Locks that work

Only the Brute could withstand that attack, not the Pitbull.

Where's my best bet (read: cheapest) for a Kryptonite mini-d (evo) and something mid/long shackle (preferably mid - rear wheel, seat tube, railing).

Look at the list in the first post/page of this thread?

Or look in the Secondary Locks thread.

I did check the first page. There's no evo on the list. Here it is if you want to double check:

This list will not include rope locks, as they are useless. Primarily this will list shackle locks with a bar diameter of at least 16mm, 18mm being preferable if choosing between either (The exception to this is Abus' specially hardened 13mm steel, which has survived testing that some 16mm steel U-locks failed.).

Other, lock types (armoured cables, and heavy chains) will be listed, but in a different section.

There will be no compromise based on weight or price. Only the best will do.
Best of the best
U-Locks / D-Locks

These are the very best:

16mm Abus Granite Extreme 59
18mm Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini (the best, but not big enough for MTBs with fat tyres, fine for road bikes with tighter clearances)

These others are pretty damn good:

18mm Kryptonite New York M-18
18mm Xena Bullett XUL
18mm Artago 18ART 270
16mm OnGuard Brute X4 (best value security, from major company)

Chains

Only one is good enough to be considered the best. Leave it at work, or at university, so you can relock it each day.

Almax Immobiliser Series IV
PJB Untouchable 19mm

Skewer Locks

Solid Axle

Atomic 22
Pinhead

Quick Release/Hollow Axle

Trans-X Security (good design)
Hublox Security Skewers (ease of use)

The full list
Heavy Duty D-Locks/U-Locks (Primary security)

18mm/19mm:

Artago 18ART 270 [18mm] £116.99
Asakiltt Shackle Lock [Mod.31-2166] [17mm] £17.99
GRP Superdeals U-Lock 18mm
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini [18mm] £79.99 [2.09kgs] [SOLD SECURE GOLD] TEST
Kryptonite New York M-18 [18mm] £74.92 [2.74kgs] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Xena Bullett XUL series [18mm] {Alarmed lock} [2.92kgs (210cm); 3.34kgs (270cm); 3.48kgs (310cm)] £75.00

16mm/17mm (or equivalent strength):

Abus Granite Extreme 59 £106.36 [2.9kgs (260cm); 3.06kgs (310cm)]
Abus Granit X-Plus 540 13mm £76.49 [1.84kgs (30cm); 1.4kgs (23cm)] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
BLOK UL X200 (Magnum) [16mm] £39.99
GRP Superdeals U-Lock [16mm] £14.99 (round barrel, not square)
Wilson Cycles, Peckham
Kryptonite New York 3000 [16mm] £62.00 [1.965kgs] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Kryptonite New York Standard [16mm] £40.99 [1.965kgs] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Onguard Brute X4 16mm £39.99 [1.864kgs]
Onguard Brute Mini 5112 X4 16mm EUR 31-34 [2.109kgs] {how this is heavier than its bigger brother, I don't know}
Oxford Magnum 16mm £35.99 [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Trelock BS 550 16mm £35.99
Trelock BS 610 16mm £44.99

Chains: 16mm minimum

(Extremely heavy, and will last long enough to put off most thieves, but not indestructible)

Almax Immobiliser Series III (with lock) £99.95
Almax Immobiliser Series III (0.7m chain only) £59.95
Almax Immobiliser Series IV (1m chain only) £74.95 [19mm diameter links!!]
Colossus chain + Viper lock (1.2m chain) £89.99
PJB Untouchable 16mm £69.99
PJB Untouchable 19mm £169.99 [19mm diameter links!!]
Pragmasis Protector £66.65
Squire Ex-Caliber SS65 £49.95

Armoured Cable Locks

There are no recommended armoured cable locks.
Alarm Disc Locks

Very useful in shared accomodation, outside the pub, or at university - not primary security.

VirtualVillage 6mm Motorcycle alarm disc lock (110db) £17.90
JBSL02 Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £22.95
LA-01 Alarm padlock (105db) £16.99 (adequate chainring-based deterrent, but easily cut)
LA-02 Alarm disc lock (100db) £22.95
Motrax Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £29.99
"New" Alarm Disc Lock (112db) £28.36
Oxford Boss (110db) £59.99
Oxford Screamer Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £27.26
SG Locks Heavy Security 3-01 £19.99
SNC 808 Alarm Disc Lock (110db) £19.99
Xena XBL2-35 (110db) £59.40
Xena XPL46 (110db) £44.99
Xena XZZ6 Alarm Disc Lock (110db) £31.95 (+ postage)

Alarm Padlocks

Again, nearly essential security in London, but not as primary security).

