Abus was one of the first of the big brands to release an angle grinder resistant bike lock. And unfortunately (and unusually for Abus), they haven’t done a particularly good job with the Super Extreme 2500.
The idea is great: it’s one of the biggest anti angle grinder locks on the market, which will please owners of bulky ebikes, cargo bikes, motorbikes and scooters, who need lots of internal locking space.
The construction quality is also great, as you’d expect from Abus. Everything feels top quality and well finished. The shackle and crossbar come together with extreme precision. And the key turns smoothly.
There’s even a really robust frame mount!
But unfortunately, there is a very specific security weakness in the Abus Super Extreme 2500.
Read on to find out more…
A well-built and (otherwise) formidably angle grinder resistant heavyweight, undermined by the base of the shackle.
Summary
Abus Super Extreme 2500 | |
|---|---|
Cell | Cell |
Check price: | |
Shackle thickness: | 14 mm |
Weight: | 4.92 lb (2.2 kg) |
Size (internal): | 4.1 x 8.8" |
Other Security Ratings: |  |
Abus Super Extreme 2500 Pros
Abus Super Extreme 2500 Cons
How secure is the Abus Super Extreme 2500?
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 has both a Pedal Cycle Diamond and Powered Cycle Diamond rating from Sold Secure, and 4/5 stars from the Dutch testing house ART. This suggests it is a very secure bike lock indeed!
Only bike locks that offer a significant level of angle grinder resistance are awarded a Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond rating. And of course that’s the main attraction of the Super Extreme 2500.
But before we get on to that, let's take a quick look at its other security features.
The shackle is 20 mm at its thickest (14 mm metal and 6 mm carbon)
The Super Extreme 2500 has a square shaped, 14 mm thick, hardened steel shackle. But the carbide material fused to the outside bumps that up to approximately 20 mm x 16 mm, making it one of the thickest shackles of all the angle grinder resistant bike locks.
It will be impossible to crop with bolt cutters. And since it also locks on both sides, it will be very difficult to defeat it with a leverage attack, too.
A double locking shackle must be cut twice
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 also features Abus’ top of the range XPlus cylinder, which is impossible for an unskilled or untrained person to pick (not that thieves are going round picking locks anyway). So no worries there either.
In fact, the only way this lock is going to be realistically defeated in the street, is with an angle grinder.
So let’s look at that next.
In my tests, I use a mains powered angle grinder and I try to completely immobilize the locks with tape to prevent any movement. This is obviously not how things would be in the street, where a thief will be using a battery powered angle grinder and will probably be trying to hold the lock still with one hand, while the other operates the tool.
I use a mains powered angle grinder and I tape the locks down
So in a real life street theft scenario, the results would be different (longer). However, I’m not trying to replicate a real life situation. I’m trying to compare the fundamental angle grinder resistance of each of the locks.
And the idea is: the fewer variables (which might come from different battery levels or lock movement), the easier it is to determine which lock has the best fundamental angle grinder resistance.
You can see the results (compared to other locks), from my initial test, below.
Time to cut | Kryptonite | Litelok X3 | Hiplok DX1000 | Abus Super Extreme 2500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First side: | 16 seconds | 1:10 min | 2:50 min | 2:10 min |
Both sides: | 32 seconds | - 4 discs | 4:25 min | 5:10 min |
It took me 2 minutes 11 seconds and 5 discs to get thorough the first side of the shackle. And 2 minutes 59 seconds and 6 discs to get through the second side of the shackle.
Note: the efficiency of the Abus double locking shackle also meant there was very little movement after 1 cut (less than in all its rivals). So there’s no way a thief would be able to slide anything through the gap by prizing it apart after the first cut.
There was very little movement in the shackle after 1 cut
And that means a total of 5 minutes and 10 seconds and 11 discs to defeat an immobilized Abus Super Extreme 2500 with a mains powered angle grinder, not including the time it took to change the discs over!
That’s incredible angle grinder resistance. The total grinding time was slightly less than Litelok X3, but I used an extra 7 discs! When you consider the time it takes to change a disc, surely this makes it the most secure of all the angle grinder resistant bike locks?
Well, that’s certainly what I thought at first.
