To date, the number of bikes conclusively proven to have been stolen with a BIC pen remains at zero. Over half a million "views" on the various BIC pen threads...not one credible report of any crook out on the street who has successfully used a BIC pen to steal a bike.

Why? Except for the VERY best locks (such as the Kryptonite New York lock), experienced crooks on the street can break most U-locks in mere seconds using a method that works consistently and reliably. Lock picking is too slow and too "hit or miss" for crooks on the street. Lock picking is more suited to a computer geek sitting at the kitchen table with a bike lock and a box of pens.

So, there IS a good reason to buy a new lock. Your "generic" U-lock would not be a challenge for an experienced crook. One particular tool could break your lock in about ten seconds....not much longer than it takes you to open a lock using the key.