General Cycling Discussion - Poll: Kryptonite or Onguard

Which brand of lock would you buy and why?

Onguard Bulldog Mini U-Lock and Cable. It's light and easy to carry and use.

ABUS, just because I like to be different :) I've got the Manhattan D-lock and the Steel-O-Flex 1000 cable lock. I like the design of both.

I know nothing about Onguard- they didn't turn up in any of the of the reviews I found when I was doing my research. And the Kryptonite barrel locks just looked like a dubious security proposition. Amusingly enough, this opinion was soon validated after I bought my locks.

I have an OnGuard, but could not find a mini in Australia. :( The OnGuard locks have had excellent keys for yonks. AFAIK Kryptonite keys now resemble OnGuard ones after the barrel key/Bic pen fiasco.

I use both. Soldsecure tests and rates locks as "Gold", "Silver" and "Bronze" (meaning "high security", "medium security", and "minimal security". The "Gold" and "Silver" ratings are dominated by Kryptonite and OnGuard (including OnGuard's UK "discount" brand, "Magnum").

The Kryptonite New York 3000 ranks a bit higher than OnGuard's best lock, the OnGuard Brute. The New York 3000 uses a "cut resistant" steel that makes it both tougher and lighter than the Brute.

The "best buy" bike locks are the OnGuard Pitbull, and its Magnum brother. Those models can often be found for under $30, yet still provide the "Silver" level of security of $50 Kryptonite models.

As the rankings at SoldSecure indicated, NONE of the cable lock models from Kryptonite or OnGuard obtained a "Gold" rating. Cable locks are just a neon sign telling experienced street thugs: "Get your FREE bike right here". A skilled crook can open a cable lock faster with his tools than YOU can using your key.

Contrary to "myth", Abus does not make a "better" bike lock. Abus sells locks in all price ranges. Kryptonite and OnGuard locks test as well, or better, than Abus locks in SoldSecure and Cycling Plus testing in each price category.

Good stuff, alan. :)

I'd probably go with one of the big Kryptonite's if I needed a serious lock, but lugging it around would be the problem.

BTW - do you know what the rating is on "The Club"?

Another Abus U-lock here, combined with a Basta frame mounted rear wheel lock. Regarding the actual poll question ("which brand you trust more"), I think all brands mentioned in this thread make good locks. There are many subjective variables to be considered (where you live, how and where you park your bike, lock availability and cost etc.)

For me the Abus-Basta combination has worked well (knocks on wood).

--J

Kryptonite earned my business.

Excellent customer service during the "troubles" (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67493)
Didn't deny the problem like a certain other company (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67066)
Rectified the problem WITHOUT having to be sued by anyone (There was a {No** Class Action suit brought about AFTER the fact by some greedy lawers)
Handled the replacement with no cash outlay from me

Any idea of the security rating of the kryptonite cables? It must be low.
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetisscripts/abtinetis.exe/PublicArticleDetails@public?artid=2704&atf=products_item&pgrp=20

Cables are recommended as a secondary deterrent, or for additional protection of quick-release components and accessories.

its hard not to think of the bic pen phenomenon when thinking about kryptonite... ill stick with onguard

Eh, my Kryptonite Monte Verde works good enough for me.

Kryptonite earned my business.

Excellent customer service during the "troubles" (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67493)
Didn't deny the problem like a certain other company (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67066)
Rectified the problem WITHOUT having to be sued by anyone (There was a {No** Class Action suit brought about AFTER the fact by some greedy lawers)
Handled the replacement with no cash outlay from me

I agree. Sure, it took some people a long time to get their replacements, but I was impressed with the way Kryptonite bit the bullet and took a huge hit with little fuss from their end. I've come to pretty much expect the opposite these days, what with Enron, Worldcom, et al.

As soon as Kryptonite's are back in regular stock at the local bike shops (last time I checked, they had still pulled all except the combo locks, which were sold out), I'm buying one.

...do you know what the rating is on "The Club"?

Although the "Bike Club" is still sold by some on-line dealers, "Winner International" no longer imports the "Bike Club". I have a "Bike Club Ultra" that I still use for "light" security. It has a pickproof "flat" key, and adjusts to fit snugly around the tire and locking post, leaving no room for prying tools. "Bicycling" gave it a "medium" rating some years back.

IF (and ONLY if) the design of the "Bike Club Ultra" was combined with the high quality steel used for the New York 3000, it would be the "ultimate" bike lock. Light, compact, pickproof, and pryproof.

The closest U-locks in weight and convenience to the "Bike Club Ultra" is the Kryptonite Evolution Mini or the OnGuard Bulldog Mini.

Thx for the 411, alan. But really, who wants to lug these boat anchors around unless they absolutely have to?

Thx for the 411, alan. But really, who wants to lug these boat anchors around unless they absolutely have to?
It's actually fairly common for commuters to leave the heavy locks at the destination point rather than carry them.

It's actually fairly common for commuters to leave the heavy locks at the destination point rather than carry them.

Right, if you're able to do that then no prob. :)