However, further testing unearthed a way to cut through one side of the shackle with just one disc, in 45 seconds!
I stupidly didn’t try to cut the second side, but looking at the disc I used on the first side, I don’t think it would have lasted, and I would have needed to change it.
So let’s estimate that it would have been 2 discs and 2 minutes to cut both sides.
The Bennets test seemed to find the same weakness (although it took him 2 discs per side, and he said it was a “tricky attack to do accurately”). I found it much easier, but I had immobilized the lock and he hadn’t.
Regardless, this is a pretty serious flaw as far as I’m concerned. The anti angle grinder coating clearly does not extend all the way down the shackle, meaning it's no more secure than a regular bike u-lock at this point.
5 minutes 10 seconds and 11 discs later!
Since publishing the results of my tests, several commentators have asked whether Abus has fixed this issue yet, with some even claiming that Abus have told them that they have (I’ve got no idea if this is true).
So in September 2025 I bought another Super Extreme 2500 and tested it again.
The results were the same. Possibly even worse.
When then lock was taped down, I was able to cut through the first side with one disc in around 30 seconds.
Then, since loads of people complained about the fact that taping the lock to a chair, doesn’t represent real life street conditions (even though that is not the aim of my tests), I attacked the other side with the lock freestanding.
Holding the lock in one hand and the angle grinder in another, I was able to cut through the second side with one disc in around 60 seconds.
And don't forget: there are battery powered angle grinders that are just as powerful as my mains powered grinder!
I was able to cut it in 60 seconds with 1 disc like this
I will publish the video of this shortly. For now, above is a screenshot of the moment I cut through it.
So they haven't fixed the issue.
Is the Abus Super Extreme 2500 easy to carry?
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 is extremely bulky and extremely heavy. Both of which work against a lock being easy to carry!
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 weighs 2232g
The eternal dimensions are 6.69" x 11.73" (17.0 x 29.8 cm), which makes it one of the biggest angle grinder resistant bike locks. And it weighs 4.92 lb (2.2 kg), which is about the same as 6 cans of Coke and makes it the second-heaviest angle grinder resistant bike lock.
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 weighs the same as 6 cans of Coke
Only the Hiplok DX1000 is heavier.
So, you’d imagine that carrying it around is going to be a proper pain. However, unlike many of the other big angle grinder resistant locks, the Abus Super Extreme 2500, comes with a proper plastic frame mount!
Abus USH-2500 frame mount is designed for the Super Extreme 2500
It’s a bit of a weird one, though.
Due to the bulk and weight of the Abus Super Extreme 2500, they’ve had to come up with a frame mount that attaches to the seat stays and chain stays (or a luggage rack) rather than the more usual down tube.
To keep it firmly in place, you have to secure it to the frame in two places. Once with a pair of plastic covered metal straps that you tighten sound the frame with a screw system. And once with some rubber ties.
The attachment method is a bit untidy
I found it very fiddly to mount on the two bikes I tested it with. And once it’s in place, the ends of the straps and the ties tend to stick out untidily (you can fold them away to some extent, but it still looks scruffy).
But I did manage in the end. And despite feeling like a bit of a bodge job of a solution, once in place, the mount was very secure and worked well.
You have to lock the Abus Super Extreme 2500 into the frame mount, which is quite unusual. And this means you need to have easy access to the keyhole for things to work smoothly.
For instance, one of the ways I attached the frame mount meant the keyhole of the lock would be facing the floor, and it was difficult to unlock it like that (as I couldn’t see where the keyhole was).
This way is difficult to use as you can't see the keyhole!
Much better to flip it around so you can see the keyhole when you're trying to get the lock out!
This way is better!
Getting the Abus Super Extreme 2500 in and out of the frame mount was relatively easy, as long as I could see the keyhole. And riding around with it in the frame mount was fine too. There was no rattling or movement.
It also works well with a luggage rack
The only significant issue was that as I fitted and removed the mount several times to try it in different places on the bike frame, the plastic coating on the metal straps started to catch inside the mechanism, making it more difficult each time to remove the mount.
So I recommend finding a place on your frame where it works and leaving it there!
All in all, despite being quite bulky and fiddly to fit, the frame mount is generally a high quality accessory and works well.