Krabus XL505 (the original) (as used on downtube [very effectively] by edscoble)
SNC locks (many are Krabus copies)
Faithfull (Krabus copy)
Budget Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)
Rolson Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)

Axle / Skewer Locks: (additional security, NOT primary security)

For solid axles (ie. fixed gear hubs):

Atomic 22 [needs to be bought direct from manufacturer]
Pinhead
Pitlock

For hollow axles (ie. quick release):

Hublox Security Skewers
Pinhead Duo
Pinhead Tri
Pitlock
Trans-X Security Quick Release
Tranz Secura
Zefal Lock n Roll

Demoted

Trelock BS 610 [16mm] Failed!

Other links

Alarmed Disc-Lock Review - by Clefty
Sheldon Method - DO NOT USE IT
2006 locks test
Seatpost security on Lfgss
Security Chains wall-of-shame by Almax
Secondary Locks - a sister thread to this one (NOT primary locks)
LOCK CARE: For u-locks, the best grease is graphite grease/lubricant/powder.

And why would I assume there would be two lock threads?

And the "Secondary Lock Thread" doesn't even answer my question. Fuck it, I'm going to AQA.

The Evo is considered a Secondary lock, and it was for the other (main) lock that you were looking for, that I suggested the first page of this thread.

For main locks, these are the two cheapest and best:
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.OnGuard-Brute-Standard-Shackle-U-Lock-Gold-Sold-Secure-Rating_59957.htm
http://www.clasohlson.com/uk/Asaklitt-Shackle-Lock/31-2166

Both locks, especially the Asaklitt, need to be cleaned and then greased with Lithium grease regularly, to ensure long term performance. I'd say that the OnGuard Brute is the stronger of the two.

Those two locks are listed on the first page of this thread, and you actually copied them back here in your reply.

Can anyone comment on whether its better to go for a single kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit or an evo mini (already own) with a On-Guard Pitbull Mini?

Been having to lock my bike outside work all day, for a couple of days a week. Borrowed the new york off my mate for now, having second thoughts about buying one, its so heavy compared to my evo mini.

Wondering if im just better off with two cheaper mini locks, would probably still be lighter than the new york! Surely its gonna be nearly as tough with two, doubling the time to break each one?

Cheers.

The thinner ones can be cut with (big) bolt croppers. The New York you're looking at an angle grinder or similar.

So, although it's going to take twice as long to get through two, they wouldn't normally be able to get through the Fahg at all.

The Evo and the Pitbull are considered Secondary Locks (see thread of that name). You'd want to have a main lock to accompany a secondary lock. Have a look at the first page of this threads for main locks.

@GA2G not sure if there's space for the info but after reading your recommendations and other sources I went for a Pragmasis 19mm chain and an Abloy 362 padlock as my main lock I leave at the station.

My research suggested Almax and Pragmasis are equal in all practical regards.

I needed another lock for outside the flat.

(EDIT: Mispelt Ingersoll all through this - correcting my mistakes, once GAG2 pointed them out)

I read that Ingersoll padlocks are very good and liked the form of their Extra Closed Shackle padlock. Abloy are supposedly harder to pick - namely impossible, but Ingersoll are supposedly nearly as unpickable whilst more resistant to brute force attack. Their "extra closed" shackle appeals for the incredibly limited access it offers between padlock and chain.

I just bought a 16mm Almax chain to use with it, but they are not compatible. The links in the chain are quite circular and the padlock can't close around them. I've had to use the Ingersoll Closed Shackle padlock instead.

When I bought the 19mm chain from Steve at Pragmasis he was really helpful, and sent me sample 13mm and 16mm links to use to restrict the gaps between my chain and the Abloy.

The 16mm sample Pragmasis chain link is a narrower design - they are more oblong in shape than the Almax - and fits the Ingersoll extra closed.

