Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Which mini u-lock?

Looking to buy a mini u-lock, but can't decide between the kryptonite evolution mini and the onguard pitbull mini. I'm sick of carrying around my 5 pound chain. I ride a lemond nevada city (entry level bike) in NYC, so I need something pretty damn secure, but I won't be losing thousands if it's stolen. Has any website compared the two? Anyone have experience with these?

Thanks.

You'll be fine with either or. Stick to Kryptonite if you're sincerely unsure.

I just picked up a krypto mini this past weekend, super tough, came with a cool key with integrated light.
neato

I have a bulldog mini that works just fine for me.
cut the rubber off the U and wrap it with a layer or two of electrical tape and you will be able to lock to stuff easier as it gives you some extra space.

I looked at the bulldog mini but ended up with the krypto evo mini because it was just slightly smaller and fit into my back pocket. I don't know if that makes a difference to you. The krypto has been great for me...

i like the size of the mini krypto, didn't mind paying 60 bucks for a decent lock

Thanks for all the comments. Both seem pretty great. My only concern with the krypto mini is that it only locks on one side, whereas the onguard locks on both sides and costs a bit less.

Both locks will offer basically equally protection I'd reckon. My friend has the pitbull and the build quality is strong, it feels pretty hefty. You can get a mini online for about the same price if you look/care enough.

Just picked up my Kryptonite today...

ive got the krpto, but only because it was the only mini at the shop. later on i realized it fit perfectly into the side pocket in my reload midpack. given a choice, that would have been a + for the krypto.

anyone take the rubber off their Krypto Evo?

krypto is smaller

There is a thread about this from circa 2004 or 2005. Can't recall the poster's name, but he definitely knew his stuff about locks. You should try searching that out, as it had solid data on lock quality.

I have a bunch of different locks, including the Kryptonite Mini Evo. I really like it, have had zero problems in five years.

I do recall though that the Onguard Mini Pitbull (I think that is the better one over the Bulldog) tested a bit higher. Can't remember why...maybe as someone wrote because it locks on both sides?

But, to second what people have written - both are great locks and if used properly should keep your ride in your hands. I use my Evo Mini around my rear triangle and a decent cable lock on my front wheel frame for low theft/daylight campus locking and two u-locks for night locks/high theft spots. On any bicycle that is halfway decent, a stolen wheel can cost as much to replace as half of the original bike cost if you purchased it stock. Just a PSA. And, your stuff can get stolen anywhere, so never assume you are safe. Keep those bikes locked:)

Found the thread and the poster...
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=105424&highlight=lock+rating

Alanbikehouston knows his stuff about locks. Check out that thread.

And...
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=236702&highlight=lock+rating

Never taken the rubber off a Mini, but if you get good at locking, the small amount of "reach" that gives you shouldn't be that necessary. I've been locking in a big U.S. city for five years with a Krypto mini...parking meters, hand railings, et cetera and never had a problem with my Mini being too small.

onguard mini bulldog tc because it's about $20-25, while the kryptonite is $40+

I like how it locks on both sides because then I can slide the cylinder part straight over the U, instead of having to bend it into the curved portion of the U like in the krypto. Makes it a little easier to lock imo especially if it's a tight fit.

Lock testing sites:
http://www.soldsecure.com/Leisure.htm
http://www.stichtingart.nl/sloten_resultaat.asp

FWIW,I have both Kryptos and OnGuards,the Kyptos have a smoother action and aren't as finicky to how carefully you turn the key. I had a couple friends who were locked together spend 30min playing with an OnGuard because a couple of the anti-pick discs had turned. Never had it happen to me,but I'm always real careful with the OnGuards.

I had a couple friends who were locked together spend 30min playing with an OnGuard because a couple of the anti-pick discs had turned. Never had it happen to me,but I'm always real careful with the OnGuards.

Yeah I think I had that happen to me. Key went in, wouldn't turn, wouldn't come back out. Locked my bike and my friend's bike to a railing with one. Man that sucked for about 10 minutes.

I've only had my Krypto Mini for about a month now, but oh man, so much nicer than hauling around a chain.

is there a Fahgettaboudit mini? what are the options for mini u-locks besides the pitbull, bulldog, evolution mini..? or is that it? I use a bulldog and it's great, but I want to get a 2nd lock for extra security.

krypto mini

http://messengerofdoom.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/fabrichorseholster.jpg

I have a krypto and have had some problems unlocking it on two occasions. The key slides in easily but wont unlock it. I also know another guy that has had the same problem with his. I don't know if others have had this issue but I'll be trying the onguard next.

ive got the ongaurd and its never let me down

I personally have seen four OnGuard locks freeze up. I have never had a problem with either Kryptonite or Abus.

i have the bulldog mini u. well, at least i own it, and it's in m4bandit's car. i need to get it back.

anyway, the yellow bumper things on the bulldog rip off when you look at them. so when those are gone, the rubarized skin that covers the lock cylinder and helps keep metal on paint starts scraping off if you sneeze too close to it. other than the skin and all the exterior stuff, the lock is pretty solid. unlike the cheap bell i was using before, you can't take the key out unless it's locked so it helps make sure you locked it, if you're forgetfull like me (leaving your atm card in the atm machine sucks dick)

i like it. it's cheap(er), fits in my back pocket. and would probably hurt someone if i swung it at them.

