geniaboy

I'm new to cycling, and would appreciate some recommendations for choosing a good bike lock. I'm looking for something simple and easily portable - any ideas?

Dark Arrow

How much do you want to spend?
Are you in a high risk area?
Do you have a regular spot that you want to lock up to or many different locations?

PaulBravey

Whatever you do be careful before buying a used Kryptonite U-lock with or without optional Bic

Astra

I've just bought the Abus Granit chain and padlock for £70, I think it's about their second or third toughest lock. MAN is that thing heavy though... Had to buy a small cycling rucksack just to carry it.

Dark Arrow

Hi Astra,

I'm looking for a similar setup. One of my LBS 's has the Kryptonite NEW YORK chain and lock for about 80 bux. Did you look at that model and the one you purchased? Similarities differences?


Chris

Raiyn

If it's the cylindrical keyed model RUN AWAY.

Dark Arrow

AS King Arthur would say lol RUN AWAY!!!


No it is the regular key type.

Chris

Xtrmyorick

Great, now I want to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Thanks.

Raiyn

If it's the new style by all means snag that puppy. The only gripe i have with mine is the fact that I haven't gotten my replacement lock yet.

Astra

Dark Arrow, I've seen the New York and it's a similar setup but... The Germans are anal about fitness for purpose and quality. You just know they've researched their own steels and designed the padlock from the ground up ie serious research...

Kryptonite? I don't really know. They may be as thorough or they may just be reselling a tough padlock and some hardened chain they found someone else making. All I know is that Abus' top chains cannot be cut by a human being with 4ft boltcutters, you'd need hydraulic powered ones to pop that chain .

Dark Arrow

And if you don't I'll start to hurl sheep and cattle at you!!!

Chris

Dark Arrow

What is the new style? Square keys instead of the Bic holders?

Chris

Astra

Dark Arrow, The Abus key is like a normal door key but oblong in cross section. It appears to be made of proper key bronze and has 9 incredibly precisely machined shapes machined into it - it would be hard to copy and apparently the lock cannot be picked, pulled apart or bolt cropped .

Dark Arrow

Thanks Astra Where did you find your lock? When I do a search on Abus I find a great many dealers but all on your side of the pond hi hi. Does anyone know of a dealer in the US?

Chris

Dark Arrow

The New York Chain I'm looking at in the LBS has the ChroMoly Lock with keys that look like regular house keys.

Merriwether

Did you look online? There are plenty of dealers around. Try this one for starters:

www.lockitt.com

Or, you can call a locksmith. Around here, Abus are sold through small locksmiths.

I've got an Abus padlock, and a cable. I live in a low risk area, though. I'd upgrade both items if I lived in a riskier area.

toolbox63

If you can still find one, "The Ultra Bike Club" is an excellent and inexpensive option.

It looks similar to the one below except it is black not red, and has a laser key lock, not the tubular/cylinder push pin lock.