Help & FAQs    Search BCF    Members    Groups    Events Calendar
Resend my activation email : Register : Log in 
BCF: Bike Chat Forums


Almax chains, are they worth the £££'s?

 Reply to topic
Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
View previous topic : View next topic  
Author Message

Az
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Apr 2013
Karma :
PostPosted: 19:45 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Almax chains, are they worth the £££'s? Reply with quote
My padlock for my chain has decided to stop working (luckily while the bike wasn't attached to it) and i figured i need a new chain and lock anyway as my chain is no where near the best chain (cheap £30 chain and padlock from eBay) and was only meant to be temp' but ended up keeping it for a year.

Been looking at Almax chains, more specifically the 0.75m Almax 4 & squire lock for £150

Is it really worth the £150 or is their a matching or better alternative for less, or even the same money? Almax seem to state alot of facts about their product, but how true is it? Are they really "Impervious to hand bolt cropper attacks! and Hacksaws useless!" and the "worlds toughest security chain" ?

Anyone own one and had any good or bad experiences?

Thanks in advance, Az Smile

Last edited by Az on 19:53 - 20 Nov 2013; edited 1 time in total
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Slacker24seve...
World Chat Champion



Joined: 10 May 2010
Karma :
PostPosted: 19:51 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Watch their video on YouTube, then decide.
____________________
Triumph Daytona 675 track bike + girlfriend's Honda Hornet 600
Selling a hack/winter bike for less than a grand? PM me.
Banger rallies are ace
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

sabian92
World Chat Champion



Joined: 21 Oct 2012
Karma :
PostPosted: 19:55 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yes.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Az
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Apr 2013
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:02 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Slacker24seven wrote:
Watch their video on YouTube, then decide.


Video's impressive man, he really went at it...
and in the comments below he also mentioned the padlock was just as hard to get through.

Im convinced i'll get an Almax chain unless someone can show me something better for the same value.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Nick 50
World Chat Champion



Joined: 24 Jul 2011
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:03 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Had one and they do the business and make other chains (Oxford etc etc) look pants.

That being said, I would suggest getting a 1.5m length at the least if you want to tie the bike to something solid.

Yes they are expensive, but:

1: They are much cheaper than claiming on your insurance for your bike wandering...

2: Hold their value really well. I sold mine earlier in the year and the ad was up 20 mins before it went and I got about 60% back of what I paid new.

So yep, they are worth it Thumbs Up

Edit**

Pragmasis do very similar security chains too, but they are around the same price.

https://securityforbikes.com/products.php?cat=High+Security+Chain+and+Lock+deals
____________________
Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

27cows
World Chat Champion



Joined: 01 Nov 2009
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:07 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Having seen CCTV footage of some pikey scum making all manner of increasingly desperate attempts to break one and failing miserably, would have to say that yes, they are.

You can't put a price on peace of mind. Unfortunately there are shitstains out there who will do the max possible damage to the bike if they're not able to nick it Evil or Very Mad
____________________
The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

sabian92
World Chat Champion



Joined: 21 Oct 2012
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:08 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Nick 50 wrote:
Pragmasis do very similar security chains too, but they are around the same price.

https://securityforbikes.com/products.php?cat=High+Security+Chain+and+Lock+deals


I've got a pragmasis something or other and it's about 10kg. It's so bloody heavy you can do bicep curls with it Laughing They are solid locks though. About par with Almax for safety.

To be honest if some scote nicked anything with an almax or a pragmasis chain locking it then they deserve the thing they nicked.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Az
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Apr 2013
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:09 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Nick 50 wrote:
Had one and they do the business and make other chains (Oxford etc etc) look pants.

That being said, I would suggest getting a 1.5m length at the least if you want to tie the bike to something solid.

Yes they are expensive, but:

1: They are much cheaper than claiming on your insurance for your bike wandering...

2: Hold their value really well. I sold mine earlier in the year and the ad was up 20 mins before it went and I got about 60% back of what I paid new.

So yep, they are worth it Thumbs Up

Edit**

Pragmasis do very similar security chains too, but they are around the same price.

https://securityforbikes.com/products.php?cat=High+Security+Chain+and+Lock+deals


That's a good point about the length, will probably just pay the extra few quid and get a 1.5m
And how heavy is it? Could u put it in a rucksack or top box and be okay riding or is it too heavy to carry around?

