We have reviewed these six mini locks

• Abus Combiflex Travel Guide >> available here
• Abus Sportflex 2504 >> available here
• Acid Ratch >> available here
• BBB Minisafe >> available here
• Hiplok Z LOK Combo >> available here
• Zefal K-Traz Zip 3 XL >> available here*

Compact locks for cafés and beer gardens

Mini locks are designed for situations where the bike is left unattended for just a few minutes. They are intended to make it more difficult for an opportunistic thief to get hold of the bike quickly. However, they are not suitable for longer periods of inactivity, remote locations or particularly valuable bikes. In such cases, heavy U-locks, folding locks or chain locks offer significantly greater resistance.

Two different designs are being tested. Two models use a thin, plastic-coated steel spiral cable. Four other candidates utilise a metal-reinforced strap that works in a similar way to a lockable cable tie. In a direct comparison, the straps are generally more durable, but less flexible.

Handling is key during a short stop

All the products under review feature a combination lock. In practice, however, the models differ significantly. Easy-to-read digits, smooth-turning dials and a smooth-operating opening mechanism make it easier to unlock the lock. Particularly during a quick stop, the lock should be ready for use without the need for lengthy fiddling or untangling.

The best performer in this discipline is the Abus Combiflex Travel Guide Its push-button can be operated from various positions, and the number dials click into place smoothly. Weighing 110 grams and measuring 70 centimetres in length, the lock is long enough to secure two road bikes to a fixed object. However, at 29.95 euros, it costs more than the particularly budget-friendly models. In the test, the Abus received five out of five stars for ease of use and four out of five stars for security.

The Abus Sportflex also scores highly for its ease of use. Its distinctive feature is that it is mounted on the frame beneath the bottle cage. This means the 200-gramme lock is always with you on your bike. The 90-centimetre-long steel cable is flexible, but offers less security than metal straps. TOUR rates its ease of use at four out of five and its security at two out of four stars.

Metal straps offer greater resistance

The Acid Ratch is recommended as a good value-for-money choice. The 50-centimetre-long metal cable is relatively durable, the combination lock operates smoothly and the numbers remain clearly visible even in poor lighting conditions. Weighing 79 grams, the Acid is also lightweight. However, its short length limits the range of attachments possible. It scores four out of five stars for both ease of use and security. The price is 12.95 euros.

The Zefal K-Traz Zip 3 XL* Weighs just 99 grams and is 70 centimetres long. The combination lock is easy to use, but the slide-open mechanism is a little difficult to access. This can be a bit of a nuisance during a quick stop. The model scores three out of five stars for ease of use and three out of five stars for security. The retail price is 24.95 euros.

The BBB Minisafe Weighing 57 grams, it is the lightest and cheapest lock in the test. The spiral cable, which costs 13.95 euros, fits into practically any bag. The numbers are easy to read in daylight, but it is more difficult to use at dusk. In terms of ease of use, the BBB scores three out of five stars, whilst for security it scores just two out of five stars. A small pair of side cutters can quickly cut through the cable.

The Hiplok Z LOK Combo complements the range as a particularly compact cable tie option. Measuring around 43 centimetres in length and weighing approximately 70 grams, it is particularly suitable for short-term securing when the bike remains in sight. The retail price is around 20 euros. The exact TOUR star rating is not shown separately in these individual articles.

An overview of the six test candidates

A maximum of five out of five stars was possible in the review. The Abus Combiflex Travelguide came out on top, whilst the Acid Ratch from Cube receives our ‘Best Value for Money’ recommendation.