General Cycling Discussion - alternative to the krytonite mini lock?

http://ucycle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/node_image/images/products%20/kryptoMINI.jpg

i like this lock for its size, not so much for its price, is there a lock that is almost the exact same size but at a lower price? and if not, what is the lowest price i can expect to pay for this lock, online (shipped to toronto, Canada) or instore (in toronto)?

OnGuard Mini is one.

Kryptonite and On Guard both have lower-end "mini" models - Kryptonite Series 2 and On Guard Bulldog. I think the locking mechanisms are the same as the pricier models, but the shackles are thinner. Don't know anything about the Canadian market, but for US mail order these are in the US$20-$30 range.

Abus Link lock folds up, so there is an easy carry,+ flexible,
so virtually impossible to pry open.

Onguard makes the Bulldog Mini 5, which is available in the US for $20-30. The shackle is slightly longer & wider (90mm x 140mm) than the Kryptonite Evolution Mini 5 (83mm x 140mm). They have the same length measurement, but the Onguard is actually a few mm longer. The weight is comparable between the two. Kryptonite Evo Mini usually retails in the US between $40-$60. I haven't seen any concrete evidence that they are any higher quality than Onguard.

Both companies make mini 7's. Meaning, they have the same shackle width, but a 7 inch (178mm) length instead of the 5.5 inch. They can be a little more accommodating.

I use the Onguard Bulldog Mini 5, & I like it a lot.

what type of locks does one use on a $1000 bike?

are these simple $20 locks, good enough to protect one?

what type of locks does one use on a $1000 bike?

are these simple $20 locks, good enough to protect one?

It depends on where you live. In my city (and in most places in the US), bikes are mostly stolen for personal use and hybrids are more desirable than road bikes. There is no real market for parts.

In some cities, though (I'd guess maybe a dozen), there is a developed secondary market for expensive bikes and parts, and bike thieves are more sophisticated and will use tools to cut cheaper locks. In those cases, you need a better lock.

Note that if you keep your bike locked up outside at night, especially in the same place, the risk goes up.

In some places, many thefts are addicts looking for their next fix. It's not unheard of for a $1000 bike to be sold for $100 or $50.

In some places, many thefts are addicts looking for their next fix. It's not unheard of for a $1000 bike to be sold for $100 or $50.

who are the buyers of these stolen bikes?

who are the buyers of these stolen bikes?

Who knows, but bike theft seems to be pretty high in Denver-metro. :(

Anyone in Toronto know some OnGuard dealers? I'm really liking the OnGuard mini.

I have the OnGuard Bulldog Mini and the Krypto Series 2 mini. The Series 2 that I have is actually a 7 inch shackle lock, though it is only labeled as a 'mini'. The Bulldog Mini is a fine lock, but it limits my options of things to lock to. I like the Series 2 because it is more versatile.

who are the buyers of these stolen bikes?

A person walking by. Honestly, I live in a not-so-secure area (It's not Rwanda or anything like that, but it sure ain't Amherst, NY). What happens , is the bikes get stolen, and either broken down for parts (Which, sadly do get resold to some LBS's or on CL); but that vast majority get sold on the street to whomever happens to be walking by.

Person A has a stolen bike, needs a fix/money for whatever, sees person B walking past. Person A says,"Hey! Looking for a bike? Got one here, pretty cheap." Person B either buys it or doesn't. If not, on to the next person.

Or, it just gets used by the person who stole it.

A person walking by. Honestly, I live in a not-so-secure area (It's not Rwanda or anything like that, but it sure ain't Amherst, NY). What happens , is the bikes get stolen, and either broken down for parts (Which, sadly do get resold to some LBS's or on CL); but that vast majority get sold on the street to whomever happens to be walking by.

Person A has a stolen bike, needs a fix/money for whatever, sees person B walking past. Person A says,"Hey! Looking for a bike? Got one here, pretty cheap." Person B either buys it or doesn't. If not, on to the next person.

Or, it just gets used by the person who stole it.

+1 to what you said.

I have been approached before exactly in the manner you described. Stupid thing is the bike I was standing on at the time was vastly most expensive than the one he was trying to sell to me. I never did get a price from him though. Would be interesting to know what stolen bikes goes for.

+1 to what you said.

I have been approached before exactly in the manner you described. Stupid thing is the bike I was standing on at the time was vastly most expensive than the one he was trying to sell to me. I never did get a price from him though. Would be interesting to know what stolen bikes goes for.

I've been offered prices from $10 and up. Generally never more than $50 where I am, because it's usually the most money people carry in a wallet here. They don't take check cards :lol:

Way back when I had a kid stop me while I was riding my bike. The both of us must have been 10 years old. I was very naive at the time. Kid asks me to help him 'get into his house' as he lost his key. Wanted me to climb up to second story and break into a window. Even being naive at the time, I saw thru it and started pedaling. MY first encounter with a bike thief.
Never forgot the experience.
I had just got my bike out of the shop from being repaired and I really think the cost of getting it repaired made me think at the time that I didn't want to lose the bike. Can't remember the name of the bike to save me, but everyone called it an "English racer" for some reason. Was kind of a road bike with straight bars.
I have other stories about that bike but will spare you the boring details. Many good lessons learned from that bike.