EXCALIBUR

Q: What is the difference between the Onguard Bulldog mini u-lock and the Onguard Pitbull mini u-lock?

Ricardo

I think the difference is the security rating. Check their website,

Ricardo

gorn

Yes, the security rating is different. The reason is the Pitbull has a heavier lock bar. In reality however, someone cannot fit a jack inside the U-Lock to break the lockbar because it is a mini, so they need to cut the lock, and no one is going to cut the heavy lock bar when they can cut through the shackle which is the same size on either the Pitbull or the Bulldog.

Get the Bulldog, it's lighter and still requires a powertool to break open.

Slow Train

And about a 1/2 lb. of weight. I chose the lighter of the two. I figure anyone prepared to break a U-Lock is prepared to break any U-lock so why carry more weight than is useful.

jur

I can't buy any of the mini's here in Oz, so I had to go with the standard size

balto charlie

Hey all: I was all set to buy one of these as their weight and strength are rated very high. HOWEVER I started thinking about what they can lock onto. Their size is 3.5 x 5.5. I made one out of paper(I know, it will deter many would be thieves) and tried to see what I could attach it to. Not much. A sign pole at best. Now if I'm a thief I'm cutting the sign post and grabbing the bike. The larger ones might be the best bet. I'm going to look at them at lunch. Does anyone know if the minis can wrap around the thicker bike racks???

EXCALIBUR

When using a mini u-lock, Sheldon Brown's lock stategy works the best.
https://sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

Cyclist0383

But you need to find something to lock the bike to. What do you plan to anchor to with such a small shackle? A traffic sign? Those often pull right out of the ground. This is why I use a chain. I can always find something to lock up to with very little hassle. In most cases I would be SOL with a mini U-Lock.

rgilmore

I don't know about other states but in Maryland the signpost/pole is supposed to be a minimum of 3 feet in the ground - it will take a good hydraulic system to pull one out. I doubt if our specs are much out of line with other places.

The point is the typical thief will choose the path of least resistance and take the bike that's the easiest/fastest to steal.

balto charlie

That makes a lot of sense. I'll buy the little one. Thanks

EXCALIBUR

A parking meter works well.

EXCALIBUR

You're welcome. I hope your bike stays safe.

Slow Train

I have always heard that parking meters are great. They are designed to be tamper resistant. Even better - since they are a source of revenue for the city - the mayor is always yelling at the police chief stop people from disabling them so as to park free. That means the boys in blue may show some interest if they roll by someone standing next to a meter and holding a tool.

Road signage, on the otherhand, even if anchored well one can remove the sign from the top and slip the bike - lock and all - over the top. Heard of it happening.

Cyclist0383

Is there a parking meter every where you go? In the city centre of Riga there are some traffic lights that one can fit a standard U-Lock around, but if I am out of the CBD a U-Lock is useless. Where would you lock to at the grocery store? Or in front of a restaurant or bar? Are there so many parking meters where you live?

EXCALIBUR

Parking meters are everywhere in the big city. There are also many solid railings, fences, and such to lock a bike to.