Locks that work

found this thread very useful, just bought a kryptonite new york lock off ebay brand new for £45 posted

Very useful thread - thanks :)

I'm currently using my old motorbike lock - an Abus Granite Extreme 59 D lock. I got it because with an engine, the weight was a non-issue, and it seemed like the biggest most awkward lump of metal for a thief to get through.

On my cycle, I use it through the rear wheel and the seattube, usally locking througha heavy duty post, or bike rack - also using locking skewers, and a cable lock for the saddle/seatpost and the front wheel. This method seems to fill up the interior of the lock quite well.

I'm just wondering about the break time quoted for that lock @ 2 mins - firstly which tools were used, and secondly, whether that was for 1 or two cuts (it needs 2 cuts to remove the lock due to the twin locking and square profile.) -ie. is it 1 minute per cut or 2?

I'd love to see a destruction test of a granite extreme 59 - not knowing the details worries me slightly.

From what I can see, a square profile 16mm shackle has slightly more material than a round profile 18mm, so I'm just wondering which is in principle stronger, assuming the same materials. I've also read comments that 16-18mm is "essentially uncroppable".

I would consider changing to a mini fahg, but I'm not sure if there are significant benefits, and whether I would have more trouble finding suitable locking sites with the smaller locking area. I'm also pretty broke at the moment (all the more reason not to get a bike nicked though...)

thanks,
steverino

i thought you were doing the taking of the piss, until I saw a video demostrating that lock, that can't be a good idea.

ooh i haven't seen any videos, but why not a good idea?

ooh i haven't seen any videos, but why not a good idea?

Well it does look like it's made of plastic and chrome - more like an iPod accessory than a security device.

The fact that it's "pick proof" presumably won't help much when someone belts it with a 12lb sledgehammer. Maybe it's stronger than it looks though.

Steverino, I'd stick with the Abus 59. I believe there is no better lock. But I'd combine that with a disc alarm, and remove the front wheel, and or, attach it to the rear wheel for most secure locking.

Of course this is my recommendation for locking up in London. It would not need to be as severe in Durham for example.

Well it does look like it's made of plastic and chrome - more like an iPod accessory than a security device.

The fact that it's "pick proof" presumably won't help much when someone belts it with a 12lb sledgehammer. Maybe it's stronger than it looks though.

I think its large 'back to the future' factor must be a bonus though!

Steverino, I'd stick with the Abus 59. I believe there is no better lock. But I'd combine that with a disc alarm, and remove the front wheel, and or, attach it to the rear wheel for most secure locking.

Of course this is my recommendation for locking up in London. It would not need to be as severe in Durham for example.

Thanks GA2G, I'll stick with it then, and add a disc alarm if I find a cheap good one.

I think its large 'back to the future' factor must be a bonus though!

Great Scott Marty! It does look nice, but I'd be worried that it would attract attention in the wrong way "Look at that funny thing, it doesn't look strong, let's have a crack at it" - rather than "Jeez, look at the size of that lump of metal, it'll take ages to get through that." It doesn't look like the shape of the casing allows for a particularly thick shackle underneath.

I'd also be concerned that the casing would get tatty of fall off, even if the lock underneath is sound.

I've also seen price suggestions at $150 ( ~ £95), at which point it becomes very likely that there will be many better locks around for the money. For that money you could probably get a couple of very decent D locks, and maybe even accessory locks if you shop around.

Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit X-Plus 1050
TEST - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...nit-1000-16399
STAGE 2 = 90 seconds
Benefits = Excellent for its type.

Just thought i'd mention that the lock tested is not the **"Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit X-Plus 1050",
**its the "1000 model" which is much cheaper and inferior.

However thanks GA2G for compiling all this info.
**
**

Hi,

My name is Claire and I'm the Assistant Marketing Manager at VirtualVillage.co.uk. Thanks for the mention of the Virtual Village disc lock. There was a question raised about whether or not the alarm is loud. I have checked with our product sourcing team and they have assured me that it definitely is.

  The alarm attaches to the bike disc and is made from steel. It is £17.90 but to say thanks for the mention, I'd like to pass on a 20% off discount code. The code is VVN392R. Type in the code when prompted in checkout and the discount will be applied.
If you have any further questions, comments or if there is anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to get in contact with me. Go to [VirtualVillage.co.uk](http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk/) to find more inexpensive accessories and [bike security products. ](http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk/search?VIEW_SIZE=10&PAGING=Y&SEARCH_OPERATOR=AND&SEARCH_STRING=bike+security&SEARCH_CATEGORY_ID=RootCatagoryUK)[

](http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk/motorbike-security-alarms)

Thanks again!

Claire Bartels
Assistant Marketing Manager
claire.bartels@virtualvillage.com
http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk

Re-cycled, I've amended the info on the Abus 1050. Thanks for that.

ClaireVv, thanks for taking the time to answer my question. However, is it possibly to get a maximum Db rating for your supplier,
so that I may publish it alongside your product? Thank you also for the discount!

i got all excited with that code then didn't buy because cheapest shipping is £9!

Im thinking of getting a fah mini d-lock.
How heavy is it?
Is it alot heavier than an evo mini?
Cheers.

2kg, yes but worth it.

Ok thanks!
Ordering as we speak =]
(Gets pepared for it to wiegh down his shorts like fuck when using his soon to get rosie...)

Bubblewrap, just make sure that you always lock your bike to something immovable, and that your bike cannot be lifted over it. The few people that have bought Fahg Minis and had their bikes stolen, all had used extremely poor locking techniques.

Thanks GA2G, i generally will try to lock to a bike stand, or very immovable railings.
Thanks for advice.

i've found the lock is easily carriable either in a rucksack or tucked thru belt.

yey, xena xzz6 in the post.

Is there a big difference between a fahg and a m18? besides teh size.

So no one has used the Xena XUL series? Its £70 with alarm and a fahg with xena disc alarm would cost more.

Is there a big difference between a fahg and a m18? besides teh size.

fah mini is stronger, smaller, thicker, heavier.

basically everything that Daft Punk was.

fah mini is same width (18mm)

I think they are the same strength, since both are 18mm. The fahmini is aim for bicycles and m18 for motobikes I think. Given that there is a report that kryptonite is having key clashes, I think I might go with the Xena XUL. Can't seem to find a physical shop to get it around central london, tried calling a few shops on Xena website this morning.

I think a Xena and a fahg would be ultimate. My backpack is gonna be heavy.

please do direct us to these confirmed reports of kryptonite key problems.

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