Tl;Dr - My research so far suggests to me that the best 16mm chain and padlock option is the Pragmasis chain and Ingersoll Extra Closed Shackle.

Do you mean Ingersoll locks? I've never heard of Engersoll.

But your advice is good, and now that its in the public domain, others will benefit from it. Thank you.

I've updated the first page chain section in the list, with your advice.

Apologies. Ingersoll. Away from home and on my phone all weekend so not able to check spellings.

My research suggested Abloy padlocks were unpickable, but Ingersoll were almost there, and their extra closed shackle makes them slightly more resistant to brute force.

Cheers guys, will go for the new york then and use my evo mini as secondary

Are there any combination (chain) locks 'that work'?

None that I've ever been aware of. The simple reason is that the mechanism containing the combination rotator, is weak. It can be smashed open with a hammer. Thats why the locks recommended here are heavy and solid.

This is Steve of Pragmasis and I'm glad you found our stuff helpful and thanks also for posting your findings with the Ingersoll locks. Ingersoll have an excellent reputation, but they are pricey.

You didn't mention how you got on with the Abloy PL362 with those spare links we sent in combination with various chains? That is a popular topic as the Protec is a very highly respected cylinder (certainly one of the best in the world as a padlock cylinder). However, we advise against use of the PL362 with any 16mm+ chain as the shackle is very very exposed as the opening below the shackle is extremely wide. So, if you've found that you can compensate for that by using odd links of smaller chains, that may offset this concern. Personally, I'd still prefer both of the Ingersoll locks you mentioned, or the similarly-closer-fitting SS65CS from Squire, as relying on e.g. a 13mm chain link to protect the shackle means there is a possible Achille's heel, if someone chooses to crop that thinner link. Even so, those that already have a PL362 may wish to consider it, if you found it workable, as it increases the work a thief needs to do to get at the shackle on that lock.

Thanks again.

Thank you I see what you mean... What about:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B009RUEY24/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1437663026&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=onguard&dpPl=1&dpID=41hsuZzBHlL&ref=plSrch
Or
Abus 1385 Combination Chain
Are they worth it even for short stops?

Z

That lock is the Onguard Bulldog.

The only Onguard lock recommended in this thread is the Brute. In the Secondary Locks thread the Onguard Pitbull is recommended.

The Bulldog is a whole level below the secondary lock recommendations, and two levels below the Locks That Work recommendations.

No. Its not recommended at all. Sorry.

The Abus combination chain is good for a child's little tricycle, but nothing else. Any bike worth real money would be stolen in minutes with that lock, if not in seconds.

Sorry but this is my review or assessment, GA2G your Secondary Locks and Locks that work thread in a such style, this realy does not make any sense.Secondly, so you are not mention OnGuard Bulldog Mini, because he is in the topic Secondary Locks, but you wrote this The Bulldog is a whole level below the secondary lock recommendations???;)

In actual practice these are the facts, and the rest is just classic unnecessarily

philosophizing.

• In practice there is no need for Locks that work or Secondary Locks list, this time let's look only at the U-Locks.

• Secondary Locks thread with 90% Mini U-Lock list, this does not make any sense, each tested and good U-lock is a good protection regardless of Mini/Medium or Standard U-Lock size.

• Each bicycle owner buys the best U-Lock which can realistically pay.

• A lot of people do not like heavy/very heavy U-Lock(16mm or 18mm shackle) no matter how strong and powerful.So the owner of the bicycle wants good but but rather light U-Lock what to buy ?Perhaps a plastic toy U-Lock, or very good Abus Granit 640 Plus series U-Lock,
  precisely 23cm model weight only 900g?

http://www.abus.com/eng/Mobile-Security/Bike-Safety-and-Security/Locks/U-locks/GRANIT-Plus-640

• invested-received security, this ratio is the most important when purchasing U-Lock. Why would any cyclist buy to expensive and overrated U-Lock?

• thread with U-Lock recommendations you only need one thread. And this thread it should look something like this, best U-Lock up to 30 pounds or euros, best U-Lock up to 50 pounds or euros, best U-Lock up to 100pounds/euros, best U-Locks over 100 pounds or euros.

