Choosing a bike lock is one of the most important decisions a cyclist can make - and getting it wrong is expensive. The general rule is simple: the higher the security level, the more resistant the lock is to cutting, picking, and tampering. But security level isn't the only factor. Chain thickness, length, cylinder type, and independent certifications like Sold Secure Gold all matter too.
All three locks in our Bicycle Chain Locks collection are from ABUS - Germany's most trusted name in bike security. Here is how they compare, and how to choose the right one for your situation.
Understanding ABUS Security Levels
ABUS rates its locks on a scale from 1 to 15, where higher numbers indicate greater resistance to attack. As a general guide:
- Level 10-11: Suitable for medium theft-risk areas - suburban streets, secure bike parks, shorter stops
- Level 12: Suitable for medium to high theft-risk areas - city centres, longer parking periods
- Level 13+: Suitable for high theft-risk areas - city centres, overnight parking, high-value bikes and e-bikes
Sold Secure Gold is an independent UK certification that confirms a lock has passed rigorous physical attack testing - it is the standard recommended by most UK insurers for high-value bikes.
1. ABUS Ivy Chain 9210 | 10mm Hardened Steel | Security Level 13 · £114.97
The ABUS Ivy Chain 9210 is the highest security level of the three and, perhaps surprisingly, the most affordable. The 10mm hardened steel square chain is the thickest in this comparison, providing superior resistance to cutting and sawing. The synthetic fibre coating protects your bike frame from scratches and - crucially - does not absorb water or oils, keeping the chain light and easy to handle in all weather.
The ABUS Security Level 13 rating and Sold Secure Gold certification make it one of the most independently verified chain locks available at this price point. The ergonomic lock body with reversible key makes daily use smooth and intuitive. If you park in a city or leave your bike overnight, this is the level of protection you need.
Specs: 10mm hardened steel square chain · Security Level 13 · Sold Secure Gold · Synthetic fibre coating · Reversible key · Ergonomic lock body
Best for: High theft-risk areas, city centre parking, overnight use, and high-value bikes and e-bikes. The highest security rating of the three at the lowest price.
Price: £114.97 - Shop now
2. ABUS Steel-O-Chain 9808K | 8mm Hardened Steel | Security Level 11 · £148.39
The ABUS Steel-O-Chain 9808K sits at Security Level 11 with an 8mm hardened steel chain - slightly lighter and more compact than the Ivy Chain, making it a practical choice for daily commuters who need to carry the lock with them. The standout feature here is the ABUS XPlus cylinder, which is specifically engineered to resist picking - a more sophisticated attack method that a standard cylinder won't stop.
The automatic keyhole cover keeps dirt and rust out of the mechanism, ensuring smooth operation in all conditions. At 110cm it is the shortest chain of the three - sufficient for locking to a standard bike rack but less flexible for awkward anchor points. Best suited to medium theft-risk environments where pick resistance is a priority.
Specs: 8mm hardened steel square links · Security Level 11 · ABUS XPlus anti-pick cylinder · 110cm length · Automatic keyhole cover
Best for: Daily commuters in medium theft-risk areas who want XPlus pick resistance in a lighter, more portable chain lock.
Price: £148.39 - Shop now
3. ABUS CityChain 1010 | 9mm Hexagonal Hardened Steel | Security Level 12 · £157.97
The ABUS CityChain 1010 bridges the gap between the two - Security Level 12, Sold Secure Gold certified, with a 9mm hexagonal hardened steel chain. The hexagonal link shape is a deliberate design choice: it is harder to grip with bolt cutters than a round or square link, adding an extra layer of physical resistance. The ABUS Plus cylinder provides high protection against picking, and the protective textile tube prevents frame scratches.
The Sold Secure Gold certification means it meets the independent UK standard recommended by most insurers for high-value bikes. At 110cm it shares the same length as the 9808K. The CityChain 1010 is the premium choice for urban cyclists who want independently certified security at Level 12 and the added bolt-cutter resistance of the hexagonal chain design.
Specs: 9mm hexagonal hardened steel chain · Security Level 12 · Sold Secure Gold · ABUS Plus cylinder · Protective textile tube · 110cm length
Best for: Urban cyclists in medium to high theft-risk areas who want Sold Secure Gold certification and the added bolt-cutter resistance of a hexagonal chain.
Price: £157.97 - Shop now
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Lock | Chain | Level | Sold Secure Gold | Length | Cylinder | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Chain 9210 | 10mm square | 13 | Yes | Various | Ergonomic reversible | £114.97 |
| Steel-O-Chain 9808K | 8mm square | 11 | No | 110cm | XPlus anti-pick | £148.39 |
| CityChain 1010 | 9mm hexagonal | 12 | Yes | 110cm | ABUS Plus | £157.97 |
Which ABUS Chain Lock Should You Buy?
The counterintuitive answer here is that the Ivy Chain 9210 at £114.97 offers the highest security level (13) and Sold Secure Gold certification at the lowest price - making it the best value for anyone parking in a city or leaving a high-value bike unattended. If you specifically need XPlus pick resistance in a lighter, more portable chain for daily commuting in a medium-risk area, the Steel-O-Chain 9808K at £148.39 delivers that. And if you want the combination of Sold Secure Gold, Level 12 security, and the added bolt-cutter resistance of a hexagonal chain design, the CityChain 1010 at £157.97 is the premium urban cycling choice.
Browse the full range in our Bicycle Chain Locks collection and find the right level of security for your bike and your parking situation.
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