[ajoe90]

Just thought this crowd Almax Security here deserved a mention due to their superb service.

Have always been a bit worried about security ever since I had my Bandit1200 nicked a few years ago and although I’ve a few security measures at the house: locked side gate, sensor light, infrared sensor/alarm in shed, two ground anchors and 4 chains tying three of my bikes together. I was still very conscious of having that many bikes taken from me and being very aware that my security measures were maybe not quite as good as I thought they might be. The chains I have are all Oxford and Abus but to be honest, any half decent bolt cropper would probably have them off in a matter of seconds. This has been confirmed by many tests in the likes of Bike / Ride / etc magazines and the website above.

Having heard about Almax chains and seeing one in the flesh at one of the lad’s houses, I decided it was what was needed to secure my babies. Was trying to get through on the Monday but for some reason couldn’t so I tried later on in the afternoon. I rang after 6 (don’t ask me why, I fully expected them to be closed at that late hour) but to my surprise the phone was answered by none other than Maxine, the max in Almax. She’s co-owner of the company I think. She explained that after business hours they divert the calls to their home phone!!! Now that’s dedication.

So after describing what I was looking for and what I wanted to do as regards the way I was gonna lock the three bikes together. She did herself out of making more money by advising me on the best combination of products for my needs. I was fully prepared to pay full whack for the top of the range stuff they had on the website but Maxine advised me on exactly what I needed which turned out to be far cheaper for me in the end.

To cut a very long, informative, pleasant and worthwhile phonecall short for ye guys here, I walked away with a flippin huge mutha of a chain Series III + Cisa Lockand two impressive locks. Not only that, she knocked £67 Sterling off the web price and even threw in a free Kriega tail pack too. That was all even before she said “I usually give discounts to those guys on IBF over in Ireland”, I said I am one of those guys, to which she responded “ah sure, good thing I gave you the discount too so”

She said she’d put the order through the next day and have it all delivered by the end of the week, fat chance I thought but it would be great to have it if she did. Sure enough, it lands on my door lunchtime Friday!!!

Now I can sleep in peace knowing that the three bikes are all locked together with pretty much the best chain money can buy. I went for the 2.5metre series three with two locks so I can make a small loop onto the two bikes either end with the bike in the middle having the chain just pass right through it. There’s no way I can carry the chain anywhere as it weighs an absolute tonne so this one is for home use only but that’s ok as that’s why I bought it.

Will have to post up some pics but you’ll get the idea from the website anyway.

From memory I think they have only lost 6 bikes ever with these chains on:
1 they broke the concrete around the ground anchor to lift bike, chain and anchor away.
2 they knocked down a wall that the ground anchor was held onto to lift bike, chain and anchor away.
3 they cut down a telegraph pole to lift bike and chain away.
4 can't remember the rest but they were similar stories

*they = thieving scum filthbag fleabitten trash

Just thought these guys deserved a mention due to:

- the late out of hours call pickup
- sound honest advice without trying to make the most profit possible
- giving a big big discount for no reason at all
- for delivering in double quick time (72hrs)

This stuff aint cheap but in comparison to the cost of the bikes, it was negligible. And if you ring her up saying you're from IBF you'll get even cheaper prices than what's quoted on the website (plus you are not restricted to the combinations listed on the online shop).

ajoe90

PS I have no affiliation to this shop, was just impressed by the their quality and service, something missing from alot of establishments of late.

[proinnsias]

That is cracking service alright ... They're getting a bit of a reputation for that

I'm nearly tempted by their short-chain to stick in a pannier ... probably overbalance the bike though from the weight

[Fr Dougal]

If you search for ALmax in Youtube you will find some very interesting videos where they compare Almax with a host of other manufacturers using a boltcutters. Worth a watch. I can't get youtube in work so can't post up link

[carsQhere]

I'll happily vouch for every word of Ajoe's post as a very happy customer of Almax.

[skinner75]

carsQhere, on Jun 5 2008, 11:32 PM, said:

I'll happily vouch for every word of Ajoe's post as a very happy customer of Almax.

Yup - the chains are something else when you see them in the flesh.
I have the 2.5m Series 3 at home, and the 2m Series 4 in work, both with the Squire padlock.
One look at the bike chained up with those chains, and the thieving scum would most likely move on to look for something easier to have a go at I reckon.

[Nuts]

ajoe90, on Jun 5 2008, 04:45 PM, said:

The chains I have are all Oxford and Abus but to be honest, any half decent bolt cropper would probably have them off in a matter of seconds.

