I've purchased a couple of different u-locks that came with frame mounts, but the mounting brackets never seemed to work properly (or at least my attempts to install them were unsatisfactory). Carrying a u-lock in a backpack does my back no favors; putting it on a rack or in a basket gives me a noisy, rattly ride all the way to my destination. I can't just leave it attached to my destination's bike rack, because I don't have one primary destination.

So where do I go from here? Can anyone recommend a u-lock mounting bracket that actually goes on easily and works like it's supposed to? Or is there some other way of carrying the thing that I've overlooked?

I leave my u-lock at work and carry an Abus Bordo on my bike. So far, no problems.

ABUS folding locks - Locks / Bike Safety and Security

I've been considering getting this: U-Lock Tote.

Yes, I need something like that, only I would hang mine from the top tube since I don't currently have a rear rack. Heck, maybe I could just strap the u-lock onto the top tube with a couple of Velcro strips....maybe wrap a chunk of rubber around the tube to protect the paint job....or just buy something like this.

I use an Abus U lock that I bought more than 10 years ago (probably 15 years ago). I believe it's this one ...ABUS U-Lock 54/160HB230 (22976)

There are (or were) two sizes of that U that were available. I bought the larger of the two and soon realized that was a mistake. While it's great to have a larger U lock, it's also difficult to find a place on your bike to mount it.

After many years of using that lock I contacted Abus in Germany asking if it were possible to have my rather beat up U lock refurbished. (I had purchased a new bike and wanted a new looking U lock.) They offered to send me another U, not the base that the U mounts into, but just the U. I asked for the smaller version of that U which made it easier to mount that lock on my frame.

If you bought your U lock without a mount, they can be ordered separately. You didn't state the make of your lock. I'm just passing on my experience with my Abus.

There's a photo in my profile here where you can see that mount if you wish. (That photo is really big. Use Ctrl and - to make smaller ... and Ctrl and 0 to return back.)

On top of the rack, secured by a bunjie chord.
Quick, secure, rattle-free.

I used to keep a u-lock in my backpack and I hated the extra weight. I've known some whose brackets have snapped off, and others whose attempt to feed the u-lock through the rear rack resulted in gradually increasing rattling over time.

The solution I've been using for the past 2+ years is to use a Kryptonite Evo Mini 5 and place it in my back pocket while I ride. I swear by this. The lock barely weighs two pounds yet is very effective against theft. When I sit on the saddle I barely know the lock is there; the saddle bares the weight rather than your body. If you're walking your bike along the sidewalk, on the other hand, you really feel the two pounds tugging down.

I use the Evo Mini to lock my frame. My wheels and seat are fastened with locking skewers. I've never had any problems with theft, even locking up overnight numerous times in Washington, DC.

The two downsides to putting a lock in your back pocket are:

1) The lock will fade your pants, somewhat, over time. I have a couple pairs of jeans that have a slight fade mark, but none of my pants have developed holes before they end their useful life. I've been wearing jeans or cargo shorts 75% of the time, and khaki pants 25% of the time. I've even put the u-lock in the back pocket of suit pants. I don't think I own a pair of pants that the Evo Mini doesn't fit in. Alternatively, you can feed the lock through your belt, on your backside, to avoid wearing away your pants. This works even with larger u-locks.

2) If you ever fall off your bike, there's the chance you could land on your butt and I'm sure having a u-lock there isn't ideal.

The thing I like best about the back pocket method is that I can use the same lock for multiple bikes without the need for any hardware.

TiGr lock bow attached along your top tube, lock in a wedge pack. Big enough for both wheels, not on your body, no rattles, no rack needed.

Umm WOW. I'm buying from Abus next time.

BetaBrand makes biking specific jeans and knickers that have a U-Lock holder on the left side at the waist along the belt loops. I love their jeans they are really good for riding but I don't own a U-Lock so I've never used the holder

Any metalwork attached to your back will cause an injury if you fall on it. It can turn a bruise and scratch into a damaged spine.

I usually carry mine on a belt loop, sometimesbif a seat allows, on the rails, I've carried on the frame, but it rubs off the paint. After my second any-kind-of lock frame mount, I stopped using them.

ABUS Holder UGH 02 (26624)

The only disadvantage I see with this solution, you can't use a bike bag (at least on that side).

Before I realized that I never left my bike anywhere and stopped carrying around a U-lock, I used TwoFish LockBlocks: "A set of three blocks secures almost any U-lock to almost any stem and handle bar. Mounting position is balanced and stable." They worked great. Soft rubber blocks that attach with velcro straps to the stem and handlbar, and then the lock attaches to them with more velcro straps. No rattles, except those within the lock itself. Available through any LBS or Amazon.

I've got one of these and use to use it all the time until I saw this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb8YoT9Q9VA

I'm now using one too. I wanted to have something easy to carry and to use that was more secure than a cable.

It's very tidy on the bike, it doesn't rattle, it's quick and easy to use, its weight is tolerable and it looks as though it will be secure enough for my use.

Benefits compared to a U lock are: Better to carry, no rattles, and adaptable to more anchor points

Downsides? Cheaper would have been nice, and it won't fit around large anchor points (eg trees) the way a cable lock will.

To be fair, those aren't exactly top of the line Kryptonites. That being said, any lock can be defeated.

I belong to the "don't let your bike be the most easily stolen bike in the bike rack" school of bike security. I typically use a good U-lock for the frame and a beefy looking (albeit very easy to defeat) cable, with separate padlock, for the wheels. There's usually something more expensive, or at least trendier, parked nearby, barely secured at all. By comparison, mine would be a lot of trouble to steal.

I carry the locks in my commuter bag, a non-drive side rear pannier, which stays with me when I park the bike.