firmly back into the lock in this situation, thereby reducing the tension, the lock opens again without any problems.
Overall, we found the functions to be absolutely reliable. Both situations in which the lock didn't quite work as desired can be avoided if you know what to look out for when using it. We have had significantly more problems with other apps and smart functions on bike products.
Abus Bordo 6500A: Strengths and weaknesses in the test
Strengths
- Super robust with a high security level
- Loud alarm function
- Reliable and intuitive operation
Weaknesses
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Not very flexible due to design
Test summary of the Abus Bordo 6500A
"I wouldn't take the heavy lock with me on a bike tour in the mountains and I personally don't necessarily need the smart functions. But the reliable and loud alarm really won me over. Whether you're on holiday or on a bike trip, it's not always possible to park your bike in an ideal, safe place. And it is precisely in these situations that the motion alarm provides a big plus in safety.
For me, that really put my mind at ease. I would also dig deeper into my pocket for it - which is unfortunately necessary given the price of the alarm lock. And even though I'm personally not a fan of electronic gadgets and app overload: The smart locking functions with the Abus app worked without any problems and can be really handy. You should still have the optional remote control within reach, because who has never had a mobile phone break?" - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Editor BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