Anyone ever use the Masterlock Street Cuffs? Supposed to be no room for prying tools. Light, and they swivel for ease of use.

I have a krypto and have had some problems unlocking it on two occasions. The key slides in easily but wont unlock it. I also know another guy that has had the same problem with his. I don't know if others have had this issue but I'll be trying the onguard next.

Used to have this problem with my big krypto; dripped some lube in there and it's been buttery smooth ever since.

Anyone ever use the Masterlock Street Cuffs? Supposed to be no room for prying tools. Light, and they swivel for ease of use.

These?

http://www.masterlock.com/images/istore/187068_8200dpro_large.jpg

I think a hammer, or just about any large blunt object, would make short work of them. They are overpriced too.

Used to have this problem with my big krypto; dripped some lube in there and it's been buttery smooth ever since.

I think I've read somewhere that if you don't use a certain kind of lubricant: carbon dust or something like that. You risk attracting dirt, and similar kinds of things that lubricant can attract, that will only mess up your lock. Though I, kind of, hope not. I also experience similar difficulties opening my Kryptonite Mini: Key not turning very easily. I'm pretty sure that lube would solve that, but I'm afraid that the dirt that the lube would/may attract would in the long term, cause more harm than good.

These?

http://www.masterlock.com/images/istore/187068_8200dpro_large.jpg

I think a hammer, or just about any large blunt object, would make short work of them. They are overpriced too.

Yeah, I've heard of people breaking those by using the bike as leverage, they just twist and the link in the middle will snap.

A lock is only as strong as its weakest point.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Lubricate-a-Lock-Using-Graphite-From-a-Penc/

I should have did a little bit more thought, before posting my previous reply :P

ON another note, regarding the Pitbull Mini, locking on both sides. I don't know much about the Pitbull lock, but I do know a bit about Kryptonites: Kryptonite has recently (?) introduced a new kind of locking mechanism, their Evolution Series 4, that locks on both sides, kind of like the Pitbull. By locking to both sides of the "U" shape, it makes the new series 4 invulnerable to being opened by only cutting one side of the "U", because the it slots into the bottom locking part (I don't know the technical terminology) preventing the lock from swinging open. Meaning that BOTH sides of the lock must be cut to release it.

Kryptonite has yet to use this Series 4 technology, in a mini. But when they do, I'd be very interested/inclined in upgrading to it.

Go for the krypto mini. I have the krypto new york fugeddaboutit and its ****ing massive and heavy as ****. but the mini is perfect :)

Actually... those were my sentiments a few weeks ago. Riding with it daily now it feels more like a wallet... I don't even notice it's there. :)

+1 for the krypto cool light key. Everyone thinks its a car key. You push the logo and a light pointed where you're gonna jab the key lights up. So when you're stabbing some hyphy mofo you can see where you're gonna stab him.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2475960178_24243c26e7.jpg

I think I've read somewhere that if you don't use a certain kind of lubricant: carbon dust or something like that. You risk attracting dirt, and similar kinds of things that lubricant can attract, that will only mess up your lock. Though I, kind of, hope not. I also experience similar difficulties opening my Kryptonite Mini: Key not turning very easily. I'm pretty sure that lube would solve that, but I'm afraid that the dirt that the lube would/may attract would in the long term, cause more harm than good.

What I put in there was some Phil's Tenacious Oil. It's been as smooth as ever since; been that way for about a year now, so, no negative side effects from it here (aside from just after lubrication when the damn lock opened WAY too easily compared to what I was used to and fell right on my toe.)

I figure if you can't use the lock due to it jamming anyway, the risk is worth it.

is there a Fahgettaboudit mini? what are the options for mini u-locks besides the pitbull, bulldog, evolution mini..? or is that it? I use a bulldog and it's great, but I want to get a 2nd lock for extra security.

The Fahgettaboudit is only .5" longer than the Evolution-Mini, however, the shackle is MUCH thicker so not only does it not fit into the back of trendy jean pockets, but it also weighs twice as much.

Also, to OP & others in NY, Kryptonite will ONLY insure the 'New York' locks in NY. So if the OP is looking for a small lock for function, I would recommend the Fahgettaboudit (size reasons above). Having a bike stolen is no fun no matter how you cut it (no pun intended), whether the bike be $3,000 or $500.

Fahgettaboudit: 3.5" x 6"
Evolution-Mini: 3.5" x 5.5"

The wider shackle makes the Fahgettaboudit look much bigger however.

Anyone ever use the Masterlock Street Cuffs? Supposed to be no room for prying tools. Light, and they swivel for ease of use.

I've heard they don't do well in tests. There's a guy over in the Commuting forum who's death on them. He had one and something happened(don't remember what) and now he hates on all things Master Lock.

