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Old 07-13-11, 12:32 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by onasteelhorse
Ha! That may have been me.
Well, depends on how you behaved. That guy kept looking around in the subway car as if he's afraid to be caught.
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Old 07-13-11, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by vol
the cyclops, agreed, peace of mind, that is very important. (I actually do live in NYC.)

Now another question: what about the wheels and saddle? Most (almost all) people lock them with a crappy cable lock. Why the thieves didn't take these easy stuffs has always baffled me. It is not much better if you come out of the coffee shop and found you bike is missing a wheel, or the saddle, especially if you are far away from home. So in my opinion locking the wheels and seat with cable locks can't provide peace of mind.

Incidentally, the other day I saw a guy in the subway train, who had his own bike in the train, but was also carrying a separate wheel in his hand. He didn't look very innocent to me...
Well I take the front wheel off,and shackle the 2wheels,and frame all together to wahtever I am locking it to.The seat has (as suggested by another poster)a small cable lock attached to it at all times.They could cut this lock I suppose,but at least its not just setting there,waiting to be taken.
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Old 07-13-11, 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by onasteelhorse
So the real question now is, what mini u-lock to buy... I own a Club Ultra Bike Jr, or something like that. It's made by the same people that make "The Club" for car steering wheels and I can't say anything other than that it hasn't failed me so far for the last few years but my girlfriend just got a bike, so we need a second lock. Here are the requirements:

1. size: I don't want to carry a big chain around. Though I commute, it's mainly because/when I want to, otherwise the subway works fine. I ride because I enjoy it and if I stop enjoying it, there's no point.

2. frame-only needed but room for more is nice: see above; I have wheels, seatpost etc secured through Pitlock, so that I need only quickly clip the lock to something stationary. See above re fun and convenience, plus quickness necessary--if I have to add 5 mins each to secure and unsecure the bike at grocery/cafe, then the 5 min ride vs 20 min walk no longer makes sense. It would be nice, however, to be able to lock 2 bikes to one post w/ one lock when needed.

3. I will carry lock in basket, bag, etc, so accessory mount not really a concern but size/weight is, though not too much of one.

I am prob interested in comparisons of Krypto NY Fahgeddaboutit, OnGuard Mini Bulldog, Club Bike Ultra Jr and other similars.

Anyone know if the Krypto NYFU thing of multiple locks having the same key has been remedied?
Im not sure about this,but my brother has the NYFU chain and lock and after he seen mine,and realized I payed $53 shipped, for the chain and lock,he said he wish he would have looked around a bit.I stumbled upon this company,and got the lock from ebay and glad I did.
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Old 07-13-11, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by onasteelhorse
So the real question now is, what mini u-lock to buy...
ABUS Granit Futura 64 (64/120 HB 150 model)
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5
Magnum 3103
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Old 07-13-11, 10:41 PM
  #55  
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Originally Posted by irclean
AFAIK, Magnum=OnGuard, but marketed in Europe.
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Old 07-13-11, 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by vol
AFAIK, Magnum=OnGuard, but marketed in Europe.
Magnum Industries Limited does indeed make OnGuard locks.

https://www.magnum.ws/

I bought my Magnum lock, however, right here in Canada at MEC.

https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...34374302692967
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Old 07-13-11, 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by onasteelhorse
So the real question now is, what mini u-lock to buy... I own a Club Ultra Bike Jr, or something like that. It's made by the same people that make "The Club" for car steering wheels and I can't say anything other than that it hasn't failed me so far for the last few years but my girlfriend just got a bike, so we need a second lock.
I just got my Abus Granit X-Plus, and I couldn't be more impressed. This has an excellent frame mount (for water bottle braze-ons), folds into a "brick," and has the highest security rating possible. Of course, you may not need something this secure.
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Old 07-13-11, 11:41 PM
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I wonder why all the great U-locks and chain locks have crappy fragile keys? I have U lock, chain lock, cable locks, all the keys are similar, covered by plastics.
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Old 07-14-11, 07:46 AM
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Originally Posted by vol
That guy kept looking around in the subway car as if he's afraid to be caught.
Yeah, probably not me, then. I'm paranoid but not that paranoid.

@ the cyclops: Thanks for recommendation. I'm not really interested in the chain solution unless you think it is roughly the same size/weight overall as a comparable mini U. I will not chain it around my waist but if it fits in a bag/basket as easily as a mini U, I'm open to it, esp since it will be more flexible (functionally-speaking.)

@jpatkinson: the Abus granit x-plus could be an exception to above. It definitely looks interesting and fun, which is among the criteria.

@irclean: thank you for the suggestions. I was already considering the OnGuard mini bulldog. Is there a reason you chose the Krypto Evolution over the NYFU mini U?

@vol: my Club lock has a really nice metal key that is covered with plastic over the part you put between your fingers. I suspect this is for finger comfort. The key itself is thick, contoured and, seemingly, high-end. Are the others not? I haven't used any other brand since back in the Krypto cylindrical bic-pen-style (which was the lock's and bike's downfall) key days.

Thanks all.
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Old 07-14-11, 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by onasteelhorse
@irclean: thank you for the suggestions. I was already considering the OnGuard mini bulldog. Is there a reason you chose the Krypto Evolution over the NYFU mini U?
Just because it is "The choice of bike messengers worldwide", according to Kryptonite. Personally, I have no experience with the lock. My u-lock is a Magnum, so I have no problem recommending their locks (or OnGuard for that matter, since they're manufactured by Magnum). I use an ABUS bracket to carry my lock and I am impressed with their products as well.
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Old 07-14-11, 09:16 AM
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Originally Posted by jpatkinson
I just got my Abus Granit X-Plus, and I couldn't be more impressed. This has an excellent frame mount (for water bottle braze-ons), folds into a "brick," and has the highest security rating possible. Of course, you may not need something this secure.
You're right; I need something more secure. Don't count on ratings.

The rivets on the Bordo locks are a weak point, and bikeradar's reviewer was able to pop one out in well under a minute. The photo shows that it didn't even mangle the lock very much.

Oh, and for what it's worth, my setup: Krypto mini, Sheldon method, and cheap skewers and wheel tether from BikeRegistry (both easy to overcome with tools, but I've increased the number of tools a thief needs to have to get at my wheels, which is the best I can really hope for).
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Old 07-14-11, 09:27 AM
  #62  
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Originally Posted by onasteelhorse
Are the others not?
See pix. These are keys for U locks, chain locks, cable locks. Not only all are plastic covered, but the holes for keyrings are all very small or ridiculously shaped and can't fit most keyrings, and the plastic part of the hole is extremely thin and easily broken when you try to put on a keyring (look at the 2nd pic, OnGuard U lock keys).
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Old 07-14-11, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by flandroid
You're right; I need something more secure. Don't count on ratings.

The rivets on the Bordo locks are a weak point, and bikeradar's reviewer was able to pop one out in well under a minute. The photo shows that it didn't even mangle the lock very much.
I won't believe they did this while this was locked to a bike, until I see the video. Sorry.
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Old 07-14-11, 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by jpatkinson
I won't believe they did this while this was locked to a bike, until I see the video. Sorry.
In all honesty,even hal,the guy who rates our bike locking technique,will tell you that ANY lock is just a deterrent.If someone wants your bike bad enough,and has the time,they will get it.I think those locks like you have are nice,and very secure,but I think a chain(such as I have) is more secure,but MUCH heavier.My lock can be cut big BIG bolt cutters.A good U-lock can be busted by a bottle jack,or serious prying.And the lock you have can be busted as well,but I wouldn't even put another thought about someone breaking that lock,especially if you are not locking the bike in the same place everyday(for someone to "case"your bike)or if parking it in a very high crime area daily.Even then I would think you have a good lock,Abus doesn't make junk.Make sure you are locking it properly(through frame and both wheels),make sure the seat is secured and dont worry about it.
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Old 07-14-11, 08:32 PM
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I lock the down tube and front wheel to whatever I'm locking to with a Kyptonite u-lock. The back wheel requires a wrench and some knowledge to remove (i.g.h.) so I don't lock that up. The rack at work must be fairly safe because we had an abandoned unlocked bike leaned up against it for several weeks, untouched.
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Old 07-14-11, 09:38 PM
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Here is how not to lock two bikes. Saw this outside the grocery store today.
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Old 07-14-11, 11:16 PM
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How do you lock your bike?
Through the rear wheel and frame, cable lock to the front

What kind of lock(s) do you use?
OnGuard x4

How do you transport these lock(s)?
Behind seat (I'll post a photo, you'll love it if you can get away with it)

What grade do you think your bike would have gotten?
I'd almost always get an A. Only when I can't find a pole to put the u-lock through do I need to run only the cable around an object.

Also, you can stick the lock on the rack, notice in the photo I've got a bunge cord? Use it to hold the lock if you can't mount to the seat rails.

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Old 07-15-11, 04:22 PM
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Well Im not buying anymore (scouts owner) but found this abus catena 685 on clearance at the LBS for $15 and couldnt turn it down...Now I dont have to take the front wheel off to lock everything up,this will be enough for that...
https://penncycle.com/product/abus-ca...ow-83045-1.htm

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Old 07-16-11, 11:05 AM
  #69  
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Originally Posted by the cyclops
abus catena 685
What is the difference between this and the abus steel-o-chain 685?
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Old 07-16-11, 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by vol
What is the difference between this and the abus steel-o-chain 685?
Not really sure to be honest...All I know is the lowest I seen these was around 35,and saw them on ebay for as much as 57...And according to abus,there 6mm chains are as strong as the competitors 8mm,and 8 as strong as 10,etc....
Seems to be nice chain though,Im happy for $15.
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Old 07-18-11, 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by jpatkinson
I won't believe they did this while this was locked to a bike, until I see the video. Sorry.
Fair enough. But the rivets need to be made out of softer material than the rest of the lock just because of how rivets work. You might be able to drill it out on-bike; and drilling would be somewhat quieter than using an angle grinder.

Abus definitely doesn't make junk, but that thing doesn't inspire more confidence in me than a good short U.
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Old 07-25-11, 01:52 AM
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Originally Posted by jpatkinson
I won't believe they did this while this was locked to a bike, until I see the video. Sorry.
The ART Foundation, which independently tests locks for insurance purposes gives the 6500 Bordo X-Plus a rather low rating of two stars out of five.


It's the second from the bottom - https://www.stichtingart.nl/sloten_resultaat.asp
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Old 07-25-11, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Ziemas
The ART Foundation, which independently tests locks for insurance purposes gives the 6500 Bordo X-Plus a rather low rating of two stars out of five.
Oh, well, my $120 is spent, and I really like this lock, so I am going to use it and not lose any sleep over it. I highly doubt someone is going to nick my ride when locked properly with this thing. Abus themselves rate this as secure as the most secure lock they sell in the US, so I will just have to hope the thieves didn't read the ART report!
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Old 07-25-11, 11:04 PM
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I only noticed one post about out but does anyone use (or trust) those lock nuts that take a special tool to remove for say their seat post or maybe their wheels? Or do you double up and use those and still chain them together?
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Old 07-26-11, 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by jduvall
I only noticed one post about out but does anyone use (or trust) those lock nuts that take a special tool to remove for say their seat post or maybe their wheels? Or do you double up and use those and still chain them together?
I use a chain for the front tire,chain for the rear and frame,and a small cable for the seat.The cable is really the only thing they could get to without some SERIOUS tools.
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