Originally Posted by
fuji86
I understand that, but you can still get the U-lock with the cylinder key style just the same. The thing is that some of the bic style pens are made in different circumferences and some don't work and in that regard are probably better than the traditional key style lock ? The thief has to get the right bic pen size. The traditional key style lock that's a hair pin and a pick tool from being a theft. Some of those videos were 20 seconds of actual time picking the lock. A combination lock pick, that's a visual and audible method that is just as quick as the traditional key. So throw 3 locks on your bike, 2 U-locks and a cable with a combination or traditional key lock and I figure the thief takes 2 minutes if they pause in between the locks ? Sure the thief had to work a little more, but lock a bike up on the apartment patio or a sidewalk bike parking area and it takes a thief no time at all to get a bike with the time available. With a single lock, go into a convenience store and take a little longer to decide whether a soda or sport drink is what you want, then get behind a few customers at the register and the bike is gone when you come out, especially if the thief watches the store for cyclists. It could happen in broad day light. I know that's paranoid, yet possible.
I tried the bic pen method on my Kryptonite Evolution 4 and I cant even remotely come close to getting a pen in the key way, its way too narrower (only slight bigger around than the key).
Looking at the tumbler design I'd be surprised if some one could pick it in the streets in under 5 mins even with lots practice. The pins appear to be on the top and bottom of the cylinder and the tension wrench would need to be inserted the full length of the key way due to the fact that each of the tumblers seems to be separate piece.
Add to the fact that I generally lock my bike to crowded bike racks with the top of the lock facing down and in, they wouldn't have any easy time getting a good angle to pick the lock in the first place.
//of course my mechanical break down of the internals could be completely wrong being that I didnt feel like cracking it open to examine how it worked and just examined it externally.