Double your security with the Abus 6950M frame lock
10.3.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Martin Jungfer
To start off spring, I’m treating my bike to a security upgrade – the Granit XPlus 6950M frame lock from Abus. I like the simple assembly and added flexibility thanks to an extra chain.
My bike hasn’t been stolen since I fitted this Abus lock. So the lock probably deserves five stars, no? Of course, it’s not that simple.
So far I’ve been pretty reckless. My 25 cc e-bike from Cube is usually parked in my own locked garage. On the road, however, I’ve only ever used an old steel chain lock with a textile cover.
It’s light and I’ve had it for a while. Recently, however, I found out that it only reaches level 5 out of a possible 15 in terms of safety. «Basic protection», as Abus calls it.
The Granit XPlus 6950M already gets me up to level 10. I chose a set that comes with a chain in addition to the frame lock. That way I can secure my bike twice. The steel shackle in the frame lock stops the bike from simply being pushed away by someone, and you can always form the chain into a loop and attach the bike somewhere suitable. This way thieves can’t simply carry the locked bike away.
Quick assembly
There are already threads on the back of my e-bike, so I know exactly where to screw the frame lock on. The scope of delivery also includes two adapter plates, which you can use if your bike doesn’t have pre-drilled threads. Note, you’ll have to get this too:
Skipping the accessories is faster, and I position the lock over the mudguard with a little skill. Then I attach it to the frame with two screws using a 4-way Allen key – unfortunately not included in the scope of delivery. The two mounts on the lock can be moved and the screws spaced between 68 and 107 millimetres apart. The maximum tyre width is 62 millimetres.
Finally, I attach two rubber caps where I just added the screws. On the one hand, this should prevent too much dirt and moisture from getting in. On the other hand, amateur thieves could overlook the fastening. So remember, don’t unscrew the lock.
All in all, the entire assembly takes no longer than ten minutes. Admittedly, I took slightly longer after reading the instructions – as a proper reviewer should. Sadly, they aren’t much use. I don’t understand why so many companies believe that drawings, symbols and pictograms alone are enough.
Double the protection with just one key
After assembly, my e-bike is around a kilo and a half heavier than before. That’s how much the frame lock alone weighs. No wonder, the housing and locking mechanism are made of steel. The shackle is a solid 8.5 millimetres thick and the steel in the chain makes it weigh a good 900 grammes.
But for a short ride to the bakery, the frame lock alone is enough for me. During the day and around the village, I don’t expect the worst – sure, call me naive! The lock I received from Abus for my test is the NR model. I can always remove the key from it. On the R model, it stays in even when the bike isn’t locked up. So remember, if you don’t lock your bike, a prankster could do so and make off with the key.
To close the steel bracket, you slide a small handle downwards. This plastic thing is probably not made to last forever, but it does the job – even if it does feel a bit wobbly. I don’t mind the small handle when opening. As I turn the key in the lock, it opens automatically thanks to a spring mechanism.
I bring along the 6KS/100 chain when I want to secure my bike in riskier areas, at night or for longer periods of time. To do this, I make a loop with the one-meter-long chain, pulling it around a bike stand, for example. I insert the other end into the opening provided on the frame lock. This is pretty practical, since I can operate both the shackle of the frame lock and the chain with one key. The downside: the chain isn’t long enough for stands where I park my bike with the front wheel. I’d have to park backwards here.
The square chain under the fabric cover is 6 millimetres thick. Its eyelet is encased in rubber to prevent damage to the bike’s paintwork.
A small bag was also included in my test set. You can mount it under the saddle with three Velcro strips and stow the chain in it. I took it off; otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to use the bike basket. Instead, I carry the chain in my rucksack or keep it in my basket.
In a nutshell
Quick to install, useful one-key solution
The Granit XPlus 6950M is easy to fit – especially if you have pre-drilled threads like I do. I’d have been better off without the manual, which is hard to understand. During everyday use, I like the flexibility provided by both a frame lock and an additional chain. One thing that drags it down: the weight. At 1.5 kilogrammes for the lock and another 900 grammes for the chain, the Abus combination is pretty heavy. Other manufacturers have lighter locks while providing the same level of safety.
Pro
- Good protection against scratches thanks to fabric cover and rubberised ring
- Uses just one key
- Chain for added protection
- Simple assembly
Contra
- Sliding lever not particularly stable
- Bad manual
- Pretty heavy
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.
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