I was surprised to find out that the Abus Steel O Flex cable has now earned top ratings from both Sold Secure and "Cycling Plus". That certainly sets it aside from other cable locks of equal weight and cost.

The "Cycling Plus" review was very positive, saying that opening the Abus SOF cable lock took them five minutes. A summary of the "Cycling Plus" review is posted on the website of an Abus dealer in the UK at: www.wiggle.co.uk ...then search for Abus Granit lock.

I've seen tests that indicate that opening BOTH shackles on the Fahgettaboudit or NY u-locks would take about ten or twelve minutes...and a crook must cut BOTH shackles when the lock is placed around the rear wheel and a beefy locking post. You can't cut just one shackle and "slip" the wheel through the narrow gap in the shackle. So, your choice is five minutes of protection with the SOF, versus ten or twelve minutes of protection with the Fahgettaboudit.

While "Googling" for more information on the Abus SOF, I found a post in a bike forum claiming that there is a "fast and easy" method to defeat the SOF, but the method was not stated (which was wise, if such a method actually does exist). Another post was from a guy who could not get the key mechanism on his SOF to work, and found Abus was unwilling to honor his warranty.

So, I'll happily stay with my Kryptonite and OnGuard u-locks.