Abus Ultimate 420 + Loop Cable bike lock review: A compact, commuter-friendly combo

With certifications coming out of its proverbial ears, is this the ultimate urban bike lock?

A black and red Abus Ultimate 420 lock and cable on a stone floor next to a bike rack
(Image: © Josh Croxton)

Cyclingnews Verdict

With its double-locking mechanism and array of international certifications, including Sold Secure Gold, the Abus Ultimate 420 + Loop Cable is compact, simple to use, and reliable in areas of medium-risk theft.

Pros

  • +

    Sold Secure Gold rating, plus certifications from five countries

  • +

    Compact and lightweight, with an included bracket for easy mounting

  • +

    Rattle-free riding when mounted to the frame

  • +

    Simple to use with an effective double-locking system

  • +

    Designed to visually deter opportunistic thieves

Cons

  • -

    No weatherproof cover for keyhole

  • -

    Rigid shape limits you to narrow anchor points

  • -

    You might feel it against your leg when you pedal if frame mounted

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

There’s nothing worse than returning to your bike after a long day at work, only to discover it’s not where you left it. For commuter cyclists in urban areas, keeping their mode of transport safe from prying hands is absolutely crucial, and investing in one of the best bike locks is a priority for many.

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Testing scorecard
FeatureRatingNotes
Security8/10Sold Secure Gold and certifications from five countries, including ice spray testing.
Build Quality8/10It feels robust and durable despite its lightness, though it’s missing a weatherproof keyhole cover.
Ease of Use9/10Incredibly easy to set up and use on the go, as long as you stick to the right type of anchor point.
Portability9/10Simple bracket design and compact size make it easy to mount or stow in a pannier or backpack.
Value10/10For sub-£55, you get a lot of security, some versatility, and impressive portability.
Overall44/50Row 5 - Cell 2
Mildred Locke

Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike