So I have a 24$ U Lock that I bought from City Sports a while back, after I realized my chain lock wasn't going to keep my bike from being stolen . I think it came with a holder which I foolishly threw away...because I didn't know what it was.

Now I am fed up of having to hang the lock on the bike while riding or taking the reflective vest off, then my backpack and putting the lock in..specially as it gets colder here. SO I thought I'd buy a new holder and attach it to the bike so I can hang the ULock there after unlocking my bike. But weirdly...the LBS only has brackets for Kryptonite and REI (I think) and City sports don't have them either.

I could try and order it online but I'd almost certainly pay shipping for it..and considering how cheap it should be (I think) I feel its a waste of money.

So what are my options and can I get something/build something on my own for cheap...to hang my Ulock off? Where? A normal hardware store maybe?

Arvind
p.s.. I'm not sure this is the right forum. If it isn't please let me know and I'll repost in the right place.

At one time shops and lock brands made brackets easily available. These days with the greater variation of frames and posts (let alone lock dimensions) brackets are more of an afterthought. I'm surprised that the shop where you bought the lock doesn't have one in their spares draw. The best lock bracket that is as universal as it gets is a rack. BTW in many locals you'd still be the target with only the "U" lock, consider if you need both locks sometimes. I tell my customers to look around at the other bikes they encounter and gage their locks. Then make sure yours are better. Andy.

Fish Lockblocks U-Lock Mount

Buy a better U-Lock or you won't have your bike long.

A $24 U-Lock is only effective against a kid who want to joy ride any unprotected bike he can find.

Anyone with tools will remove your cheap U-Lock in nothing flat like it wasn't even there.

Abus bordo granit a folding link lock is easy to carry and very secure https://www.motorrad-technik-maass.de...hp?t=p&p=N1808

The company downgrades cost and security rating on other models.

pocket straps on or uses a water bottle mount boss set.

https://www.roadbikereview.com/review...s-Bordo-10.jpg

I couldn't find a place to install the mount that came with my lock, so I bought this to attach my U-Lock to my rear rack and I have been very happy with it, but it costs as much as your lock did. If you or a friend can sew, I bet you could rig up something similar with some nylon fabric and a roll of Velcro from the hardware store.

Amazon.com : U-Lock Holster - Bike Mount and Case : U Lock Holder : Sports & Outdoors

Thanks guys.

Roadguy: I guess that's true... but my bike isn't particularly glamorous either .. its pretty heavy and I doubt anyone would want to steal it. I've invested enough cash into the bike for a while I feel...maybe next time I'll get a nicer lock.

fietsbob: Same...don't want to *buy* a new lock...just something that'll let me attach it to the bike.

Vintage_cyclist: Thanks. I'll look into it.

Andy: How much would a rack cost and where can I find one? I'll try and use both locks at times..thanks for the tip.

Runforthehills: Nice . That makes me think I'll just buy a bunch of velcro strips with loops (you know like you have on gloves to tighten them?) and stick them to the bike and see if that works? Without the sewing ..I mean..would that work?

In short I'm sick of hanging it on the frame...it just slides when I ride and bumps my knee .. I need something better.

You could certainly just buy a roll of Velcro from the hardware store and cut off four long strips to fasten the u-lock to the bike. The fabric holster on the u-lock holds the Velcro in place when you take the lock off and probably helps prevent scratching the frame. It does take longer to take the lock on and off the bike than the quick release mount my lock came with, but I don't use the lock that often. I rent a locker for my bike at my office.

I always suggest that the bike be present when the rack is bought. Some bikes like certain attachment methods, some don't really like racks at all. We sell and mount a lot of racks and every so often we need to explain to the customer why the rack he chose won't work with his bike. A basic welded AL rack with good adjustability will run close to $40 in a LBS. Get a couple of bungee cords while you're at it. Andy.

Thanks RunfortheHills and Andy. I think I'm gonna go the velcro way - that seems like the cheapest way to go to fix this problem. The other thing that struck me today was those stands they have on the train in Boston.

You can lift your bike onto them and they have a big rubber cord or two you can wrap around your bike to secure it to the stand. What are those called in bike-land? . Can I get those at Home Depot or something?

Just riding around, I've noticed a few bikes with brackets still attached, but no lock.
Maybe keep your eye out.