Wil

I think I've read somewhere that if you don't use a certain kind of lubricant: carbon dust or something like that. You risk attracting dirt, and similar kinds of things that lubricant can attract, that will only mess up your lock. Though I, kind of, hope not. I also experience similar difficulties opening my Kryptonite Mini: Key not turning very easily. I'm pretty sure that lube would solve that, but I'm afraid that the dirt that the lube would/may attract would in the long term, cause more harm than good.

Ill Mitch

Yeah, I've heard of people breaking those by using the bike as leverage, they just twist and the link in the middle will snap.

A lock is only as strong as its weakest point.

Wil

https://www.instructables.com/id/How-...e-From-a-Penc/

I should have did a little bit more thought, before posting my previous reply

ON another note, regarding the Pitbull Mini, locking on both sides. I don't know much about the Pitbull lock, but I do know a bit about Kryptonites: Kryptonite has recently (?) introduced a new kind of locking mechanism, their Evolution Series 4, that locks on both sides, kind of like the Pitbull. By locking to both sides of the "U" shape, it makes the new series 4 invulnerable to being opened by only cutting one side of the "U", because the it slots into the bottom locking part (I don't know the technical terminology) preventing the lock from swinging open. Meaning that BOTH sides of the lock must be cut to release it.

Kryptonite has yet to use this Series 4 technology, in a mini. But when they do, I'd be very interested/inclined in upgrading to it.

whalesalad

Go for the krypto mini. I have the krypto new york fugeddaboutit and its ****ing massive and heavy as ****. but the mini is perfect

Actually... those were my sentiments a few weeks ago. Riding with it daily now it feels more like a wallet... I don't even notice it's there.

+1 for the krypto cool light key. Everyone thinks its a car key. You push the logo and a light pointed where you're gonna jab the key lights up. So when you're stabbing some hyphy mofo you can see where you're gonna stab him.

Mazaev

What I put in there was some Phil's Tenacious Oil. It's been as smooth as ever since; been that way for about a year now, so, no negative side effects from it here (aside from just after lubrication when the damn lock opened WAY too easily compared to what I was used to and fell right on my toe.)

I figure if you can't use the lock due to it jamming anyway, the risk is worth it.

idiq

The Fahgettaboudit is only .5" longer than the Evolution-Mini, however, the shackle is MUCH thicker so not only does it not fit into the back of trendy jean pockets, but it also weighs twice as much.

Also, to OP & others in NY, Kryptonite will ONLY insure the 'New York' locks in NY. So if the OP is looking for a small lock for function, I would recommend the Fahgettaboudit (size reasons above). Having a bike stolen is no fun no matter how you cut it (no pun intended), whether the bike be $3,000 or $500.

Fahgettaboudit: 3.5" x 6"
Evolution-Mini: 3.5" x 5.5"

The wider shackle makes the Fahgettaboudit look much bigger however.

dynaryder

I've heard they don't do well in tests. There's a guy over in the Commuting forum who's death on them. He had one and something happened(don't remember what) and now he hates on all things Master Lock.

Sidenote: awhile back in the motorcycling world,some company was offering these dogbone shaped things that were designed to slide over the shackle of a U lock to help brace it up and take up space. Anyone ever see these for bike locks?

Cyclist0383

I bought some about 15 years ago. They were called Bad Bones or something like that IIRC. I still have them in my parts box.

bornagainst

Another +1 for the Kryptonite Mini. I also have a Fahgettaboudit but I use the Mini 99% of the time and have never had a problem. Oh and those cuffs are total s**t.

zip22

onguard locks come with a light key as well. I have had no problems with my bulldog mini tc, and the price was great.

Moshiiii

I got my krypto in the mail today and On all the keys besides the big one I can only turn it half way and it wont unlock.... sigh

Ride Among Us

1)I had street cuffs and they were not light, they were a pain in the ass to use (unlock it twice everytime you use it) and then I read they are easy to break apart.

2)Krypto is undeniabley the strong favorite. They are well known for quality. The Evo fits in a back pocket. I have one that gets some use but...

3)My favorite: The Soma Anti-Jack . It is slightly smaller and thinner than the Kryto Evo. Therefore, I always grab it when I'm going out. That little bit of smaller size really makes a difference. Yet it seems just as strong as the Krypto. Its cheaper in price, too.

Moshiiii

Can you link where to buy the soma antijack online? I thought they were longer than the krypto mini

motoko

Got my Evo mini in the mail today for 44.99

Compared to the Evo mini LS I had before, it is just as functional, and easy to lock, but in a smaller package.

Cyclist0383

Contact Kryptonite, they have excellent customer service.

cc700

they come in different sizes.

does soma's store not have them? https://store.somafab.com/anlosy.html

idiq

They are - 3x7

https://www.cactusoutdoors.com/store/...ck-U-Lock-3x7/

NEWSNEAKERHEAD

You probably want to hear from people who have HAD their bikes stolen aswell. Find out what they were using. It's kind of a hind sight question. People who still have their bikes assume their locks worked but maybe nobody attempted to steal them and could've been just as secure with a shoelace.
My 0.02

toldey

I have the krypto mini and i love it. i took the metal bracket piece that allows you to connect it to the bike by the other bracket and used 3m vinyl tape in place of it. looks nice and clean now, fits in my back pocket, works well!

alanbikehouston

The Kryptonite and OnGuard mini u-locks are about equal in quality, but the "bent foot" of the Kryptonite makes it easier and faster to get on and off.

Even with an old "beater" bike, I don't think a mini lock is enough security for a bike that will be out of your sight for more than fifteen minutes or so. When I use a mini u-lock, I also use a beefy cable lock long enough to lock the front wheel to the frame. I use the u-lock to attach the rear wheel to a steel post set in concrete. Crooks are lazy, and will target a bike with one lock before a bike with two locks.

But, remember: a really skilled crook with the right power tools can open ANY lock in under ten minutes. If you have a bike worth $800 or $1,500, it should not be left out of your sight.

Ride Among Us

the soma anti-jack I bought is not that $54 lock linked above. Mine is a mini u-lock that is slightly smaller than the krypto evo. I don't have a link to where you can buy one, as I got it at the LBS. But if you go to soma's website and look at accessories there is a picture of all the anti-jack products they sell. in that picture you can see the small u-lock if you look close. mine was about $35 including tax. its light and small. i guess check the soma site.

aznsap

my custom onguard pitbull mini. i just got it in the mail, found one for pretty cheap, <$20, and it's better security rating than the onguard bulldog mini.


took off the outer covering and metal mount piece to save some weight and increase clearance on the inside of the lock. also i think it looks cooler, i may tape up the bare metal parts later.


here's a pic of the plastic and metal trim that helps protect the key hole from debris. it came off so easily though i don't think it affects security. if i think i'll be riding more in the winter or bad weather, i can always put the cover back on.

fuzz2050

I've had myOn-Guards break on me, My room-mate had one, my girlfriend had one break on her, my friend at a bike shop had his bike stolen from under one. Then I bought another one, because I'm an idiot, and it also locked up on me, even though i was careful and lubed it monthly.

It also locked up...

I've finally learned my lesson. Kryptonite

i86o

i love my bulldog mini

id imagine the pit bull is even nicer

BurntPocketHole

Nothing says F U louder than the Krypto FUhgettaboudit. It may be heavy, but im strong. Perfect fit in the back pocket of my Sz 36 Dickies. May not work as well with skinny hipsters and tight pants.