Secondary Locks

After it being requested/suggested several times, I have decided to give the option to those who want it, for a secondary locks section.

These locks will mostly be 13mm/14mm, as that is certainly acceptable for securing a front wheel-to-frame situation.
Its not as good as the 16-19mm u-locks listed in the Locks That Work thread, but its much better than cables, and armoured cables.

U-Locks of 13mm-14mm thickness (average):

Abus U-Mini RED* - £40.00 (80mm x 145mm)
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/33115/Abus-U-Mini-Red-D-Lock---2011.html
Abus U-Mini 401 YELLOW* - £49.99 Sold Secure Gold - better for insurance purposes
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165637_productId_826229_langId_-1?cm_mmc=Shopping-_-Google%20Product%20Search-_-Bikes%2FBike%20Accessories%20%26%20Bike%20Helmets%2FBike%20Locks%20%26%20Security-_-Abus%20Mini%20Gold%20Shackle%20Bike%20Lock&source=shopping
Halfords Magnum Plus Mini - £54.99 Sold Secure Gold - better for insurance purposes
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_231103_langId_-1_categoryId_165637#dtab
Kabrus XL202 alarmed U-lock - £39.99
http://www.kabrus.co.uk/xl202.html
Kabrus XL303 [14mm + plastic cover = 17mm]** alarmed U-lock** £44.99
http://www.kabrus.co.uk/xl303.html
http://www.kabrus.co.uk/store/index.php/kabrus-xl303.html
Kryptonite Evolution Mini 2011 - £28.75 The hardcore and the courier's choice
http://www.parker-international.co.uk/6774/Kryptonite-Evolution-Mini-Lock.html
**Magnum LK 3103 **- £16.99 (90mm x 140mm) [a real bargain]
http://www.woollyhatshop.com/Locks-Security/Magnum-LK3103-Steel-Shackle-U-Lock-Series-Lock-90-x-140-x-13mm/prod_5542.html
Masterlock Street Fortum Gold - £29.99 [a bit long for the tight clearances that makes a secondary lock work best]
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=39786
OnGuard Bulldog Mini - £13.98 bargain excellence
{THIS *LOCK NEEDS DAILY LUBING IF LEFT OUTDOORS; NOT WEATHERPROOFED AT ALL*}
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/102116.html
Squire Hammerhead - £34.99 (13mm x 230mm) [longer than most in this list, so be careful its what you want]
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/squire-hammerhead-230mm-d-lock-id74251.html

*Lock Lube* (Grease or Spray)
http://www.maplin.co.uk/graphite-lock-lubricant-444745
http://www.wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/111601/

*Main Locks that can be Secondary Locks*: (due to smaller size, but note MASSIVE weight!)
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini [18mm**] **£59.89 *[2.74kgs ] *Sold Secure Gold
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Kryptonite-New-York-Fahgettaboudit-Mini-Lock_15258.htm
Onguard Brute Mini 5112 [16.8mm] $34.95* [2.109kgs] *(90mm x 140mm)
http://www.bikelockshops.com/NG5112.html (USA)

Alarm Disc Locks: (very useful in shared accomodation).

VirtualVillage 6mm Motorcycle alarm disc lock (110db) £21.99
http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk/6mm-motorbike-disc-lock-with-security-alarm-004616-034.html
**JBSL02 **Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £22.95
http://www.alarm-padlocks.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=24 (a good deal)
http://www.elitesecuritysupplies.com/motorcycle_secuirty_disc_locks_padlocks_u_locks.html
LA-01 Alarm padlock(105db)** £16.99 (**adequate chainring-based deterrent, but easily cut)
http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com/acatalog/Alarm_Padlock.html
LA-02 Alarm disc lock (100db) £22.95
http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com/acatalog/Disc_Alarm_Padlock.html
Oxford Boss (110db) £66.49
http://www.ngales.com/products_info.asp?id=181
Oxford Screamer Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £28.49
http://www.ngales.com/products_info.asp?id=228
SNC 808 Alarm Disc Lock (110db) £19.99
http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/570201/Security/Alarmed-Locks/SNC/Alarm-Disc-Lock
http://www.sncalarmlock.com/products.SNC14.html
Xena** XZZ6** Alarm Disc Lock (110db) £31.95 (+ postage)
http://www.motorbike-security.co.uk/item/xena-xzz6-high-security-disc-lock/

Axle / Skewer Locks:

For solid axles (ie. fixed gear hubs)
Atomic 22 [needs to be bought direct from manufacturer]
http://atomic22.co.uk/tracknuts.html
**Pinhead **
http://www.pinheadlocks.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=38&category_id=10&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=60&lang=en
Pitlock
http://www.urbanbiketech.com/category-s/26.htm

For hollow axles (ie. quick release)
Hublox Security Skewers
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/48/td9130/delta-hublox-locking-skewers.html
KF Secura Locking Skewers Set
http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP6262.aspx?utm_source=internal%26utm_medium=12%26utm_campaign=DDI
**Pinhead Duo **
http://www.cycle-route.com/bikeshop/2103-Pinhead-Duo-Pack-Locking-Skewer-Set.html
**Pinhead Tri **
http://www.timani-ltd.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=148
**Pitlock **
http://www.hubjub.co.uk/etc/pitlock.htm
Trans-X Security Quick Release
http://www.parkersofbolton.co.uk/p-307-trans-x-security-quick-release-skewer-set.aspx
Zefal Lock n Roll
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Zefal_Lock'N'Roll_QR_AntitheftSkewer-_Pair/5360043685/

Non-U-Lock style: *NO LONGER RECOMMENDED AT ALL*.

Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus Folding Link Lock 85cm - £84.99 [*impossible to bottle jack, but [[B]links are very vulnerable to hammer or lever attacks](http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/locks/product/review-abus-abus-bordo-granit-x-plus-39846/)[/B]*]
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Abus-Bordo-Granit-X-Plus-Folding-Lock_28493.htm

*****This lock is advertised as having a 16mm thick steel bar, but that is advertising-speak. Its 13mm, but 16mm with the plastic cover.

NEW SECTION - Disc Locks (U-shaped)
For Rear wheel-to-frame, or Crank-to-frame

Oxford Boss 16mm Alarmed
Oxford Nemesis 16mm
Gear Gremlin Corsair 14.5mm
Oxford Boss 14mm Alarmed
Kryptonite New York Liberty 14mm
Krytonite Evolution 14mm
Mammoth Rotating Cover Disk Lock 14mm
Abus Motorcycle Locks Granit Power XS 14mm

16 Attachments

There is only one true secondary lock - the lock that no man will break.

I think the definitive lock in this arena is the Krytonite Evolution 4 Mini. The price point at approximately £30.50 seems to be very reasonable and realistic. The Abus 401 Mini does not seem to me to be a tougher lock at all, just more expensive, and not warranting it at all. The OnGuard Bulldog Mini deserves some respect, as its pull strength is apparently 10 tons, whereas the Masterlock Fortnum Gold has only a measly 2 ton pull strength.

IMO, the Kryptonite takes the crown in this category, with the OnGuard running it extremely close, and actually possibly winning, if the price point is the more important factor.

EDIT:
*Scott has corrected me on the benefits of the Abus U-Mini 401 Yellow. It IS a very superior lock, and I'm glad to say it. Though I can't explain why its superior to the Red version, it clearly must be, as shown by its security/insurance rating, and its price. Buy with confidence. *

Why is the krypto better than the onguard? Krypto's only have a locking mechanism on one side, but the onguard claims to have two.

In the event of angle grinding, this could make all the difference as the onguard would still need to be bent open to release the bike where the Krypto would come apart after one cut.

You make a very good point DeadlyFannyPack. And you're right, the OnGuard seems to have it insofar that it needs two cuts to be released, instead of the Krypto's one. But the reason I think the Krypto nicks it is because of the perceived quality. I'm sure you've handled it, and its a very study thing. In fact a few years ago I had a long discussion with a bike shop manager on what was the best bike lock. He was absolutely convinced that it was the Evo Mini. Its actually extremely rare that any of these are cut off bikes, unless the person was unfortunate enough to use it as a sole and main lock. But as a second lock, it has one hell of a reputation. Yes, any and all of these can be cut off with bolt croppers, but its not just the bar that gets attacked - its the whole thing. And as a unit, I feel that there is no stronger lock within this criteria.

I will investigate this as much as I can though, and will certainly be very happy to change it if the OnGuard proves to be the better overall. Fair?

There's not much you can do about the postcode lottery, and the fact that more well-to-do thieves will move to other boroughs in order to get into secondary locks with a better reputation.

GA2G - been reading your threads about locks and locking up bikes with interest - very helpful info. They have definitely made me thing about my bike security a bit more.

A lot of posts have recommended two d-locks as the best set up. I'm assuming that insurance companies probably require that you use a "Sold as Gold" lock for insurance purposes, so wouldn't a decent secondary lock be the cheapest decent d lock? Such as the GRP Superdeals locks mentioned in the Locks that work thread?

Garnett, the GRPS lock too big and heavy to be a secondary lock. Its a primary lock. You wouldnt really want to carry 2 of those, or 2 that were equivalent. This thread is more about compromise and convenience, yet still looks for the quality options within this market.

For insurance purposes, then getting 2 locks that were rated as SOLD SECURE GOLD would be the best options. I don't believe with that line of thinking, rather to use the best locks than go by the insurance companies' recommendations. Best if both coincide of course.

Should the Abus mini yellow not be in here too? It's cheaper than the bordo and can be bought for less than the halfords but is rated Gold secure, and isn't much heavier than a mini evo.
It's what I now use as my second lock instead of my mini fahg.

I'd seen it Scott, but didn't know if there was actually a difference between the Abus U-Mini 401 Red or the Yellow version. Happy to change it if there is. I'll check, as I may have mistaken it for a cosmetic variation, and may have been wrong.

