Originally Posted by alanbikehouston

The April 2005 issue of "Cycling Plus" article about their lock tests does includes some European brands such as Abus, Squire, Telock, and Axa. I have posted the "cut times" for the best European models in a post further down in this same thread. Two European locks had "cut" times that were just a tad behind the "winning" ten minute "cut" time of the Kryptonite New York 3000.

Koffee, your problems with the newer Kryptonite locks might be the same problem I experienced when I first got my 2005 New Yorker lock. It is certainly a bit more difficult to get the NYL to lock than older Kryptonite models. However, after I practiced locking and unlocking the new design New York lock, and got the proper technique figured out, the lock works very well.

The 2005 model of the New York lock has a "double locking" design. That means that the "cuts" at the bottom of both ends of the "U" shackle must be facing the revolving bolts inside the crossbar for the bolts to engage the shackle. If the "U" is facing away from the bolts, they can not close, no matter how hard you turn the key.

So, if the key does not turn easily, just flip the shackle around and insert it again with the "cuts" in the ends of the shackles facing the bolts inside the crossbar.

Still getting resistance when turning the key? Both shackles must be seated deeply into the crossbar for the key to turn. If there is any resistance when you turn the key, give the round end of the shackle a slap with your hand to seat the shackle deeply into the crossbar. The key should then turn easily.

The "downside" of this design is that it makes you work a bit harder to lock your bike. The "upside" is that this design is at least twice as strong against certain types of attacks as the Kryptonite "fast locking" design that uses a bent foot on the end of one shackle and only one bolt in the crossbar.

Most hardware stores stock lubricants made just for locks, and a drop of lock lube in the keyway and on each bolt will make the lock work smoother, especially in cold weather.

So, with both the new OnGuard and Kryptonite New York lock, just remember: face the shackle cuts toward the lock bolts, and "slap" the shackle to seat it deeply into the crossbar before turning the key. When unlocking, don't let anything "push" on the shackle (such as the post you are locked to) and if the key will not turn, just "slap" the shackle down into the crossbar to release it from the pressure of the lock bolts. Then, the key turns easily. With a day or two of practice, the technique becomes fast and easy.