RUFF CYCLES The ultimate lock guide:
Maximum security for your custom e-bike
A Ruff Cycles e-bike isn’t just a regular bike – it’s a statement, a rolling piece of art, and an investment in pure riding fun. To keep it that way, having the right theft protection is essential. Together with premium security brand ABUS, we offer a curated selection of high-end locks in the Ruff Cycles Store.
This guide answers all your burning questions about choosing the right lock, security levels, and the perfect way to store it on your bike.
Folding lock vs. chain lock: What's the difference?
When picking the right type of lock, you usually face two tried-and-true options. Both give great protection, but they focus on different aspects when it comes to handling:
Folding Locks (The Compact Ones):
Built like a folding ruler, they’re made of solid steel bars that are jointed together.
- Pros: Super compact to carry, light for the security it offers, and no rattling while you ride. A huge bonus: Every one of our ABUS folding locks comes with a handy SH mount, so you can easily and flexibly attach it right to the down tube or any other frame tubes.
- Con: The stiff bars make it a bit less flexible when locking around big chunky things, like thick lampposts.
Chain Locks (The Flexible Ones):
They’re basically a flexible chain made of hardened steel, wrapped in a tough textile or synthetic cover.
- Pros: Super flexible when locking up. You can easily chain your bike to fences, trees, or street signs at almost any angle. Smart special designs like the double-loop system let you secure multiple parts at once.
- Cons: Heavier and a bit bulky to carry around – chain locks don’t come with a rigid mount and are usually wrapped around the frame, stuffed in a frame bag, or tossed in a basket. A brilliant exception is the Infinity Loop, which you can just sling over your shoulder like a bag.
2. What does the security level at ABUS mean?
ABUS uses a clear rating system for bike locks, going from level 1 to 15. The higher the number, the tougher the lock is against both brute force attacks (like bolt cutters, saws or freeze spray) and delicate tampering attempts (like picking):
Level 1–4 (Basic Protection): Perfect as a second lock, for kids’ bikes, or in areas with very low theft risk.
Level 5–9 (Medium Protection): Recommended for regular bikes or short stops in medium-risk areas. The Infinity Loop lands at level 6, giving you a highly flexible everyday lock.
Level 10–15 (High to Maximum Protection): This is the top tier. Made for premium e-bikes, cargo bikes, and urban hotspots with high theft risk. Our Bordo and IVY models fall into this high-end range (level 10–13).
3. The 8 ABUS models at Ruff Cycles in detail
2. ABUS Bordo 6000C/90 LED BK SH COMBO (Combination Folding Lock)
Ruff SKU: E2117
Security Level: 10
Special Feature: Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to carry a key around. You can freely choose your own code. The absolute highlight is the built-in LED light right on the lock, so you can easily set the code even in complete darkness. Comes with an SH mount for the downtube.
3. ABUS Bordo 6000K/90 BK OE SH (Key Lock Folding Lock)
Ruff SKU: E2034
Security Level: 10
What’s cool: This is the timeless classic of the Bordo series with a 90 cm length. It comes with the super secure ABUS XPlus cylinder, giving you top protection against tricks like lock picking. The bars are softly coated to keep the stylish paint on your Ruff Cycles e-bike looking perfect. Comes with an SH mount included.
4. & 5. ABUS Bordo 6200K (90 cm & 120 cm versions)
Ruff SKU (90 cm): E2233
Ruff SKU (120 cm): E2232
Security level: 13
What’s special: The next generation of folding comfort. The lock body can rotate a full 360°, which makes threading and locking super flexible. The bars feature an innovative H-profile for maximum stability with optimized weight. Both versions come with an SH mount for the down tube. The 120 cm model also has a hidden compartment in the mount to discreetly stow an Apple AirTag or SmartTag for GPS tracking.
6. ABUS Infinity Loop 110 BK (Chain Lock)
Ruff SKU: E2234
Security Level: 6
Highlight: The ultimate flexibility champ with an innovative double-loop feature. Thanks to two adjustable loops and a sliding lock body, the chain can be infinitely adjusted. You can lock the frame to a fixed object and secure the front wheel with the second loop at the same time. Covered with a super-flexible, paint-friendly fiber. Bonus: You can carry the lock super comfortably like a shoulder bag while riding!
