Originally Posted by
ColonelSanders
In the video below, whilst a number of locks are defeated, the two that stand out for me are the highly rated and regarded Abus Granit X Plus 54 U Lock and the New York Fahgeddaboutit.
Couple years old, dunno if it has been strengthened since then, but the Fahgeddaboutit took all of 11 seconds to defeat with proper bolt cutters (like locks, they come in everything from Harbor Freight to much more quality variants). Apparently they went through 500# of locks in a cumulative 99 seconds of effort. Video also shows how little an average person going about their day care about bike thieves.
Originally Posted by
ShadowGray
As a rule of thumb, if you don't feel comfortable leaving a bike there with a cheap lock, you probably shouldn't be locking it there in the first place.
Bingo. I view locks as nothing but something to keep honest folks honest, to prevent a grab and run. I like the quote from the old lady above that it stops someone without tools, and if they've got them they're going to get her bike anyhow. My bikes aren't left outdoors for long periods of time, and generally are in an area with bike
enthusiasts, bars with bike clubs, etc., who would probably speak up if they someone walking around with cutters or grinders.