str8flexed

First, I'd like to say I've been reading about locks for the last hour. But I want some answers to some specific questions, which I'd like more opinions on, so don't flame!

Does the Bulldog Mini fit around a parking meter?

Does the Bulldog Mini have a clip thing that clips it to your bike frame?

Thanks!

Adam

rlh184

Yes and Yes. Buy it, you won't regret it.

MarkS

I seem to recall that there are two minis, and I got the smaller of the two (wanted something lighter ... and cheaper). It will go around a parking meter, but depending on your bike it probably won't go around your tire, your frame, AND the meter post. Sheldon Brown says to just clamp it around your rear tire (inside the frame) and a post (with the additional use of a cable). He must be right, but somehow it doesn't feel as right. Sometimes, by careful manipulation, I'm able to hook it around the tire, one chain guard, and a post ... which makes me feel better, if not more secure.

Be aware that it probably won't fit around most trees that you encounter (even a thin tree will be thicker at the hub level). Also, a lot of older (or cheaper) bike racks are designed to fit a wheel low in the front and high in the back (with the high part usually against a wall), meaning that you can't use the mini for anything other than tying the tire down. So I'd suggest that you check out the places where you intend to lock-up first to make sure you have a good match.

Savas

The mini is good for putting on the rear tire through the rear triangle. Unless they have a van, the thief won't be able to ride the bike away in the event they succeed in cutting the cable. I only lock mine for short periods, even then within my view if possible. It is a good setup to guard against the casual thief.