u-lock recommendations

Hey gang.  I think this winter finally killed my old Master lock u-lock.  It had been sticking for a while but last night I could barely get it open to ride home, and once home couldn't open it at all to check it out.  Does anyone have a recommendation about a great lock they've been carrying around for a while?  Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by ad on March 16, 2011 at 4:27am

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.     

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on March 16, 2011 at 4:30am

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.  

Permalink Reply by Ryan L on March 16, 2011 at 4:55am
I carry a Kryptonite New York 3000 as well as a New York Forgettaboutit (both yellow). Last summer the 3000 started sticking so I put some grease on the locking parts of the arms and it's been fine since. After a while they get some rust build up, the grease keeps the metal from fusing while locked.
Permalink Reply by Vondo on March 16, 2011 at 6:30am
I have both the evo mini (orange) and the mini new york (yellow). My story is backwards, my yellow lock is the one with the wonky mechanism. Both are good locks, the yellow new york is heavier and thicker shackle, but still very easy to carry. One plus for the new york lock though, is that unlike the evo which uses "bent foot technology" both sides of the new york shackle need cutting in order to remove it. The evo only requires a thief to cut the straight side and then simply unhook the other side.
Permalink Reply by JeffB on March 16, 2011 at 8:47am

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.  

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on March 16, 2011 at 8:57am

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.  

Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on March 16, 2011 at 9:15am

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.

Permalink Reply by Jeremy on March 16, 2011 at 10:34am
Thanks for all the input everyone.  I know I shouldn't skimp on protection and everyone is driving that home.  I'll leave the thread up for now in case anyone else wants a referral in the future but I basically know what I should look for.  Thanks again!
Permalink Reply by ilter on March 17, 2011 at 1:47am

 

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..

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on March 17, 2011 at 1:54am

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!

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on March 17, 2011 at 4:38am
I use two semi-cheap u-locks: an OnGuard pitbull and a Kryptonite Evolution (it has a gray shackle). As my profile pic shows, I lock my front wheel and frame as well as my back wheel and frame- and if possible front and back both to a solid object. I am sure someone could cut through both of these locks of they wanted to, but I figure a thief may pass up a bike with two locks on it to target one with just one lock or one with a cable lock only first.
Permalink Reply by Sarah G on March 17, 2011 at 5:06am

This is a really helpful thread. I want to also mention that I started using Master Lock Street Cuffs to lock my trailer. I wanted something more than just a cable lock which is what most people use. I don't know if they are a good second lock or not, but I figured since they are used to lock motorcycles they might be a good option. Plus it comes with an anti-theft guarantee up to $3500. The cuffs are a bit heavy but I've found that I can lock the trailer to all kinds of posts, bike racks, and even park benches without too much trouble. Anybody else have experience with these or know if they are a good option? I've been using mine all winter and so far so good.

 

I'm glad to learn that I should be using multiple locking mechanisms, especially since more bikes are out and about and I presume it is now prime season for theft. Thanks!

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