Well guys, I decided against the U-lock and bought the 'New York Chain', the one with the 3.25' chain and Evolution mini U-lock. I figured I'll be locking up to more things than just bike racks, so I wanted more versatility than the U-lock offered. I'm just going to man up and get used to the weight of the chain.

Are you talking about one of these?
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CGYQGxEMol...0/PIC-0103.jpg
If that's the case, lock somewhere else and tell management they have a useless bike rack.

The one that's slightly bigger, the Kryptonite mini, I find is an ideal size for those thick bike racks and even some poles out in the city.

It weighs about the same if not less, also.

Actually that one I also really don't like locking to, and the Safeway by my place has one like that. I was thinking of this one though:

http://www.outdoorfunstore.com/images/kp1052.jpg

Ive always been skeptical about locking up the way sheldon brown describes. Nothing against the man, hes awesome, and I understand the logic behind only locking the backwheel inside the triangle, but I feel like any common thief who dosent know better and sees a bike with 'just' the back wheel locked will feel more inclined to try pull the wheel out in order to free the bike, potentially fkcing up your rim and even frame. To me just the appearance of a bike with the frame and wheels independently clearly locked is better and safer. Just my 2 cents. Probably an unpopular choice but id get an NYFU chain, it looks scary.

I went with the Pitbull Mini that comes with an Akita Cable, and an extra Akita Cable. So if its close and small I can get the U around a pole, rear wheel, and seatpost. Then I have 2, 4ft cables to tie in front wheel, seat, or whatever... the ends of the cables will thread through the eye for quite a reach.

http://onguardlock.com/products/images/product/5006.jpg
http://onguardlock.com/products/images/product/5044.jpg