Sidenote: awhile back in the motorcycling world,some company was offering these dogbone shaped things that were designed to slide over the shackle of a U lock to help brace it up and take up space. Anyone ever see these for bike locks?

I've heard they don't do well in tests. There's a guy over in the Commuting forum who's death on them. He had one and something happened(don't remember what) and now he hates on all things Master Lock.

Sidenote: awhile back in the motorcycling world,some company was offering these dogbone shaped things that were designed to slide over the shackle of a U lock to help brace it up and take up space. Anyone ever see these for bike locks?

I bought some about 15 years ago. They were called Bad Bones or something like that IIRC. I still have them in my parts box.

Another +1 for the Kryptonite Mini. I also have a Fahgettaboudit but I use the Mini 99% of the time and have never had a problem. Oh and those cuffs are total s**t.

+1 for the krypto cool light key. Everyone thinks its a car key. You push the logo and a light pointed where you're gonna jab the key lights up. So when you're stabbing some hyphy mofo you can see where you're gonna stab him.

onguard locks come with a light key as well. I have had no problems with my bulldog mini tc, and the price was great.

I got my krypto in the mail today and On all the keys besides the big one I can only turn it half way and it wont unlock.... sigh

1)I had street cuffs and they were not light, they were a pain in the ass to use (unlock it twice everytime you use it) and then I read they are easy to break apart.

2)Krypto is undeniabley the strong favorite. They are well known for quality. The Evo fits in a back pocket. I have one that gets some use but...

3)My favorite: The Soma Anti-Jack . It is slightly smaller and thinner than the Kryto Evo. Therefore, I always grab it when I'm going out. That little bit of smaller size really makes a difference. Yet it seems just as strong as the Krypto. Its cheaper in price, too.

Can you link where to buy the soma antijack online? I thought they were longer than the krypto mini

Got my Evo mini in the mail today for 44.99

Compared to the Evo mini LS I had before, it is just as functional, and easy to lock, but in a smaller package.

I got my krypto in the mail today and On all the keys besides the big one I can only turn it half way and it wont unlock.... sigh

Contact Kryptonite, they have excellent customer service.

Can you link where to buy the soma antijack online? I thought they were longer than the krypto mini

they come in different sizes.

does soma's store not have them? http://store.somafab.com/anlosy.html

Can you link where to buy the soma antijack online? I thought they were longer than the krypto mini

They are - 3x7

http://www.cactusoutdoors.com/store/product/11208/Soma-Anti-Jack-U-Lock-3x7/

You probably want to hear from people who have HAD their bikes stolen aswell. Find out what they were using. It's kind of a hind sight question. People who still have their bikes assume their locks worked but maybe nobody attempted to steal them and could've been just as secure with a shoelace.
My 0.02

I have the krypto mini and i love it. i took the metal bracket piece that allows you to connect it to the bike by the other bracket and used 3m vinyl tape in place of it. looks nice and clean now, fits in my back pocket, works well!

The Kryptonite and OnGuard mini u-locks are about equal in quality, but the "bent foot" of the Kryptonite makes it easier and faster to get on and off.

Even with an old "beater" bike, I don't think a mini lock is enough security for a bike that will be out of your sight for more than fifteen minutes or so. When I use a mini u-lock, I also use a beefy cable lock long enough to lock the front wheel to the frame. I use the u-lock to attach the rear wheel to a steel post set in concrete. Crooks are lazy, and will target a bike with one lock before a bike with two locks.

But, remember: a really skilled crook with the right power tools can open ANY lock in under ten minutes. If you have a bike worth $800 or $1,500, it should not be left out of your sight.

the soma anti-jack I bought is not that $54 lock linked above. Mine is a mini u-lock that is slightly smaller than the krypto evo. I don't have a link to where you can buy one, as I got it at the LBS. But if you go to soma's website and look at accessories there is a picture of all the anti-jack products they sell. in that picture you can see the small u-lock if you look close. mine was about $35 including tax. its light and small. i guess check the soma site.

my custom onguard pitbull mini. i just got it in the mail, found one for pretty cheap, <$20, and it's better security rating than the onguard bulldog mini.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b359/aznsap/fuji%20track/IMG_0315.jpg
took off the outer covering and metal mount piece to save some weight and increase clearance on the inside of the lock. also i think it looks cooler, i may tape up the bare metal parts later.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b359/aznsap/fuji%20track/IMG_0316.jpg
here's a pic of the plastic and metal trim that helps protect the key hole from debris. it came off so easily though i don't think it affects security. if i think i'll be riding more in the winter or bad weather, i can always put the cover back on.

I've had myOn-Guards break on me, My room-mate had one, my girlfriend had one break on her, my friend at a bike shop had his bike stolen from under one. Then I bought another one, because I'm an idiot, and it also locked up on me, even though i was careful and lubed it monthly.

It also locked up...

I've finally learned my lesson. Kryptonite

i love my bulldog mini

id imagine the pit bull is even nicer

Nothing says F U louder than the Krypto FUhgettaboudit. It may be heavy, but im strong. Perfect fit in the back pocket of my Sz 36 Dickies. May not work as well with skinny hipsters and tight pants.