Locks that work

Absolutely brilliant thread, thanks to GA2G for a very comprehensive list....mummy, can i get a fahg for christmas?

SpinFTW......yet another alias concocted between nimbhus and BMMF.They take turns apparently.

What?

Insider's joke. Filled with acrimony and adoration. Equal measure.

I see.

chuckles

Have spent most of the afternoon working my way through this thread while working and would like to say thanks very much for all the advice!

Apologies if I missed it, but has anybody bought one of the Xena alarmed locks, and if so can they post a review? I am very tempted but am concerned about:

1. Does the lack of a rubber coating (I assume it doesnt have one judging by the pictures) make it susceptible to the attacks alluded to by Ed earlier in the thread/make it scratch the paint work?

2. Generally does it work well (eg does it feel like it is good quality/is the alarm good?)

Cheers

edit: I am referring to the Xena D locks.....

mrcartledge, Yes, possibly the lack of rubber coating could cause scratches on your frame. But it would be simplicity itself to make your own rubber or plastic coating. Also, the frame paint only chips and scratches when the lock is applied without care. If you're careful when locking and unlocking, then there should not be much of a problem.

As I see it, the Xena Alarm D-Locks appear excellent. I especially like that they're made of stainless steel. I think Xena have one of the best respected names in Motorcycle security, and I doubt their product would let you down.

I haven't owned one; and if not for my well-known skinflint attitude....it would be the one for me.

https://www.londonfgss.com/thread24813.html review of disc alarm

https://www.londonfgss.com/thread10744.html info on d lock

Cheers!

1. Does the lack of a rubber coating (I assume it doesnt have one judging by the pictures) make it susceptible to the attacks alluded to by Ed earlier in the thread/make it scratch the paint work?
   
   
   

They wouldn't have time to attack the lock, the alarm goes off before they get the chance to do some proper damage on it.

Wrap an old inner tube round it.

http://www.forthgear.co.uk/product/Dislok_-_Disc_Lock_%28Large%29_3061

Motrax 19mm square steel shackle disk lock/d-lock - £14.99 special offer. £20 delivered. 8 left in stock.

This is half price, and has got to be worth the cheap price, so just got myself one.

^^^^^Best value, extra-strong lock^^^^^

Superb....and an almost unbelievable price.

Mind you, my GRPS lock seems to be becoming more popular all the time. I'm seeing quite a few around.

[QUOTE=GA2G;853784]ile, brought this to light. I'll try to find out if it is kosher.

http://www.sterlinglocks.com/acatalog/linklockdlocksheavydutychains.pdf

Has anybody used it?
Thanks

There's a very good reason, or two, as to why its not listed with the other recommended locks. Ignore it and get one thats listed instead.

1. Its as kosher as pork chops.

2. I tried contacting the retailers to get some more info, but no reply. If they won't reply to queries, what sort of after-service do you think one could expect? Avoid like the plague.

EDIT:
Ile bought one, and said the key was the weak point - BAD design. I'd really look for something else if I were you.

Not sure about the 18mm D lock, but I recognise the armoured padlock. I found one of these near my house the other week with 2 broken chain links attached - so perhaps the padlock works.

Thanks. Unfortunately I had ordered one before I saw your answer. It's under £ 15.00 delivered, so maybe too cheap to be good.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260524007790&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I migth use it as a second lock and get another from the list. But first, I need to get a new bike, my old one was nicked in Farringdon. I was too naive using 12 mm cable lock, which was cut like butter.

Edit: Beg pardon for picture of padlocks on gate. Link removed.

On topic of Motrax 19mm posted above, one of my work colleagues was looking for a cheap lock, so I said that was probably his best bet. Bargain at the price – so he's happy – and is doubtlessly very strong, but it's monstrously heavy, really wide (as it's obviously not designed for bicycles) and it seems to rattle quite a bit which he was suspicious about. Anyone else got one or know of any tests done on it?

Agreed, a photo of old padlocks is just a bit odd.

But regarding the Motrax 19mm, I'd say that you're right, and that the width does indeed show the original design train of thought.
Its the type of lcok that I'd use to secure a removed front wheel, to rear wheel and frame. Suggest to your mate, if he hasn't found this
solution already....that he lock it at an angle, and if possible through the chainset also. My GRPS lock rattles, but when securely
braced in locking positions, its fine.

I think the Motrax is a relatively new product, and as such, I'm yet to see any reviews.

The motrax one is ridiculously heavy, and I don't tend to carry it anywhere because of the weight. I'm still not completely confident in using it as a sole lock, only because I don't know any reviews either.

A few things i've noticed are: the main shackle is square and 19mm, whereas the bottom part which connects to the body is round and maybe 16mm? This bottom part does extrude enough to cut across so effectively you could just cut the round part, making the rest of the 19mm pointless.
The plastic casing on the body feels very cheap, so I dont know if breaking through that would create an issue, (temped to break it just to see the inside).
Also you have to push the shackle completely in to unlock it again.

So at the moment I'm using it alongside my old Ny3000 to lock me and my girlfriend's bike together.

.................is ridiculously heavy..................

This describes nearly every lock recommended and listed in this thread, unsurprisingly.

Today saw police holding onto bicycle and cut lock in the Bank area around lunchtime. From what I could make of it, the thief must have been spotted an ran off leaving the bike.

The point to this is, that the lock they were holding was cut clean through the middle and looked exactly like the 13mm hardened ABUS d-lock that is mentioned at the beginning of this thread. So best to be aware of this if you own one.

Picked up a fahgettaboudit from cycle surgery today for 55 quid thanks to parker international!

Was a pleasure leaving my bike outside in holborn all day!

Today saw police holding onto bicycle and cut lock in the Bank area around lunchtime. From what I could make of it, the thief must have been spotted an ran off leaving the bike.

The point to this is, that the lock they were holding was cut clean through the middle and looked exactly like the 13mm hardened ABUS d-lock that is mentioned at the beginning of this thread. So best to be aware of this if you own one.

Frankie, since there is only one 13mm lock recommended, amongst the sea of 16mm/18mm locks, its obvious that you mean the Abus Granit X Plus 54. Abus do a range of locks that are the same size and dimensions, but its the squared bar that truly identifies it as being the 54. Did you manage to see if the bar was square? Otherwise, it might have been one of the similar but less effective locks from the Abus range.

Abus locks from same range as the Granit X 54:
http://www.abus.de/us/main.asp?ScreenLang=us&sid=424602687074737210120101492545124&select=0104b01&ArtikelGrID=1

Or maybe the Abus Ketaro:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-ABUS-Abus-Ketaro-505--230-mm-D-Lock--Sold-Secure-Silver-Standard-19583.htm