Steel-core cable lock: The new Abus Yarnit bike lock

Anyone who parks their city bike or stylish gravel bike to pop into a café for an espresso in the city centre will be familiar with the dilemma: a sturdy U-lock is secure, but bulky. A simple chain often scratches the paintwork. Abus has come up with a solution with its new Yarnit 4004K is breaking new ground, with a focus on appealing particularly to design enthusiasts and city commuters.

The Abus Yarnit 4004K at a glance

• Construction method: Multi-layered chain lock (steel core + hybrid textile-steel cable layer).
• Appearance: An innovative knitted texture available in four colours (Black, Denim Blue, Sand Stone, Midnight Purple).
• Diameter: 24 mm.
• Lengths: Available in 85 cm, 110 cm and 140 cm.
• Features: Pick-resistant cylinder, automatic locking mechanism, optimised for protection against the elements.
• Price: from 69.95 euros (85 cm) >> available here

Shift work for safety

What looks like a fashion accessory at first glance is, technically speaking, a complex sandwich system. At its core is a classic hardened steel chain, which provides the necessary strength. The secret of the Yarnit 4004K, however, lies in its sheath: a hybrid construction of textile fibres and an embedded steel cable forms the middle layer, whilst the outer sheath is made from a high-tech fibre with a trendy knitted look.

With a total diameter of 24 millimetres, the lock looks imposing and intimidating, yet remains surprisingly flexible thanks to its textile component.

Light and shadow in urban settings

Advantages:

• Gentle on the frame: The soft fabric cover is your paintwork’s best friend. Scratches are a thing of the past.
• No rattling: When steel hits steel, it makes a noise. The Yarnit 4004K absorbs vibrations – a godsend for anyone who carries the lock wrapped round the frame.
• A miracle of flexibility: Thanks to its flexible design, the lock can be threaded around even thicker street lamps or winding railings, where rigid U-locks would fail.
• Convenience locking system: The anti-pick cylinder locks automatically.

Disadvantages:

• Pollution: However stylish the fabric surface may be – in muddy weather, whilst the fabric does not become saturated, according to Abus, it does trap dirt much more visibly than a smooth plastic cover.
• Weight: Although it is lighter than purely solid chain locks, for fans of ultra-lightweight locks, a chain will always be heavier than a minimalist cable lock due to its design.
• Security level: Abus markets the Yarnit for ‘quick stops’. If you’re leaving an expensive e-bike at the station overnight, a heavy-duty U-lock of the highest quality remains the best choice.

The competition: Who else is working on security?

Abus is not the only player in the ‘soft lock’ market. Anyone looking for alternatives should take a look at these models:

1. Tex–lock Eyelet Set: The pioneer of textile locks from Leipzig. Uses a similar composite system made from high-tech fibres and a steel core, but often offers a combination of cable and shackle (U-lock); prices from 139 euros
2. Hiplok Gold: A classic for urban wear. Whilst perhaps less ‘fashionable’, it is designed to be worn directly around the waist as a belt; prices from 109.95 euros
3. Litelok ONE: Features the patented ‘Boaflexicore’ – a very lightweight, flexible material that is also extremely difficult to cut, but has a flatter, ribbon-like appearance; prices from 89 euros
4. Trelock BC 680: A classic chain with a high-quality fabric cover – similar in function, but without the Yarnit’s innovative multi-layered hybrid construction; price: 82.99 euros

Editor’s conclusion:

With the Yarnit 4004K, Abus proves that security doesn’t have to look like something you’d find on a building site. It’s the ideal lock for style-conscious cyclists who want to secure their bike quickly and easily in everyday life without ruining the frame. A ‘must-have’ for the 2026 season? Definitely for the style-conscious!