Last edited by Az on 20:11 - 20 Nov 2013; edited 1 time in total
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Nick 50
World Chat Champion



Joined: 24 Jul 2011
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:10 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
I'm presently trying to pursuade my Uni to allow me to do a project around these security chains and how much abuse they will take. Fingers crossed they let me as it would be good to get an independent test of all the chains out there.
____________________
Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Nick 50
World Chat Champion



Joined: 24 Jul 2011
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:13 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
HondaAz wrote:


That's a good point about the length, will probably just pay the extra few quid and get a 1.5m
And how heavy is it? Could u put it in a rucksack or top box and be okay riding or is it too heavy to carry around?


It can, but you need a very strong bag and I wouldn't do it regularly though.

I done it once with a 2m chain when i went to a gig. It felt like I was carry Vanessa Feltz in my bag, they are seriously heavy.
____________________
Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Rigga
World Chat Champion



Joined: 29 Nov 2012
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:14 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
I've got an almax S4 1.5m with squires lock . It's a beast, takes the piss out of my previous one which at the time I thought was heavy duty.
It's a hefty thing though and takes a bit of manoeuvring to get through swing arm and chain etc.
But yeah I real quality piece of kit and that lock is awesome too!
____________________
Current bike: Honda CBR 1100xx
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Az
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Apr 2013
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:15 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Nick 50 wrote:
I'm presently trying to pursuade my Uni to allow me to do a project around these security chains and how much abuse they will take. Fingers crossed they let me as it would be good to get an independent test of all the chains out there.


Sounds good mate, good luck with doing that and keep us updated if u do get round to doing it Smile

Will be an expensive project though, with chains at around £80-100+ each! (Almax one's anyway)
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Nick 50
World Chat Champion



Joined: 24 Jul 2011
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:18 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
HondaAz wrote:
Nick 50 wrote:
I'm presently trying to pursuade my Uni to allow me to do a project around these security chains and how much abuse they will take. Fingers crossed they let me as it would be good to get an independent test of all the chains out there.


Sounds good mate, good luck with doing that and keep us updated if u do get round to doing it Smile

Will be an expensive project though, with chains at around £80-100+ each! (Almax one's anyway)


I am hoping Almax and Pragmasis would donate some links for low cost for testing as they should come out top. Plus Almax is about 3 miles down the road from Uni so it would be beneficial for them to have links with the Uni with the metallurgy expertise it has.
____________________
Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

sabian92
World Chat Champion



Joined: 21 Oct 2012
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:18 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
HondaAz wrote:


That's a good point about the length, will probably just pay the extra few quid and get a 1.5m
And how heavy is it? Could u put it in a rucksack or top box and be okay riding or is it too heavy to carry around?


I'd avoid a backpack. If you crash you can do your back some properly serious damage with it. Also don't wrap it around you either as if you crash you may as well just get up in a morning and get some big bruiser to hit you with a metal bat. Honestly, they're proper heavy duty and they will smash your ribs/organs/back if you land on it during a crash. I'd get either a top box (but if you have a little bike it's a lot of weight behind the rear wheel) or get a seatpack thing.

Mines the 1.5m one and it's about 10kg. It's also bright orange Very Happy

Last edited by sabian92 on 20:29 - 20 Nov 2013; edited 2 times in total
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

J.M.
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Mar 2011
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:20 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
I carry my 1.5m 19mm Series IV in a tail pack. It's lighter than a pillion.
____________________
2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Ste
Not Work Safe



Joined: 01 Sep 2002
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:21 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
HondaAz wrote:
Could u put it in a rucksack or top box and be okay riding or is it too heavy to carry around?

A rucksack might not be the best plan but a top box or soft luggage would be fine.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

Az
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Apr 2013
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:22 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
sabian92 wrote:
I'd avoid a backpack. If you crash you can do your back some properly serious damage with it. Also don't wrap it around you either as if you crash you may as well just get up in a morning and get some big bruiser to hit you with a metal bat. Honestly, they're proper heavy duty and they will smash your ribs/organs/back if you land on it during a crash. I'd get either a top box (but if you have a little bike it's a lot of weight behind the rear wheel) or get a seatpack thing.

