Trelock FS455 Folding lock

Linked-plate locks are becoming increasing popular as they pack down small and can offer decent protection. The FS455 from Trelock is far from being awful but doesn't offer the same protection as a similarly-priced U-lock.

The FS455 comes with a plastic cage to mount to your bike frame, and does pack down small: 19x7x4cm is the folded size. It's not particularly light at 1138g, so we had high hopes that the six hardened steel linkage plates would stand up to some serious abuse.

We went after the Trelock with the bolt croppers first, having snipped through a few cheaper link locks with ease in the past. To its credit the lock survived that without much to-do, but when we put the persuader to work it wasn't long before a rivet popped and we freed our stooge bike. The FS455 held out for a total of 2 minutes and 2 seconds, but had we started with the bar it would have been less than a minute.

Given that it's easier to break than a U-lock, why should you buy one? well, if you really must have a lock that a) fixes to your bike, and b) is nice and small, it does fit the bill, but you'd be better off with a Master Lock Street Cuff which is a good bit sturdier for less money. It's hard to recommend this lock, really: it's a fair wedge to buy one, and it's not that strong.

Verdict

Neat and tidy, but not really strong enough for lengthy lock-ups