Lock Recommendations ?

[Dirt]

I’ve got 2 of OnGuard’s top of the line U-locks, one of their mini-u-locks with chain and a Kryptonite NYC U-lock. All of them cost $60 or more. The NYC was close to $90. All have been rock solid and haven’t been wonky in any way, shape or form.

[Mark Blacknell]

Yeah, my two u-locks are OnGuard, and have been subjected to plenty of abuse over the years. Zero problems.

(I tend to prefer the mini-ulock b/c I can shove it in my pocket, but the bigger one is def more flexible.)

[vvill]

OnGuard has changed a bit over the years. My OnGuard from ~5 years ago is still rock solid and the one I leave at the rack at work. I bought a newer one last year and the key definitely does not turn as easily each time. There may be some options to touch it up that I need to explore.

I’m actually tempted to get one of the $100 Kryptonite 10/10 rated Fahgettaboudit chains since I never really need to take my work lock with me, and that way I will have 2x OnGuard U-locks for whatever other errands I’m running.

[chris_s]

@Mark Blacknell 21524 wrote:

(I tend to prefer the mini-ulock b/c I can shove it in my pocket, but the bigger one is def more flexible.)

Another advantage to mini u-locks: less space to get tools in to lever it open. I’m partial to my OnGuard Bulldog Mini – you’ll run into trouble with it trying to lock up to less conventional items like telephone poles and staircases though. I tend to avoid those anyway.

[rcannon100]

You guys see how to hack the old krypto locks with the O keys?

[video=youtube_share;t8XxcOj3Seo]http://youtu.be/t8XxcOj3Seo[/video]

Knocked Krypto out of the market for a while as I recall. OnGuard got the opportunity to grab market share. Now they all have those little flatish keys.

My key jammed on my OnGuard. I went back to krypto and the lock has been solid. I have a long narrow one, that makes it easy to lock front tire and frame to an inverted U bike rack.

[bikesnick]

someone told me that it is very important to fill the space in the U-lock, thereby leaving no room for a pry tool. i assume that means filling the U with the bike frame, front wheel, and to whatever the bike is being locked. it seems to me that would be dependent on the bike rack, pole, whatever.
is this a valid concern?

[Mark Blacknell]

@bikesnick 21536 wrote:

someone told me that it is very important to fill the space in the U-lock, thereby leaving no room for a pry tool. i assume that means filling the U with the bike frame, front wheel, and to whatever the bike is being locked. it seems to me that would be dependent on the bike rack, pole, whatever.
is this a valid concern?

It’s a valid concern in that it’s a legit strategy to make it harder for a thief to pry it open (as Chris S explains above). But I wouldn’t spend too much time looking for just the right space to make it happen (depends on the bike and location, I suppose). I generally lock up around the rear wheel/seat tube/rack, if I can.

RCannon – I quite remember that video (or a version), because I went straight to my own pile of Kryptonite locks, successfully opened them with a Bic, and threw them all away. Very annoyed.

And since we’re talking about locks, anyone have the Abus? http://www.abus-bordo.com/html_en/bikelock_bordo_granit_x_plus.html For some reason, I dig the design.

[Rootchopper]

I just had a similar problem with a Kryptonite U-lock. On a whim, I tried the unused, spare key. The lock worked like a charm. The key I have been using has rounded edges in its nooks and crannies from years of daily use. The new key’s edges are sharper and engage the lock mechanism. I ordered a new spare key for the lock instead of getting a new lock.

BTW, I have been using standard black and gray Kryptonite U-locks for over 20 years. Pretty happy with them.

[dasgeh]

@Mark Blacknell 21537 wrote:

And since we’re talking about locks, anyone have the Abus? http://www.abus-bordo.com/html_en/bikelock_bordo_granit_x_plus.html For some reason, I dig the design.

I have an Abus traditional U-lock, and it works fine. I agree the design of that Bordo looks cool!

[SerialCarpins]

Thanks for the replies….certainly is helpful to know that, like everything else, a few bad reviews don’t mean that a product is shot…

RCANNON-Yeah, I saw that video awhile back…luckily, I have never had any of those locks, so I was happy to not have to deal with that…and thanks for the recommendation…

ROOTCHOPPER-Yeah, I thought it might be the key, but like I said, I have always had problems with the key getting caught up and having to jiggle it to get it to work…I moved on from my original key to one of the spares, and have the same issues…It’s one of those things that I have been fine dealing with for years, but watching it degrade a lot recently has pushed me towards getting a new one…

DIRT, CHRIS, MARK, and VVILL-Thanks for your input…it helps to have some real world people weighing in…

And congrats on your recent 2000th post, Dirt.

[FFX_Hinterlands]

I have an Abus keyed chain lock (8mm chain I think). I use it in combination with an Abus Ring lock (aka wheel lock) with plug in cable. My other lock is a 3-year old OnGuard mid-level U-lock. No issues with any of them. I use them alone or in combinations as needed out here in the suburbs.

[brendan]

The few times I’ve dealt with jammed keys on my own or other locks it turned out that the key jammed because it wasn’t seated all the way down in the cylinder before it was turned. The application of patience and multiple people always ended up solving the problem: backing out, reseating the key and disengaging the lock. Not fun at night in the rain, though. A reminder to unlock your lock slowly and deliberately…

Folding plate locks haven’t held up well to test attacks, I wouldn’t recommend them.

Brendan

[KLizotte]

Remember that the insurance provided by most lock companies only lasts three years from the purchase of a lock. Yeah, it’s a frustrating way for them to force you to replace a perfectly good product but they set the rules.

Has anyone ever had any luck collecting on the insurance after a thief broke a lock?

[hencio]

@KLizotte 21973 wrote:

Has anyone ever had any luck collecting on the insurance after a thief broke a lock?

Unfortunately my lock was older than 3 years and was not eligible for the insurance. Kryptonite did give me an upgraded lock as u-lock to replace the cut one at least. I now use an evolution 4 for carry and a 10 pound on-guard beast chain for the office. That said, sadly, I’ll be replacing those in 3 years to get the be eligible for the insurance.

[SerialCarpins]

Thanks again for the replies, suggestions, and conversation…I decided to stick with OnGuard, though I went a bit heavy-duty…it also came with a cable that I can loop through the seat and other tire…I use this all in conjunction with another heavy-ish cable lock…I figure, a couple different designs couldn’t hurt to have. Thanks again, everyone!

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