Locks that work

Had a question about one of the comments on the first page... next to the Onguard Brute X4 it's got "[WARNING: Issued key combinations are too few.]".... I'm probably being massively dense here, but what exactly is the issue? "Key combinations are too few"... what does that mean, and how does it negatively effect the lock? I've got the Brute X4 and have had no issues with it so far.. seems like a very sturdy lock at a great price (I use it in combination with a mini fahg). The only real negative is that the mounting bracket is awful, but I wouldn't use it anyway as I just stick it in my bag.

Also, I know it's only recommended on here as a secondary lock, but a word of warning about the Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit X-Plus 1050... my mate's bike was stolen last night (I won't say what bike it was because I know the thieving little f*ckers monitor this site to see how hard people are looking for stolen bikes - I've made that mistake myself), and he was using the Steel-O-Flex as the only lock... I know, I know.. he should have been using an minimum 16mm U-lock as the primary, but he'd literally only left it for one minute, and it had been cropped in that short a time.. lock was just left behind cut in half. I see loads of bikes only locked with a Steel-O-Flex or an equivalent cable lock, but you should honestly heed the warnings, it just isn't worth the risk...

Huckster, I've been having misgivings about recommending the armoured cable lock from ABUS. Clearly they are not as strong as u-locks. Since this thread does help inform on security, I've decided to now delete that lock, and its genre (in a few minutes). I can only see it being useful to couriers, who will only be away from their bikes for a couple of minutes.

As for your other question - it appears that though the key combinations to Onguard locks can run to 100,000 or more, it would appear that similar keys to locks have been found, from other similar locks, and they worked. This is either an extreme coincidence, or the amount of variations to the key isn't as great as it would first appear.

Hmmm, that is a little troubling.. I'd never have thought a bike thief would think to use a key to get into a lock. Would be good to hear from anyone else if they've had an issue with the X4. I'd still say it's a solid lock, and combined with the fahg mini (and a Xena alarm if left longer than half an hour) I feel relatively secure... well, as secure as you can feel with all the thieving scum in London.

On a separate note, my girlfriend's just bought a bike and is in need of a lock. Other than getting something solid, her main concern is portability. She rarely rides with a bag and I can't see her persevering with a mini fahg + Fabric Horse holster, so she wants to get a frame mounted u lock... Krypto mounting brackets don't seem to get the best of reviews, and as I say, the Brute X4's bracket is dire.... are there any solid 16mm+ U locks that have decent frame mounting brackets?

People seem to rate the bracket on the Abus Granit X-Plus 54, and although only 13mm thick, seems to have the resistance of thicker locks. Any other suggestions... does the GRP Superdeals U-Lock come with a decent bracket?

No bracket for the GRPS lock, and its too big/heavy for what your girlfriend might like to carry.

wow! I just read all 14 pages! my head & eyes hurt! amazing info but can I suggest something please... pictures of the locks locked to bikes to objects so we can see what fits what bike/object please? I mention it because I have a mountain bike, a humble hardrock sport 2009 and my head is spinning what to buy. I feel if I had saw pictures of various size objects and the locks I would probably have less of a pain in my head :-) thanks for considering it :)

ps... if there are pics else where please forgive me for not searching but 14 pages is tough :(

Not sure if people have seen but the mini fag is on Amazon for £45 now, super cheap

how about this one?

http://www.abus.de/de/main.asp?ScreenLang=de&sid=40215700911315216062010784817245&select=0104b02&artikel=4003318286254

^i know it is german but somebody will have experience with a level 15 lock like that?!?!

Reviews look good. Obviously aimed at the motorcycle market.

with a length of 85cm and weighing "only" 2.5kg it seems like that would make sense for beloved/expensive bikes too...

i will test and tell...

The chain is only 10mm thick though, so not actually sure how good it is. A kryptonite NY chain is thicker. Or get a Fahg which is 'only' 2.1kg

D locks aren't as practical, especially mini ones. I do concede they're very secure though.

I've got a feeling that chain isn't constructed like a normal one, it seems to be made from long, solid, hinged links.

it has a security level of 15! even higher than the kryptonites! that has to mean something, doesn`t it...

i am not trying to make a case for this lock, but I wonder why it has a better security level than a kryptonite!

i wish i could find the description in english so you guys could judge more thourougly, but i guess i will have to find out myself...

The description is pretty useless, I've translated it.
If you go in to the motorcycle section on the Abus website some of the chains have security levels of 25... but they're heavy!

On the abus site go to the top right corner and there is an english and german flag. Press the english and it will direct you to the english page.

Yeah I'm not sure the exact strength of the different alloys used for the links but a krypto chain is thicker and the first page doesnt suggest using a chain less than 16mm

Obviously not the best lock, but from Evans' twitter:

EvansCyclesManagers special! St. Pauls story only: Kryptonite Evolution 4 lock at £30, was £49 -today only, see instore for details! http://ow.ly/1ZIdZ

Certianly an excellent 2nd lock......and at an excellent price also.

i wish i could find the description in english

there you go.

Would anyone be able to help me out and tell me the outer dimensions (i.e. total width and length) of the Kryponite New York Standard and Evolution Series 4 locks? From looking at my Evo mini the dimensions on the Kryptonite website don't appear to bear much resemblance to the lock size. Cheers

it has a security level of 15! even higher than the kryptonites! that has to mean something, doesn`t it...

i am not trying to make a case for this lock, but I wonder why it has a better security level than a kryptonite!

The Abus rating system doesn't run parallel with the Kryptonite rating system. They're separate rating systems - and both purely the product of the company's marketing division. Just ignore them and go by the advice in this thread, or by the Sold Secure rating instead.

The Sold Secure system of rating is highly dubious.......rating some cable locks far higher than it ever possibly should. It's well known that cable locks are shit, but depending on the (cable) lock, Sold Secure will tell you that its quite brilliant.

I have a Kryptonite Evo S4 and a NY Fahg Mini for my bike... the Mini however, does not fit around the frame + tyre + whatever I'm locking it to. What's the safest way to use these locks? I also have an Abus chain that might be decent enough, it's got a silver SS rating - I know they don't mean very much but I don't know the specific name.

What's the best combination of these locks to lock my whole bike up?

What kind of bike & wheels are you using? And what are you trying to lock it to?

What kind of bike & wheels are you using? And what are you trying to lock it to?
Kona Paddy Wagon, as it comes with Continental UltraSport 700x28C tires. http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=paddywagon

Just regular London bicycle racks, generally. It'll never be outside for very long as I have a secure place to put it both at home and at my workplace.

I know it is not the largest piece of tubing to attach it to but I go through the wheel and seat stay then onto a bike rack with my mini d. It needs to be at a slight angle. This seems to work.

I also use a second lock through the front wheel and frame to the bike lock.