Originally Posted by
waynesworld
The advantages of the mini locks are that they are lighter, and there is less room for someone to get something in there, like a bottle jack, for prying attacks. The disadvantage is fewer locking options. At least as I see it.
that advantage is negated when a standard-size U-lock is used properly and the space inside the shackle is taken up. if the lock is "stuffed" there's no room for a bottle jack or leverage tools.
if someone puts a standard U-lock around a post and through the rear wheel and seat-stays, that attack won't work. OTOH, if a standard U-lock is used for the sheldon brown method or just around a pole and the seat-tube or a pole and the top-tube, there's plenty of room to bust the lock.
in low crime areas, most bike thieves can get all the bikes they want with a hacksaw or bolt-cutters and they'll leave the U-locks alone... unless it's some combination of desirable bike, crappy lock, poor lock job.