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Kryptonite Evolution Mini:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AMPRG0/ref=asc_df_B000AMPRG01467886?sm...
A very manageable to carry size/weight, and strong enough that it would take an angle grinder to defeat it quickly. Only problem some people have with the lock is that it will not be long or wide enough to fit through a frame and wheel. I get around that by using the ulock to lock the frame to a post and a heavy duty flex cable to secure my wheels and saddle to the ulock.
Here's a past thread that you might find helpful.
Personally, I carry two Kryptonite Evo (the orange ones) u-locks and a 4' length of cable. I have heard that the On Guard line of u-locks are also excellent, but Martin (on this site) has mentioned that he has had to cut a number of these off owners' bikes due to malfunction of the locking mechanism.
What Kevin said basically.
Would be interested to hear whether On-Guard has addressed the mechanism problems.
I carry one gray-barrel Kryptonite and one yellow-barrel Krptonite.
I have an orange somewhere but it's too heavy for everyday lugging around IMO.
As Ryan indicated the cheaper Kryptos can develop lock problems that can sometimes be alleviated with some lubrication-- however I've been using the ones with the cover that you rotate over the lock, and been diligent about covering them, and have significantly cut down on those sort of problems.
If money is an issue you're better off with two of the cheaper Kryptos than one of the heavier ones in my opinion-- having a second locking point prevents some types of thefts popular with the street folks.
Kevin Conway said:
Here's a past thread that you might find helpful.
Personally, I carry two Kryptonite Evo (the orange ones) u-locks and a 4' length of cable. I have heard that the On Guard line of u-locks are also excellent, but Martin (on this site) has mentioned that he has had to cut a number of these off owners' bikes due to malfunction of the locking mechanism.
I've also had problems with the On-Guard locking mechanism. I was just lucky that mine failed before I had locked up my bike, not after. I insert the key, but cannot turn it. It wasn't very old either.
Since then I've been happy with my Kryptonite Evolution series 4 (orange). I tried the Fugeddaboutit, but it was too narrow for my needs; it wouldn't fit around the post in my bldg's basement.
Kevin Conway said:
Here's a past thread that you might find helpful.
Personally, I carry two Kryptonite Evo (the orange ones) u-locks and a 4' length of cable. I have heard that the On Guard line of u-locks are also excellent, but Martin (on this site) has mentioned that he has had to cut a number of these off owners' bikes due to malfunction of the locking mechanism.
I like the OnGuard brute, but it is one heavy lock. I haven't had any trouble with either mine or my wife's but I regularly lubricate them with petro-based graphite lock lubricating compound (pure graphite leaks out and makes a mess). I'm a little bit detail-oriented OCD about that kind of stuff. That's just 2 locks and isn't much of a data set. I have a hard time believing they will go bad with regular maintenance.
There really isn't any substitute for a big weighty lock if you want to defeat the most attacks but like others have said what's an extra 10-15 seconds under the angle-grinder? Some feel it isn't worth it to carry the extra mass around. I'm no weight queen so I really don't care. The weight is comforting to me if not always comfortable...
Besides, I can use the extra workout.
I had an OnGuard Bulldog that worked fine for two years (given some T9 lube in the frozen locking mechanism) until the entire sleeve of the shackle just fell off. I use it to keep my beater locked to a stop sign so I don't have to haul it out of the basement when I want to get some eggs and it works for that, but I wouldn't buy another.
Unless you have locking skewers I'd stay away from the mini locks and even the medium sized ones. They are slightly less weight, and it looks cool to ride around with a lock sticking out of your back pocket, but they make it anywhere from harder to impossible to lock a wheel and the frame to some of the more common racks.
I use one orange Kryptonite and have had no problems with it. Carrying a light cable lock too probably isn't a bad idea; just makes it that much more of a pain for someone. Best practice is to use two u-locks (that's what commuters who have to leave their bikes tied up for hours every day should do) but if someone wants to get it they will. The best thing is just to lock it where you can keep an eye on it and to not leave it untended for too long.
By the way, Sheldon Brown argues a mini u-lock is sufficient, as it does not necessarily have to go around the frame to secure the frame.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html
Sorry if mentioned earlier..
Sheldon had some good ideas but when it comes to his locking theory of using only the rear wheel through the rear triangle he's totally wrong.
Gone in 20 seconds!
For those who point out that it ruins the wheel remember that finding another rear wheel to replace the one sawed is not a difficult feat for a thief!
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