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
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Trelock FS455 Folding lock
Size tested: n/a
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
# PLC™ 5-pin locking cylinder
# corrosion protection
# dust cap
# Length 85 cm
# Folded: 19 x 7 x 3,5 cm
# Plastic bracket easily attaches to frame
I expected better
Quite heavy for the amount of protection it offers
You get more for less elsewhere
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Neat-looking on the bike
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Not strong enough
Did you enjoy using the product? No
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No
About the tester
Age: 38 Height: 190cm Weight: 98kg
I usually ride: whatever I'm testing... My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium with SRAM Apex
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track
Dave is a founding father of road.cc and responsible for kicking the server when it breaks. In a previous life he was a graphic designer but he's also a three-time Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling world champion, and remains unbeaten through the bog. Dave rides all sorts of bikes but tends to prefer metal ones. He's getting old is why.