If you don’t think it would work on your bike (or you don't fancy paying the extra money for the frame mount), then there are other options.
Even though it's massive, it still fits in my saddle bag
You could of course throw the Abus Super Extreme 2500 in a bag (just remember it weighs the same as 6 cans of Coke and you will feel that weight!). Or you could strap it to your luggage rack with some luggage straps, which would be a cost-effective alternative to the frame mount!
Is the Abus Super Extreme 2500 easy to use?
While the large dimensions of the Abus Super Extreme 2500 might make it more challenging to carry around, they do have an upside: they’ll provide you with loads of options when you’re searching for somewhere to secure your bike.
The internal dimensions are about the same as a standard size u-lock
The internal dimensions of the Abus Super Extreme 2500 are 4.25" x 9.0" (10.8 x 22.9 cm), which are the same as a standard size u-lock. And this means that you should have no problem locking your frame and either wheel to a bike rack.
Plenty of room for the frame and the wheel
Even when using an ebike with thicker wheels and a chunky frame, I had no problems securing it with the Abus Super Extreme 2500. And you may be able to get it around fatter street furniture like lampposts or traffic signs too.
It even fits around some fatter street furniture (traffic light)
Only the Skunklock Carbon and Hiplok DX1000 are comparable in terms of their internal dimensions and the locking opportunities they provide.
Note: as locks get more difficult to cut, thieves are starting to cut through bike racks instead. So make sure to lock your bike in a way that immobilizes a wheel so they can’t simply ride off with the lock attached. For example, just locking the top tube is a bad idea!
A thief could cut through this stand and ride the bike off!
Like all high end Abus bike locks, the build quality is really impressive. Everything clicks together perfectly, the keyhole cover is metal, the key turns smoothly, and nothing ever gets misaligned.
Abus keyhole cover are the best quality and have the best functionality
In fact, of all the angle grinder resistant bike locks I’ve tested, the Abus Super Extreme 2500 was the easiest and most pleasurable to use. Which is important if you’re using it every day, in all weathers!
Conclusion: Is the Abus Super Extreme 2500 worth it?
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 is a very expensive bike lock. You can check the current price here [Amazon]. But it’s usually at the upper range of what you would expect to pay for an angle grinder resistant bike lock.
So what could make it worth it?
Well, you can buy a proper frame mount for the Abus Super Extreme 2500. The only other angle grinder resistant bike locks that are available with frame mounts are the Litelok X1 and X3 and the Hiplok D1000 and DX1000.
The frame mount is the best of all the angle grinder resistant bike locks
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 also has the best build quality of all the angle grinder resistant bike locks. Less rattling, a really smooth locking and unlocking experience, and that general feeling of Abus quality.
But it’s the angle grinder resistance that’s the most important factor.
In my initial tests, it took much longer (in total) and used more discs to cut the Abus Super Extreme 2500 than any other angle grinder resistant bike lock I’ve tested so far.
However, subsequent tests showed that it's possible to cut the shackle very quickly if you attack the base of the shackle.
And that is a bit of a dealbreaker for me.
It may not be a way that the vast majority of thieves will try. It may not be a way that is easy when the lock is around a bike in the street. Indeed, in the street it may be that a thief needs to change several discs (just as in the Bennets test).
I'm not sure it's worth the high price
But the fact there is a particular way to cut the Abus Super Extreme 2500 faster than all the other angle grinder resistant locks (most of which are much cheaper), means that it’s probably best to go with one of those, unless you love the frame mount.
Alternatives to the Abus Super Extreme 2500
Looking for something more secure?
The Hiplok DX1000 is a very similar lock to the Abus Super Extreme 2500.
The internal locking dimensions are almost the same (the Hiplok is 1 cm wider, the Abus is 2 cm longer). Making them both perfect for ebikes and chunky bicycles.
The Hiplok is 18% heavier, weighing around the same as 7 cans of Coke (compared to the Abus’ 6).
Most importantly, though, the Hiplok doesn’t seem to suffer from the same security issue as the Abus.
So even though it took longer (and more discs) to cut the Abus in the conventional test, I still consider the Hiplok more resistant to angle grinders overall.
Plus, it’s usually slightly cheaper (check the current price here [Amazon])!
