I have a daily round trip commute of around 20 miles and now that it is getting warmer out I'm beginning to dislike my backpack. I have a large Kryptonite NY lock that I need to carry with me. The problem is that in the summer it is often the only reason I carry my bag. Any suggestions on how to lug this thing around with me without a bag? Definitely do not want to attach any crap to the bicycle, and the lock is way too big for a pocket. Maybe I just need a smaller lock.

If the only place you lock up is work, you could just buy a second lock and keep it there.

True. But then if I needed to stop somewhere else, I'd be in the position of having to leave my bike outside of a store in South Chicago with no lock. Scary.

You could try the little thing in to bottom left of this picture. Which amazingly was designed to solve your exact problem. Alternatively you could a get a thick cable to lock up your wheels and they wear the whole combination around your shoulders. It'll make your bike safer too.

keep the big one at work, and carry a mini-u with you in your pocket.

A few folks make hip pouches (like fanny-packs, only with lock-holders) for just this purpose. I believe ReLoad is one, and I know Dank used to make them too, but they don't exist anymore.

This is assuming you are saying you have a U-Lock, of course. If it's a chain, bite your anti-hipster tongue and wear it.

you could hang the lock through some belt loops on your pants...

I just wear my smaller chain and keep the 17 pounder at work. no biggie. If you wanna hold on to your bike, the lock problem ceases to be one. I always have my bag because it's where all my bike supplies are and I'm prone to impulse shopping. You've got a 20 mile commute, where are you keeping your stuff?

All lock brackets suck, don't bother with that. They break, and with a NY you don't even have to hit it with anything, it breaks all by itself.

I used to tuck it between my belt and pants in the back, but then one day I stood up to sprint and hooked the sucker over the horn of my saddle and went a$$ over teakettle like nobody's buisness -- full reverse somersault right there on the road, put a hole in my favorite fleece. The holsters probably solve this, but I would want something that clips to my belt rather than lacing the belt through it. Dedicated man-purse seems overkill, but might be the best bet. Maybe a small military surplus bag or whatever with just enough room for lock, flat kit, 15mm?

I've since gone to a NY chain, which has its own PITA factor, but I like being able to lock up both wheels with no cable. The minis are good if you know where you're going to be locking up, but sometimes it's a chore to find something it will fit around in an unfamiliar area.

I use a fanny pack for this purpose. It doesn't have to be big, just long(ish). Put it in in two pieces, and just leave one side of the shackle hanging out. The bent part should still fit inside, just one straight end poking out parallel to the zip. Pull the zip tight on it. Once you're wearing the fanny pack (turned to your back, obviously) it can't flop down and fall out.
I can easily stuff a 23 cm Abus Sinus, my keys and wallet into a classic-sized smallish fanny pack. If need be, it also takes my "bike survival kit", complete with spare tube, repair kit, multitool, 15 mm wrench blinky and rubber gloves. But that's already pushing it

Also, dutret seems to have reading comprehension issues...

This is my favorite method - i bet it doesn't work with all models of u-locks and all frames, and if you're into babying your frame, it's likely not for you. In fact, it might be dangerous in some instances, but i've never had a problem.

^^^That must rattle like a freight train on a steel bridge.

Even though the commute is 20 RT, I really don't need that much stuff -- save the lock of course. If I get a flat, I'd just fork over the $2 and take the train bike and all. Does anyone know if the smaller NY Ulock -- fuggitaboutit (i think)-- can fit in a back pocket of jeans? If so, it might be worth while.

i think a smaller lock is the solution. you can carry a shorty in your back pocket - and you get +2 hipster cred to boot.

if you aren't opposed to cable-type locks, this is how I have mine:

it doesn't scracth the frame (rubber coating, ya know) and attaching it around the head like that keeps it from moving at all while riding. I've also seen one of those cut with bolt-cutters, but the added hassle of a better lock isn't worth it for a frame I got for free.

luck.

The fug U isn't that much smaller, it's just that the shackle is so kong that the proportions look like a mini. You could probably get it in your back pocket, but you'd want a belt and suspenders on that rig - 4.5 lbs!

Field reports suggest that few evolution minis ever get messed with. Probably a matter of whether you tend to lock up alone or with a bunch of krytoloks around the top tube next to you.

Rocks, you wouldn't even find a chunk of crappy tool steel out of the jaws of a $20 set of bolt cutters where you left your bike if you locked up with that anywhere that people bother to use the NY 3000. I'm surprised you can run that thing in Alex.

hmm... I'm not in Alexandria yet... still at UVa. I'll keep that in mind, but the way my fixie is looking I could probably leave it unlocked... fugly duckling. yeah, I'll probably need to upgrade. I was up there the other day and saw a lot of el cheapos with similar locks... but the nicer ones all had U-locks... coincidence? I can kid myself for another month... until I get my paycheck

swap it for a krypto chain and wear it belt-style.

Locks are for *******.

Ive got one of the reload fanny packs. Its got a loop on it to hold a lock.
It holds a mini onguard just fine.
With a full sized lock though, id worry about the lock sticking out below the pouch catching something.

just to be sure, is it this one?

Yes.
On that picture you can't see that well because of all the black, but check out the loop on the shot of the backside of it. U-lock fits right in.

I used to tuck it between my belt and pants in the back, but then one day I stood up to sprint and hooked the sucker over the horn of my saddle and went a$$ over teakettle like nobody's buisness -- full reverse somersault right there on the road, put a hole in my favorite fleece.

oh sh!$ man ive always wondered if that ever happened to anyone.
sorry to laugh, but i guess you learned your lesson.

have you ever read the Voltaire quote that you have in your sig?. . . .

over your shoulder and under the other arm like a messanger bag.