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That is the reason why U-Lock with combination mechanism should be called a "Trash U-Lock."
In reality big bolt cuters are also wheapon of idiot-thives, because it is not wise to carry a very big and heavy chunk of steel.
Every U-Lock can be cut with angle grinder so what, if we go in that direction then the best U-Lock is completely useless.I have no fear of these situations, realistically bicycle owners they need to be fear of idiot-thives=bike is not stolen but it is severely beaten and seriously damaged.;)
Yes your thread Secondary Locks, there is Kryptonite Evolution U-Lock, but this is not Kryptonite Evolution 4 Series U-Lock.
Kryptonite Evolution 4 Series
- double shackle locking mechanism, shackle diameter 14mm
Kryptonite Evolution 5/7/9 Series/mentioned in your thread
- "Kryptonite single bolted and unique shackle trash design", shackle diameter 13mm
- double shackle locking mechanism, shackle diameter 14mm
Dambek-
No, bolt cutters are not the tool of idiot thieves. Here in the UK, and in cities mainly, some thieves travel around with vans to quickly throw a bike (or more than one) into. These are the real pros. They look to steal several valuable bikes. The amateur thief looks to ride away on one bike. Those with a van, use a bolt cutter. I'm not sure of how crime is done where you come from, but in the UK, a bolt cutter is definitely the tool of a professional
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As a manufacturer, I'm not going to get drawn into comments about specific locks, but I will state that bolt croppers are most certainly one of the biggest threats to anyone wanting to keep their bikes (bicycles and motorcycles - they are all commonly stolen with bolt croppers). Bicycle thieves often use bolt croppers up to 24"/60cm and occasionally 36"/90cm, whereas motorcycle thieves will very commonly use the b-i-g 42"/105cm croppers. GA2G is absolutely correct that carrying these things in vans is a common approach, generally for the more professional of thieves. Bicycle thieves do carry the 24" ones under a coat, for example.
Thieves will look for the fastest and most reliable way of stealing a bike, often ignoring the damage that may be caused to another bike (so don't rely on one bike 'anchoring' another bike as you can lose one and have the other one trashed). Hammers work quickly on many cheap locks and chains; 42" bolt croppers on virtually anything below 16mm thick where there is access to get the croppers to bear. This latter aspect is why it can be OK to use a lock with a sub-16mm shackle on a 16mm chain, for example, but only when the lock is a close fit on the chain, and even then most certainly only with 'closed shackle' locks.
I disagree with your comment that U-locks are the only things that are relevant, even for portable use. Most thefts happen from home so the heavy chains etc are very relevant and are immune to various of the attacks that can defeat U-locks. U-locks are often more practical to carry and can be used in addition to a chain where possible. They complement each other and have different advantages and disadvantages, but they both have a role.
Dambek, the first post in this thread and in the Secondary Locks thread set the scene for what each thread was seeking to achieve and GA2G and many others have given a lot of help to countless people that are trying to wade through so many options. Many manufacturers don't make it any easier by having subtle changes to product names or indeed to product specifications over time, so a thread like this that has fresh input on a frequent basis is a very useful resource to many people. I don't agree with everything that is said here, but I do think people can make more informed decisions as a result of these threads being available.
GA2G
Pragma
Combination locks can be hammered off. U-locks of less than 16mm can be cut off with bolt cutters. A professional thief would use whatever is fastest to break a lock. But would only use an angle grinder if there was no-one around, because of the noise generated. Regulars to this thread all know this.
By the way, since it's escaped your notice, the Kryptonite Evo is considered the benchmark for all secondary U-locks, and it says so in that thread. Not only is it mentioned, its specifically highlighted as one of the most superior of its type.