Looking for something cheaper?
If you need an angle grinder resistant bike lock, but the price of Abus Super Extreme 2500 just seems too expensive, then how about the Litelok X1?
It’s not cheap compared to a regular bike lock, but it is one of the lowest priced angle grinder resistant bike locks (check the current price here).
And it’s much, much cheaper than the Abus Super Extreme 2500.
While I cut through the Litelok X1 much more quickly than the Abus Super Extreme 2500 in my conventional test, it still required 2 discs to beat the Litelok X1. And that’s the most important thing, as few thieves will be prepared to change a disc mid-theft.
And there is no weakness at the base of the shackle.
It’s not as big as the Abus Super Extreme 2500, but there should still be enough internal space to lock most bikes. Plus, it comes with a couple of frame mount options, or you can buy a belt strap separately.
And it’s actually 22% lighter than the Abus Super Extreme 2500 (4.5 cans of Coke compared to 6), so even if you decide to throw it in a bag, you’re not going to feel it as much when you’re carrying around.
I liked it so much I made it my best bike lock of 2024, and it’s a very good, lower priced alternative to the Abus Super Extreme 2500!
Abus Super Extreme 2500 Specs
Abus Super Extreme 2500 | |
|---|---|
Cell | Cell |
Check price: | |
Shackle thickness: | 14 mm |
Weight: | 4.92 lb (2.2 kg) |
Size (internal): | 4.1 x 8.8" |
Other Security Ratings: | |
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Security through obscurity isn’t real security.
It would be much more helpful to people interested in buying the lock if you would just say how it was defeated and let them decide if that is an issue for them.
To me it looks like the trick is cutting the shackle really close to the locking body.
Yeah, I hear you, and I did wrestle with this issue a bit.
But for prospective buyers, the fact that it can be defeated in a shorter length of time is the most important thing.
I can’t imagine that whether it’s one way or the other is going to make much of a difference to their decision.
Whereas, for those who have already bought the lock, providing a “how to guide” on how to defeat it more quickly would be particularly unwelcome. Although, it will inevitably become common knowledge eventually.
I’ve made my opinion clear: based on the weakness, you are best off with an alternative lock.
Which is a real shame as it was unbelievably resistant to a regular attack.
I think you should tell me where the problem is? Now people who have bought the lock think that the lock protects even though it has a big vulnerability.
How will that help you?
Because then everyone can judge for themselves whether the fault is such that it is harmful in their own situation
The weakness is where the shackle meets the crossbar. I wanted to test all the angle grinder resistant locks in the same way before I revealed. A lot of the locks were a bit easier to cut at this point, but none could be cut with just 1 disc like the Abus.
Thanks for the reply, I disagree but understand where you’re coming from.
Thanks to your reviews I went with the DX1000.
So camouflage is not security?
So encryption is not security?
Thanks for your review. Just wanted to note that my lock has an unusually stiff shackle locking mechanism. I find it very hard to remove and especially re-insert the shackle; I have to apply quite a bit of force. The key also has to be turned just right to re-lock it. Don’t know if that’s because I bought one of the first batches or if the tolerances on my individual unit are slightly off.
I bought this to secure my second ebike as my Hiplok D1000 is a bit too small, but I find the locking mechanism to be much smoother on the Hiplok. Since you didn’t seem to have a problem with the mechanism on yours, I might see if Abus will replace mine.
Yeah, that’s very strange, mine was as smooth as butter (as it usually is with Abus locks).
Thanks for the insightful review. Did you share the detail on the weakness with the manufacturer? I’d hope that they would consider improving the design based on that information.
Yes I did Gerard, and I received feedback that they are looking into it.
I think the call out for it being vulnerable and bad due to this specific attack is not so big deal when it’s installed on the bike. Just go and try to do it when it’s on a pole with very little room to manipulate the lock, I dare you.
I understand there’s a flaw, but I don’t think it’s a big one since it won’t be easy to do in real life with very little room to spare and battery powered tools.
It depends on how busy the bike rack is and how the bike is locked to be honest.
Yes, it will definitely be more difficult.
But why take the risk?