OnGuard Bulldog Series is pretty cheap but very good U-Lock. The exception are two Bulldog U-Lock models with combination mechanism lock=combination mechanism bycicle locks are low security junk.OnGuard Bulldog(old models black-gray, today models black-yello)invested-received security ratio is excellent no doubt.

http://www.onguardlock.com/bulldogulocks/

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/locks/product/review-onguard-bulldog-dt-39853/

Here's an interesting funny video OnGuard Bulldog vs street sing.When you view the video, it was planned that only one person with street sign destroy U-Lock.But one man+street sign power in not enough, they had to call in a drunk reinforcements.The conclusion of this video is very evident, Bulldog is very good U-Lock.Let's face it is a humorous test, because this is not nearly normal or complete bycicle.In reality with real bicycle(properly locked with the U-lock), with street sign test you wood properly demolished bicycle.;)

https://vimeo.com/112498379

I don't know who you are but I do know what you are, and thats impolite.

Please feel free to start your own security thread, on locks or on any other matter.

If you have not followed this thread as its evolved, then you may not be aware that there is a specific criteria set for the Locks That Work recommendations, and the Secondary Locks recommendations.

In the first case, the main locks from the Locks That Work thread needed to be 16mm thick, with the sole exception of the Abus Granit X-Plus which is of a square bar shape, so its 13mm side-on measurement is closer to 15mm diagonally through the bar.

Secondary Locks were given a minimum dimension of 13mm/14mm. This I considered to be enough to slow a thief down. In conjuction with a main lock, a thief would have to spend some time on one bike, and he would not want that type of time exposure. Though some secondary locks are of dimensions up to 16mm, but these are very small (u-shackle motorcycle disk locks), and therefore cannot be used as a main lock.

Its not as arbitrary as you'd thought. If so, official representatives from Pragmasis and Kryptonite would not come here and give individual advice. Xena has also come onto this thread, and used part of this thread on their own official website. This thread has pioneered whole new methods of bike security, and its been cited and copied all over the world into blogs and other websites and threads.

You have not been helpful; simply rude and deeply uninformed.

This thread is called Locks That Work.

If someone doesn't like heavy u-locks as you said, and wants a lighter lock, then that will be a lock that will NOT work. I know of someone that had two Fagh Mini on their bike, but because their bike was hidden from the public, thieves had all day to use angle grinders to get the locks off, and take the bike. Its still the best lock (Fagh Mini) but locks need to be used in the right circumstances. A lighter lock will simply be smashed off with a hammer. Thats why such locks are not recommended at all. As for prices, its not always true the the most expensive lock of each type is the best. Some cheaper locks are better than locks even twice as expensive, or more. But these locks often have no weather proofing, so will seize up, unless lubed regularly with Lithium Grease.

I am much more experienced/informed then you think,:) and in my previous post there's nothing rude no doubt.I'm just simply expressed my opinion, as I see it from my angle or a different approach to these U-Lock recommendations threads.

As for your two threads and its content, this is is certainly useful and good content, but it's far from ideal concepts of such threads.I have no intention to make my special Locks or U-Lock thread, but that does not mean that i will not write my opinion or criticism.After all the two of us we are not alone on this forum.There are other forum members, who can see what I wrote, and then bring some of their comments or conclusions.

Abus Granit Plus 640 is very good U-Lock(but little to expensive), and normally that he would be a very good U-Lock protection.If you do not understand and do not want to admit, that a lot of people just looking for or want such lite but good U-lock that's your problem.Abus engineers they must be crazy, good but quite lite U-lock, what else of course it's a good idea or product no doubt.

With regard to a hammering on some fairly inexpensive U-Lock, go and buy one OnGuard Bulldog, put it on your bike and lock it properly, and then start hammering.Later you share with us how it is passed, and the condition of your favorite bicycle.Identical procedure you can repeat with Abus Granit Plus 640, if you can record that video session upload that video on Youtube.

In reality only idiot-thieves(brain is sleep mode) hammer on a good U-Lock(reputable manufacturers), or use raw praybar power in an attempt to steal a bicycle.

Here is an good example of hammering and praybar use, this is classic idiot-thives action, in a failed attempt to steal a bicycle.Kryptonite Evolution 4 series U-Lock, or OnGuard Pitbull the same security level U-Lock.What are these U-locks do they work or not, because they practically do not exist in your two threads?;)

http://gizmodo.com/5922074/the-best-bike-lock

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.

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