Quality U-Lock..
 

What U-Lock should I purchase that will protect my bike from being stolen by crackheads, and thieving b*stards. Something that can withstand bolt cutters and the like. Any recommendations?

Quality U-Lock... is an oxymoron!

Sheldon Brown has a good article on his site about U-lock's. The biggest thing is getting the smallest one possible.

www.sheldonbrown.com

OnGuard, Kryptonite.. etc.

Just remember to steer clear of the older U-lock models that can be picked with a pen.

I really like my OnGuard Bulldog, it's a pain to lug around but it comes with it's own cable to lock rear wheel, seat or whatever all in one, it would take a lot of time and power tools to get through it, and it has a keyhole protector to help keep crap out so your key should always work. I only use it on my old Gitane commuter though, I'd never leave my litespeed for very long locked up anywhere and when I do leave it for a few moments (in a safe part of town, keeping my eye on it at least one a minute) I use two locks.

Look at the listings at Soldsecure, which is a testing institute for the British insurance industry. The "gold" rated u-locks weight five or six pounds, some "silver" rated u-locks weigh as little as two or three pounds. The "silver" should be good enough for locking up for an hour or so during the day in a "safe" neighborhood, with a lower priced bike.

www.soldsecure.com/Leisure.htm