EDIT:
Very strange. The specification seems the same, and yet there is a clear difference in security rating and price. I'll therefore change the version listed to the yellow one.

What I've done is leave both in, so people can choose based on their budgets, or their insurance concerns.

I believe the yellow is thicker in the shackle.
It's expensive for some as a second lock, but as it's still small and light compared to other gold secure locks i would rather pay the £2O extra personally.

It certainly beats lugging a mini fahg around just to lock rear wheel to frame.

Agreed.

I did find info somewhere but can't remember where...i'm certain there was a difference in shackle thickness between the two. I think some shops are actually mixing the info up to be honest, and abus has a shit site.

Thanks GA2G.

Garnett, the GRPS lock too big and heavy to be a secondary lock. Its a primary lock. You wouldnt really want to carry 2 of those, or 2 that were equivalent. This thread is more about compromise and convenience, yet still looks for the quality options within this market.

For insurance purposes, then getting 2 locks that were rated as SOLD SECURE GOLD would be the best options. I don't believe with that line of thinking, rather to use the best locks than go by the insurance companies' recommendations. Best if both coincide of course.

It seems to me there's 2 reasons to lock your bike - 1) to try to deter/prevent theft and 2) to validate insurance.

Not sure if insurance companies recognise use of more than 1 "Sold Secure Gold" so 1 would presumably be sufficient for claiming.

Therefore second lock is presumably only for reason 1.

Quite a few people on here need to lock their bikes with a Sold Secure Gold lock, as it (I believe) stipulates it in either their household, or single purpose bicycle insurance.

I don't buy into it at all though, as its the manufacturer that has to go to Sold Secure, and then pay to get their lock tested and listed. Manufacturers that don't do this remain unlisted, like Xena (with their fantastic alarmed u-locks) and Motrax.

Also, quite unbelievably, some tiny cable locks have been given Sold Secure Gold status, and everyone knows that they can almost be bitten through with one's own gnashers. It leaves me very sceptical of the whole enterprise.

Quite a few people on here need to lock their bikes with a Sold Secure Gold lock, as it (I believe) stipulates it in either their household, or single purpose bicycle insurance.

I don't buy into it at all though, as its the manufacturer that has to go to Sold Secure, and then pay to get their lock tested and listed. Manufacturers that don't do this remain unlisted, like Xena (with their fantastic alarmed u-locks) and Motrax.

Also, quite unbelievably, some tiny cable locks have been given Sold Secure Gold status, and everyone knows that they can almost be bitten through with one's own gnashers. It leaves me very sceptical of the whole enterprise.

I have very much the same feelings. A lot of stuff with the badge looks well naff. The only reason would be to meet the demands of your insurance company. Another thing which is total BS, is the insurance that comes with locks like some Magnum or Krypto's waaaayy to many clauses such as having to provide the defeated lock. Having evidence you locked it properly, having receipts for your bike and more.. I believe some of them require that your prove no powertools or jacks were used. That they have to have been CUT.

When I did Evans staff training, out of everyone there at head office & trainee's not a single person knew of someone who had sucessfully claimed the insurance money. Yet they trained us to emphasise the value of it anyway for the hard sell!

I am fond of finding chinese/unbranded gems like your GPRS lock. But I worry that there is no way to know the quality of the steel used, if they have any hardening at all.

XENAs should be in here, no?

Thanks for the threads, GA2G, much appreciated!

cheers for the thread ashe.

having left my kryptonite mini on a wall outside the spurstowe a couple of weeks ago i am in the market for another secondary lock and need to check what's out there.

Personally, if I am locking up in a high risk environment I use my Abus Granit X54 as the secondary to my mighty Fahg. It is only half a kilo more than most of the weaker smaller locks.

The Krabus alarm U-lock I also occasionally use and I think works well as a secondary (just not as a primary), given it also has the alarm and weighs less than a 1kg.

One of the aspects people need to consider is if they are using the secondary lock on the front wheel, frame and post (unlike around the seat post, wheel, pedals etc.) is that it is not so easy to pack it out. Hence, I think secondary locks with big space shackles can be vulnerable. IMO I would look to use smaller space locks like the Evo and Kabrus as secondaries, over bigger ones.

Out of interest, anyone looked at or have one of the Squire Snaplocks?

http://www.squirelocks.co.uk/pdfs/squire_snaplok2.pdf

Looks an interesting and potentially useful shape

Interesting shape, but it looks not very strong. A good hammer should have that off pretty sharpish.

It rates terribly in this review.

Interesting shape, but it looks not very strong. A good hammer should have that off pretty sharpish.

It rates terribly in this review.

Thanks.

17 seconds ! ouch. Once again makes a mockery of the Sold Secure ratings.

Looking forward to the Magnum 3103 coming to market.

I own an Almax lock which I'm currently selling. Anyone know how I can post a for sale ad? :S

On the main/home page of the forum there is a CLASSIFIEDS section. Post it for sale there.