Locks that work

Whats the general thoughts on the Abus Granit Futura,

Poor? Not up to the job? Dodgy?

Anyway, at only 11mm thickness, it would be almost an invitation to a thief.
And since you got the photo from Bike Radar's review of the lock, did you not actually read their review?

can we have a version of these for bikes please?

YouTube- MagnaVolt

Ive heard Kryptonite D-locks are good?

I've just ordered a Kryptonite Fag from Parker (& got a used Xena off a mate) to replace my worn-out Abus cable lock at work.

A quick thank you to everyone who has helped create the list & feeding back on the thread, esp GA2G,it has saved me from having to do hours of consumer research myself... just so you know your efforts are appreciated.

I am just about to order a New York standard. There is either a 3000 model or a 2010 standard. Does anyone know if there's any difference? I thought maybe they start each year with another set of key combinations or something?

They look pretty much the same (NY3000 bought a year ago pictured left below, Fahg mini on right), get the 2010 model just in case they have improved something. The Fahg is a better choice if it will fit where you lock to, as is a bit thicker and heavier (roughly 2kg).

I'd say they're the same also (New York Standard / 3000). I've amended the list to save further confusion.

thanks, super efficient reply. I'm getting the standard as it will fit more places and I mostly have bike in the office so mostly locking when out and about.

Hold on, I might be totally wrong here, but if this thread's number one recommended lock - the Fahgettaboudit Mini - isn't on Sold Secure's list (apparently because Kryptonite doesn't submit it for the annual tests, obviously not because it wouldn't pass), then doesn't using one as your main bike-to-unmovable-object lock stand to invalidate most common bicycle insurance policies?

Obviously I want to use one, it's a great lock. Should I shop around for a different policy, call my insurers and ask if they'll make an exception, or use another Sold Secure lock as my number 2? I'd rather have the Fahg at the rear, and something like the Evo Mini at the front as number 2 (the Evo Mini isn't listed either .. crap!) but in this case to comply it couldn't just lock the wheel to the frame. What to do?

Ignore it and hope? I hope not!

Any ideas?

[Edit]

According to Wicksie, Sold Secure personally select the locks they deem worthy of testing, so it's not because Kryptonite didn't submit them. Also, I believe the tests are not, or not just, annual; Sold Secure review them every month.

Hold on, I might be totally wrong here, but if this thread's number one recommended lock - the Fahgettaboudit Mini - isn't on Sold Secure's list (apparently because Kryptonite doesn't submit it for the annual tests, obviously not because it wouldn't pass), then doesn't using one as your main bike-to-unmovable-object lock stand to invalidate most common bicycle insurance policies?

Obviously I want to use one, it's a great lock. Should I shop around for a different policy, call my insurers and ask if they'll make an exception, or use another Sold Secure lock as my number 2? I'd rather have the Fahg at the rear, and something like the Evo Mini at the front as number 2 (the Evo Mini isn't listed either .. crap!) but in this case to comply it couldn't just lock the wheel to the frame. What to do?

Ignore it and hope? I hope not!

Any ideas?

Already addressed in posts 407 and 409 (1 page back).

Already addressed in posts 407 and 409 (1 page back).

Oh Shoot. I did have a faint sense of déjà vu.

After carefully re-reading the last page, a recap:

Yes, using the Fagh Mini as your only bike-to-object lock does invalidate most common UK insurance policies.

As far as UK users of "mini" U-locks go, the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini and Evolution Mini are not on the Sold Secure list, only the Kryptolok Series 2 Mini (which is nearly 4cm longer, and has a lower security rating).

As far as I can see, this leaves 3 options:

**(1) **Comply with Sold Secure insurers: use the Fagh Mini with the Series 2 Mini, instead of the Evo Mini, to approximate the recommended setup (you'll need to park where there are both front and back points to lock to, good practice but somewhat limiting). Of course, you can use the Evo Series 4 Standard, or the more brutish NY Standard (which are listed), and forget about using two Minis. Or, if you can bear the weight, diversify, swallow, and use the Fagh Mini + Fagh chain (which is listed). Chains, as we know, are not recommended (not least by your chiropractor).

(2) Call your insurers and ask why the Fagh Mini isn't listed. Ask if they can make an exception.

(3) Move insurers. Possibly try ones that accept Thatcham, and use a Thatcham approved lock (GA2G suggests the Motrax Viper disc-lock/U-lock).

Failing that: (4) Ignore insurance altogether. Put £100 a year into a savings account, load up with Fagh Minis and alarms (and possibly a rifle, or some sort of highly trained skunk), cross your fingers and wait it out, hopefully for as many years as your bike costs.