Is there any way to prevent a thief from using that specific attack? (Eg locking at a certain orientation/angle, etc etc)
Yes, probably. The weakness is where the shackle meets the crossbar. If you orient the lock so that this is hard to reach, then for sure it’s going to be difficult to cut like this.
how do you mount the bracket?
With metal straps and rubber ties. I talk about this a bit in the review.
I spoke with Abus customer support, they say this has been fixed. Any chance you’d be willing to see if they have actually fixed it?
Yes, of course. They haven’t told me anything though, so I’m a bit sceptical.
Thank you for the great review and a wonderful website. After my bike had been stolen, it is a number 1 in my browser favorites.
I talked today to a guy from the Abus mobility team, who assured, that only first hundred of locks had a drawback. He told, they have not put tungsten carbide coating all the way down to the crossbar, and all new locks are fine. I could not argue further, but if anybody would like to follow up and check more technical details, here is my ticket number and a phone to reach them directly:
ticket # 335464
Christian
+49 23 35 634-1270
OK, good to know. I will buy and test a new one (and a new Kryptonite Diamond) in September, to see if that is actually the case.
Hi Carl, any updates on the vulnerability? Did Abus actually fix it? Currently the super extreme is about 80-130 euros cheaper than the X3 or the DX1000, only 40 euros over the X1, so it’s quite a tempting option. BTW your website is amazing, definitely the best bike lock reviews I’ve seen out there
Not yet. I’ll get it ordered shortly, and I promise I will test it and publish the results before the end of September. I’m just deluged by other stuff to do at the moment.
Hello Carl
I just ordered the Abus 2500 from Seattle electric bike. I read your reviews as well of others and I am a bit concerned about the ease of the shackle being compromised. I would like to know if Abus did implement the extension for the coating to make the lock more secure. I also read about the Liteloc X 3 which seemed to be more difficult to invade. What would your advise be?
Thank you
Hi Michael,
I’m afraid I don’t know if Abus has fixed the issue. We had some communication when I found the fault, but nothing since.
However, they are apparently telling potential customers that they’ve fixed the issue. So who knows?
I have just bought a new version and will be testing it in the next couple of weeks.
I’ll post my results here as soon as I’ve done that.
Thanks!
Carl
I tested again today. They haven’t fixed the problem. See my reply to another comment on this page. Or check out the update comment I’ve left under the video on YouTube.
Amazing. These locks aren’t cheap, so thank you for giving this another shot.
I’m skeptical Abus fixed the issue based on Christian’s response. The vulnerability has nothing to do with a tungsten carbide coating; the shackle near the cross-bar simply appears to be thinner, which means fewer minutes of cutting.
To fix this, I assume Abus either needs to increase the size of the shackle at the base (and increase the latch size in the cross bar), or make the cross bar thicker (to envelope the shackle above it’s thinner latch point). Neither of which are simple changes…
I can’t remember the exact structure of the lock to be honest, so I’m not sure how easy it will be to fix.
I’ve just received the new lock, so will be testing soon.
How’d testing go?
I ended up buying one, and it’s clear that the area near the base of the shackle is still thinner than the rest of the lock so it still seems vulnerable.
I’m sure this thing would still deter 99% of thieves, but for the money, it seems like there’s really no reason to go with this one over a LiteLok. Seems like the only advantage of the Abus is the mount and slightly more interior room.
There’s been a slight delay. I’m testing tomorrow.
I tested again today. They haven’t fixed the problem. I’ll paste the comment I left on the YouTube video:
IMPORTANT UPDATE: I have bought another of these locks myself and re-tested today. With the lock taped down as usual, I was able to cut the first side with one disc, in around 30 seconds. With the lock freestanding, using one hand to hold it and the other to hold the angle grinder (this was for all the complainers in the comments), I was able to cut the second side with one disc, in less than a minute. And remember: there are battery powered angle grinders that are just as powerful as my mains powered grinder. So the issue persists. They haven’t fixed it. And my recommendation remains the same: avoid it, there are plenty of angle grinder resistant bike locks that don’t suffer from this vulnerability and are also much cheaper!
I tested again today. They haven’t fixed the problem. See my reply to another comment on this page. Or check out the update comment I’ve left under the video on YouTube.
This makes Abus look really bad…they screwed the pooch with this flawed design.