REASONS TO BUY
U-lock and Cable versatility
Lightweight
Double bolting
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor fit
Lackluster security
Unimpressive frame mount
Abus Ultra 410 U-Lock + Cobra Cable Review
A lightweight U-lock that offers above average versatility but only moderate security and some frustrating design choices
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ February 11, 2026
RELATED: The Best Bike Locks of 2026
Our Verdict
This is a reliable, mid-tier U-lock that strikes a balance between security and portability for daily commuters, though it requires some patience to operate. Its 12mm, double-bolted, hardened steel shackle provides strong resistance to torsion and bolt-cutting attacks, making it ideal for low to moderate-risk urban environments. While its compact design makes it easy to transport, the locking mechanism can be finicky. The shackle often requires a firm, two-handed squeeze to align properly with the crossbar, and the captive-hoop frame bracket can be cumbersome to navigate. Overall, it is a decent-quality U-lock combo for those who want dependable protection without the weight of a heavy-duty chain, provided you don't mind a slight mechanical “wrestle” during your daily lock-up routine.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
The 410 is basic without being thoughtlessly cheap. Its most critical defensive feature is the double-bolting mechanism, which effectively locks the shackle into both sides of the solid crossbar. This means that a single cut through the lock's shackle won't reward a thief with your bike. Having a cable allows you to easily lock a quick-release wheel; however, cables like this offer minimal security.
Getting through the lock with an angle grinder took our testers just 12 seconds, while getting through the Abus Cobra cable took less than a second with a pair of inexpensive 24" bolt cutters.
On the upside, the lock and cable only weigh 2.8 pounds, so whether attached to your frame or in your bag, they're relatively easy to carry for a lock this size.
Dislikes
Our biggest issue with the 410 is that the shackle is slightly oversized (or improperly formed), so it doesn't fit easily into the bolt mechanism. Instead of just sliding the parts together, you have to insert one side and squeeze the shackle together, a move that can be difficult with keys in hand.
Furthermore, the frame mounting bracket uses a “captive hoop” design that requires the lock to be fully opened to mount or dismount it from the bike. While this may sound like a minor step when you're already stopping to lock your bike, the reality is far more cumbersome.
Trying to navigate the key into the crossbar while the lock is still tucked inside your frame's main triangle is an awkward, finicky process. It's a series of small design choices that prioritize security over user convenience, resulting in a locking experience that feels more like a chore than a quick transition.
Small enough to carry but large enough to reach unconventional anchor types.
Should You Buy the ABUS Ultra 410?
The ABUS Ultra 410 offers a decent weight-to-protection ratio over a smooth user experience. The 12mm double-bolted shackle provides good security for moderate-risk areas, but you'll need to tolerate some ergonomic quirks. We were expecting fine German engineering but found the lock to be more of a “fumble-fest.” If you want a lock that “just works” and you don't mind a little wrestling at the rack, the value here is hard to beat, but a few more dollars for a slightly heavier lock results in a smoother user experience and higher security.
What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?
If you're locking your bike up longer than a few hours, check out more secure options, such as the OnGuard Brute STD, which offers the most security per dollar spent on a bike lock. Or, if cost isn't an issue, go for the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock, which is the best bike lock for urban bike life when high security is a must.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Abus Ultra 410 U-Lock + Cobra Cable versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $72 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A lightweight U-lock that offers above average versatility but only moderate security and some frustrating design choices |
| Pros | U-lock and Cable versatility, Lightweight, Double bolting |
| Cons | Poor fit, Lackluster security, Unimpressive frame mount |
| Rating Categories | Abus Ultra 410 U-Loc... |
| Security (40%) | |
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |
| Ease of Use (20%) | |
| Versatility (15%) | |
| Specifications | Abus Ultra 410 U-Loc... |
| Type | U-Lock + cable |
| Time to Defeat Lock | 12 seconds |
| Measured Weight | 2.8 lbs |
| Locking Dimension | U-lock: 4.2" x 9", cable: 4' |
| Primary Materials/Thickness | 12mm hardened steel |
| Included Keys | 2 keys |
| Defeated by Tin Snips | No |
| Defeated by Hammer | No |
| Defeated by Hacksaw | No |
| Defeated by 24" Bolt Cutters | Cable: yes, U-lock: no |
| Number of Angle Grinder Cuts to Defeat Lock | 2 cuts |
—Joshua Hutchens
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