Mines the 1.5m one and it's about 10kg. It's also bright orange Very Happy


Yeah... i don't like the idea of smashing my ribs, back and organs lol

Think i may keep the chain at home or invest in a top box when i do get it Smile
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

sabian92
World Chat Champion



Joined: 21 Oct 2012
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:30 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
HondaAz wrote:
sabian92 wrote:
I'd avoid a backpack. If you crash you can do your back some properly serious damage with it. Also don't wrap it around you either as if you crash you may as well just get up in a morning and get some big bruiser to hit you with a metal bat. Honestly, they're proper heavy duty and they will smash your ribs/organs/back if you land on it during a crash. I'd get either a top box (but if you have a little bike it's a lot of weight behind the rear wheel) or get a seatpack thing.

Mines the 1.5m one and it's about 10kg. It's also bright orange Very Happy


Yeah... i don't like the idea of smashing my ribs, back and organs lol

Think i may keep the chain at home or invest in a top box when i do get it Smile


Here's mine: https://imgur.com/a/kniSO

Yeah, definitely. You can get cheapo Chinese top boxes for under £30 on eBay. I got my 45 litre one for a YBR125 for about £35 because my helmet wouldn't fit in a smaller one Laughing
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:33 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
HondaAz wrote:
And how heavy is it? Could u put it in a rucksack or top box and be okay riding or is it too heavy to carry around?

Tank bag, or tail pack on the pillion seat. You'll scoop either one used on eBay for £10-£15 delivered if you're patient and not fussy.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Ste
Not Work Safe



Joined: 01 Sep 2002
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:38 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Rogerborg wrote:
You'll scoop either one used on eBay for £10-£15 delivered if you're patient and not fussy.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350919262152

Carries 28 lites of Red Bull. Thumbs Up
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

Az
World Chat Champion



Joined: 16 Apr 2013
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:48 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Ste wrote:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350919262152

Carries 28 lites of Red Bull. Thumbs Up


does it just strap to your rear seat? Looks very good for £15. Didn't even know you could get rear seat luggage Thumbs Up
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Turkish
Crazy Courier



Joined: 09 May 2012
Karma :
PostPosted: 20:54 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
The 4 is pointless. No one in their right mind would try to crop even the 3 by hand and a grinder/hydraulic croppers will make light work of either.

I recently bought a 2m Almax 3. It weighs about 10kg and it is seriously chunky. I think the 4 would be more tricky to get through certain parts of the bike.

Go for a longer chain if you can, too.
____________________
ZX-6R G2
CBR125R RW6
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Im-a-Ridah
World Chat Champion



Joined: 20 Oct 2006
Karma :
PostPosted: 21:26 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
They're not really meant to be taken with you.

The main problem with them isnt the strength of the chain, but that the chain is only as strong as what is on each end. Ground anchors would also be a weak point or the concrete they sit in.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Yamaha Jim
Borekit Bruiser



Joined: 22 Sep 2013
Karma :
PostPosted: 22:22 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
nothing stops
https://lauramartinexploreproccess.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/burbery-chav.jpg

with

https://s3.amazonaws.com/Reconsales/800/g18dl.jpg
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Ichy
World Chat Champion



Joined: 15 Jul 2005
Karma :
PostPosted: 22:47 - 20 Nov 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
27cows wrote:


You can't put a price on peace of mind. Unfortunately there are shitstains out there who will do the max possible damage to the bike if they're not able to nick it Evil or Very Mad


I've seem footage of them take an angle grinder to the bike then literally throw it in a van.
____________________
https://www.metacafe.com/watch/1972097/how_to_behave_on_a_forum/
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts
Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 12 years, 40 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
  Display posts from previous:   
This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat All times are GMT
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 
 You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum

Read the Terms of Use! - Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
 
Debug Mode: ON - Server: birks (www) - Page Generation Time: 0.08 Sec - Server Load: 0.55 - MySQL Queries: 13 - Page Size: 132.67 Kb