True. I had the biggest Oxfoird chain on my bike.

[steed400]

Expensive..... I think not

100 sterling for this baby >> Almax Immobiliser Series III + CISA 28550-67 Lock

Just entering credit details now

Thanks for the site.

[skinner75]

steed400, on Jun 6 2008, 12:25 PM, said:

Expensive..... I think not

100 sterling for this baby >> Almax Immobiliser Series III + CISA 28550-67 Lock

Just entering credit details now

Thanks for the site.

That is for the 0.7m chain - you are aware of that right? Having the 2m chain, I can safely say that the 0.7m chain will be next to impossible to get around the wheel of your bike and around something solid.

[steed400]

skinner75, on Jun 6 2008, 12:36 PM, said:

That is for the 0.7m chain - you are aware of that right? Having the 2m chain, I can safely say that the 0.7m chain will be next to impossible to get around the wheel of your bike and around something solid.

0.7 meters is just under 2.3 feet. With an anchor on the wall, I can't see any problem with that. And with an immobiler and datatool mecury tilt alarm fitted, safety is an item for me. I tend to park it (if away from home) in someones house that I know of. If it doesn';t work. I'll buy another one, as I'm considering getting a second bike before the end of the year.

After seeing those vids up on the site, makes you wonder just how safe is your bike nowadays?

[wesifumi]

Damn this being poor.

I have two locks on the Blade , but i don't feel they are enough,

I will definitly have to buy some of the almax gear when i get flush again.

Have two Abus chains and locks in my mum and dads that are now useless, one, someone has put summat down the key hole in, can't get the key in anymore, the other, the key is lost for.. Another thats gone was taken along with a bike....wasn't locked.Doh.

Nice one Aj, it's recommendations from other bikers that makes the difference in buying something or not.

[skinner75]

steed400, on Jun 6 2008, 01:03 PM, said:

0.7 meters is just under 2.3 feet. With an anchor on the wall, I can't see any problem with that. And with an immobiler and datatool mecury tilt alarm fitted, safety is an item for me. I tend to park it (if away from home) in someones house that I know of. If it doesn';t work. I'll buy another one, as I'm considering getting a second bike before the end of the year.

After seeing those vids up on the site, makes you wonder just how safe is your bike nowadays?

Just saying is all...

FYI, my 2m chain in work goes around a lamppost (with the back wheel approx 6" from the lamppost) and through the back wheel, but only just - no slack on it.
I reckon you'll need to have the wheel almost, if not touching the anchor, for the 0.7m chain to reach.
Just a heads up is all - I'm sure you could call up Almax and get the order changed for something a bit longer with no hassle.

It does say the 0.7m chain is designed with pushbikes in mind

[Delboy]

They're both very helpful and chatty to say the least. I was kept on the phone for about 45 mins when i first ordered my 1.5m chain, lock and anchor and then another 30 mins ordering just a 2m chain, because the 1.5 was a little short, i found.

I have great piece of mind knowing my baby is locked up with one of these, but i also have an oxford chain and anchor and a Xena alarmed disc lock. Must get a chain and lock for work though.

[xlr82nil8]

carsQhere, on Jun 5 2008, 11:32 PM, said:

I'll happily vouch for every word of Ajoe's post as a very happy customer of Almax.

+1
I've previously posted my experience with Almax

xlr82nil8, on Apr 27 2007, 12:21 PM, said:

http://www.almax-sec...y-chains.co.uk/

Excellent service from Almax and you get a GBP£10 discount if you mention you're a member of the IBF forum!
I was also given a further GBP£15 discount because my purchase was reasonably big and they're basically dead sound people
Getting delivery to Ireland you order over the phone (not online on their website), but it's a pleasure to deal with them coz they're good craic
It's a family (Alex and Maxine = Almax) run business and it shows in the effort and attention to detail they put in with your order...

I phoned and told them exactly what I wanted. But they didn't just ask me for credit card details to take payment - they started asking me several pertinent questions about my precise requirements. I was then advised to go with alternative goods which better suited my needs and cost just 60% of the price of the stuff I initially asked for!
iow they will sell you what you need - not what costs the most

Be advised that the Almax IV needs a ground anchor with 68mm space or the chain, and the Almax III needs a space of 58mm.

Almax

@steed400
skinner makes a good point. The chain will have to loop around your anchor then go around your wheel/sub/frame/etc. then back to the anchor. Unless you're using 2 locks (one looped at each end), but you've still to loop it at both ends.
If you phone them they'll give you the best advice (and an IBF discount) on exactly what's best for your needs

Al