As for my original question, the answers from the previous page seem to be "Sure, the Fagh Mini and the Evo Mini are the best combination, if you love your bike, but you can't really use them in the UK, certainly not with most common insurance policies." If that's the answer, why does a London centric forum recommend them? I realise this thread is only about "locks that work", and not strictly about insurance, but surely it's hard to separate these things out - if a lock just buys me time, and the inevitable happens, part of the criteria for a lock "working" must surely be that it also lets me get my bike back.

Perhaps we should band together and start some sort of petition? You've recommended some great locks, we really should have them accepted by insurance companies. Start a people's Sold Secure. Even the London Cycling Campaign's default insurer doesn't accept the Fagh Mini. That's just silly.

Any opinions on this: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/locks/product/granit-chain-110-16378

Bit of a cross-over in threads on this matter. It's discussed in the Cycle Insurance thread too.

http://www.lfgss.com/thread16232-4.html

Company's don't submit their locks, Sold Secure audit them. Fags have been removed and updated with Kryptolok series 2 mini.

it's got nothing to do with insurers, they usually only accept Sold Secure Gold/Silver.

Any opinions on this: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/locks/product/granit-chain-110-16378

I would not use an open shackle padlock, something like the Squire SS50CS is tougher. Don't know why the Evo mini and Fahg mini are not on the sold secure approved list when 18 other Kryptonite products are, I've never seen the series 2 mini lock on sale in the UK.

Company's don't submit their locks, Sold Secure audit them. Fags have been removed and updated with Kryptolok series 2 mini.

bit worrying as I can't find the series 2 mini (since the Evo Mini is still on sales), and the series 2 are very cheap.

I just change insurance company who doesn't rely on the stupidly of those sold secure thing.

The Kryptoloks did not get great reviews:

http://www.slate.com/id/2140083

"The Kryptonite KryptoLok showed some heart, but with the right tool even Lois Lane could bust it. It took me less than a minute to break through, since the steel in the shackle is so soft and vulnerable."

Erudin, look at the date, and look at the model, 'series 2'.

If your bike is worth less than £2,501, just use Kryptonite Fahg mini warranty which covers you for 1 calender year. The Evo mini covers you up to £900. I joined the LCC for £32 last week and their 3rd party cover seems to take care of the rest. With these 3, I don't think I need insurance. When I do, you get a discount on insurance as a LCC member. Possibly the Fahg mini will be covered by insurers at a later date.

^but there are a million caveats for the kryto warranty.

And insurance doesn't? I had a stereo stolen from a car some years ago. The insurance didn't pay out as they tore the door handle off and didn't break the glass.

My understanding was that the Kryponite insurance only covered leaverage attacks. I didnt bother reading everything but this suggests they want pay out if its cut. No lock can protecting against cutting.

Wicksie
There's a crossover because these things can't really be separated. GA2G has basically created a rival list to Sold Secure.

As you say the locks aren't submitted, but selected, that's another reason to question Sold Secure. Why leave off the Fagh Mini? That's not an update, that's a regression. I realise that the insurers only accept Sold Secure Gold/Silver, that's the problem.

edscoble
That's brilliant! You can't even buy the Mini alternative in the UK! Fantastic.

crimsonape
As others say, the Kryptonite "guarantee" is rather tough to comply with. Anyone know a successful claimant? Also, I'm not so keen on buying a new Kryptonite every year to qualify, though I suppose that at £50 for the Fagh Mini (amazon.co.uk) it would be cheaper than independent insurance. Certainly not as comprehensive. Do Kryptonite guarantee parts/accessories, accidental damage, will they pay for my taxi home, do they offer medical insurance or legal fees insurance? ... The policy that LCC recommend covers things like these.

Nice to have 3rd party cover though! Thanks LCC.

neilp
Can anyone confirm this? I'll try looking up their exact terms (if anyone has a copy, please do send it).

Perhaps the Series 2 Mini will turn out to be a good replacement for the Evo Mini, or perhaps Sold Secure will add the Fagh Mini at some later date. Until then, I'm swallowing the weight and going overkill: Fagh Mini + NY Standard. I'll do my best to fill the gaps.

Ok enough about locks & insurance. I'll leave that to the insurance thread.

GA2G, if I might ask, perhaps you can add a caveat to the front page? Something like "These are the best, but for better or worst, to comply with common UK insurance policies indicated locks should be combined with a Sold Secure approved lock". Or just note which are Sold Secure, without condoning the insurers' preferences. It would be pretty rubbish to be recommended an expensive lock, and only later realise that it invalidated your policy.

Perhaps the Kryptonite Series 2 will turn out to be a good lock. They are calling it "The next generation in standard bicycle security".

Sound promising? Anyone want standard security?

The problem is that the series 2 mini is longer than the Evo Mini.