I'm unsure if this is a correct observation but I've noticed that people carry their U Locks around, either with some attachment on the bag or in the bag. Why not keep the lock on the bike with the attachment? I was just curious..

Because my U lock didn't come with a bike mount.

looks ugly

Because then you have to stop to pick up your u-lock multiple times. And besides, then my cover would be blown and people would definitely know that I'm a hipster.

Rattles.

I don't like having a ton of crap hanging on my frame.

pocket.

I use my frame mount, even though it rattles and I look like a dork. I don't see the point of throwing my lock in my bag, which is already a pain in the ass to deal with when fairly full. And I don't always ride with my bag. Where does it go then? I'm not a mini-U user so I can't throw the thing in my pocket.

Practicality over aesthetics any day.

now the world don't move to the beat of just one drum, what might be right for you might not be right for some, it takes diff'rent strokes to move the world.

A long time ago I used a u-lock frame mount. I stopped the first time it fell out. U-locks hurt like hell hitting your shins and could do serious damage to you and your frame if it gets caught in your cranks.

Bag.

Carabiner on bag strap if bag is full.

Tucked into the back of my pants if no bag.

+1 for rattles. plus i already carry a bag with a tube, pump, wrench, etc so i might as well throw it in.

dorky frame mount.

Beltloop hole.

...now I just carry a weapon. Much more effective.

Besides...why damage the paint with a clunky attachment?

exactly

also -
I find the movement of swinging the (bailey works) bag around and simultaneously unclipping my keys very smooth

it just works

i shove my lock down the back of my pants. i used the retainer until it almost killed me by dropping the lock when i hit a bump. then i took it off and realized my bike no longer looked as ****ty and i was doubly happy.

I have never used a ulock frame mount because my bikes already tend to look commuter'd out, plus my schedule is regular enough that I can just leave the lock at my destination.

Mine didn't come with a frame holder. Too big for my pocket. Bag it.

can't throw your bike over your shoulder when there's a lock there.

The shoulder pad on my bag has holes that I put my u-lock in. easy access.

Ah, I always thought it was a choice on style. I like how clean brakeless fixies look, so why would I strap on a U lock to my bike?

me too, i thought that was what everyone with a normal ulock did when not carrying a bag.

anything rattling on my bike drives me nuts.

I would never consider any of those contraptions, even if you've never had it break, even the slightest bit of worrying about it maybe losing grip of your U will hinder your riding experience. I by no means am a messenger, but ride only with my Krypto New York chain and EV disc. I think this link might give you even more options:

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetis...s_item&pgrp=20

mini u-lock in pocket or
medium sized u-lock shoved down pants

much much faster to take out and put away than using a frame mount. plus, easy access in case you need to wield it as a defensive weapon while riding.