ABUS IVY Chain 9210/110 (Premium Chain Lock)
Ruff SKU: E2102
Security Level: 13
Highlight: Maximum brute-force mechanical security among chain locks. A 10 mm thick square chain made of specially hardened steel. Wrapped in a super durable, highly flexible IvyTex synthetic fiber that repels water and oil and makes saw attacks really hard. Perfect if you park your Ruff Cycles e-bike overnight in the city.
ABUS Yardo 7807F/110 BK (Fingerprint Chain Lock)
Ruff SKU: E2103
Security Level: 8
Highlight: Pure high-tech convenience – no keys, no codes. This lock pops open in seconds with your fingerprint, thanks to a precise, weatherproof (IP66 & IP68) 360° capacitive sensor. You can save up to 20 different fingerprints. It locks automatically when you press the ends together.
What's the best way to stash the locks on my Ruff Cycles e-bike?
Our e-bikes stand out with their unique frame geometries. Here’s where your locks are best kept during your ride:
E-bike model
Best Place to Keep & Move It
The Ruffian
Right under the distinctive steel tank, there’s a built-in mount that’s perfect for all ABUS folding locks. Alternatively, you can discreetly attach the standard SH mount from the Bordo series to the down tube.
Lil’Buddy
Here’s your choice: Since all our folding locks come with an SH mount, you can attach them straight to the down tube. Alternatively, you can use our perfectly fitting, stylish Ruff Cycles frame bag in the frame triangle. Chain locks are best carried wrapped flexibly around the frame or right in the bag. The Infinity Loop can also be worn super easily like a shoulder bag.
Lil’Missy
The sleekest and most practical solution for any kind of lock: Just pop the lock (whether it’s a folding lock, chain lock, or the casually slung Infinity Loop) straight into the front frame basket – that way it’s always within reach. If you like, you can also attach folding locks to the down tube with the SH mount, of course.
Biggie
Just like with the Lil’Buddy, you can attach the SH mount for the folding locks nice and tight to the sturdy down tube without any rattling. Chain locks can either be wrapped around the frame, tucked into the perfectly integrated frame bag, or you can carry the Infinity Loop casually over your shoulder.
Extra tip for chain locks: Since chain locks (like the IVY Chain or Yardo) don’t have a rigid mount, the best way to carry them is in the frame bag of your Lil’Buddy/Biggie or in the basket of the Lil’Missy. Alternatively, thanks to ABUS’s soft, paint-friendly textile cover, you can just wrap them snugly around the frame — totally scratch-free. The Infinity Loop is a bit special: thanks to its unique design, you can ride with it super comfortably like a stylish shoulder bag right on your body!
What Ruff Cycles Customers Should Also Know (Insider Tips)
To get the most out of your new lock, here are some valuable tips we give our customers:
The official ABUS key replacement service in Germany: If you ever lose a key, don’t panic—it’s not the end of the world. ABUS offers an easy key replacement service for original keys in Germany.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Right after buying, make sure to write down your unique key number that’s stamped on the included ABUS code card. Without this number, a replacement key can’t be made for security reasons! Best tip: take a photo of the card with your phone right away.
The ABUS “YourPlus” system (one key for multiple locks): If you want to use the same key for several locks (for example for you and your partner) or the battery lock of your e-bike, pay attention to the ABUS code card. Matching cylinders (like the XPlus) can be ordered so that one key works for everything. One key to rule them all!
Mounting the lock holder properly (SH holder): The SH holders of our Bordo folding locks can be screwed onto the classic bottle cage mounts, but thanks to rubberized anti-slip straps, they can also be firmly and rattle-free mounted almost anywhere on the thick Ruff Cycles frame tubes.
Lock it to something, don’t just block it: Never just immobilize your e-bike by locking only the wheel and frame, because thieves could just lift it into a van. Use the length of our 110 cm and 120 cm models to always secure the frame to a solid, immovable object (like a bike rack or lamp post).
Insurance matters: Many e-bike insurance policies require a lock with a certified minimum security level (often ABUS level 10 or higher) once your bike passes a certain price point. With the Bordo 6000, Bordo 6200K, or the IVY Chain, you’re safe and meet all common insurance requirements with ease.
