Customer Reviews:
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 This Bike Lock Triggered My Latent Superpowers, November 2, 2008
By Daria
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My whole life, people have made unflattering assumptions about my strength. This little Asian girl, they think to themselves, is surely incapable of throwing that ball weighing less than 1% of her body mass. News flash: I'm skinny, not crippled.
Well, thanks to this bike lock, those days are over. After my brand new OnGuard PitBull MINI DT arrived in the mail, I was quite eager to test it out. I grabbed one of the five conveniently-included keys and stuck it into the keyhole. I turned it, pulled it out, and was greeted by a piece of metal much shorter than the one I had glimpsed just 5 seconds before.
The process of unwrapping the lock from its unusually constrictive packaging (I guess that a company that makes bike locks feels they have to protect their reputation by rendering their products immobile even BEFORE usage) had triggered an unprecedented and untapped arm strength that had been lying dormant my entire life. By applying what I thought was a normal amount of force on this key for no more than three seconds, the metal twisted until it broke, leaving the bottom part of the key wedged securely in the keyhole. Sure, my never-used bike lock has been demoted to doorstop, but $38 is a small price to pay for the realization that I can now destroy pieces of metal as easily as I can waste time on the Internet.
100 of 127 people found the above review helpful.
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 Solid Lock, May 31, 2008
By Charles F. (USA)
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This lock will definitely keep your bike safe. Don't be fooled by the name "Mini DT" because this thing is solid. To give you an idea, I weighed components:
U-lock - 2 lbs 5 oz.
Cable - 11 oz.
Combined - 3 lbs.
Dimensions of the U-lock:
Width - 6 in.
Height - 7.8 in.
Diameter of thickest part - 1.75 in.
Length of cable - 46 in.
The frame mount is pretty good (easy to install, you'll need a hex wrench though) and it comes with 5 keys (seems like overkill, but whatever.)
For the price and the free shipping, its a no brainer.
Get it and be done with it.
42 of 44 people found the above review helpful.
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Better than Kr*ptonite!, July 25, 2007
By Tom the Bike Guy (Arizona USA)
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I would suggest before buying an OnGuard lock, visit the manufacturers website for security ratings. This specific u-lock is rated 4+ out of 5+. It has what OnGuard calls 4x power quattro locking system which provides greater pull apart resistance than their 2x system. The cable is there to allow you to secure additional items such as your seat/wheels. Before doing some research I was simply going to buy a large u-lock, but after reading, it seems the mini u-locks are more secure in the sense that they leave less room for a pry bar or jack attack. They also have the additional benefit of being lighter!
34 of 36 people found the above review helpful.
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solid lock, January 4, 2007
By W. Lynn (Falls Church, VA USA)
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-comes with extra security cable
-includes 1 year free theft coverage on your bike when secured using the lock (altho if you read the fine print, it's redeemable only if the u-lock is actually broken apart and you can show that)
-nice set of keys, including one with a light
-nice finish on the lock
-the keyhole is weather-protected (the shinier middle part rotates to cover it)
-snug secure fit (tho make sure it's big enough for your locking situations)
I'd recommend this lock for anything up to medium-high level of security.
16 of 18 people found the above review helpful.
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 Tight Fit, May 23, 2008
By S. Fang (Ohio, USA)
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This is a solid lock, only bad thing (if you consider it a bad thing) is that it's just a tad too short. My bike has 2.25" tires, and the racks at school have very thick bars. The way I lock my bike is using the Sheldon Brown technique (google it), and it takes me a good five minutes to try to get it to lock because of the tight fit. This tight fit is actually very good, because it doesn't allow thieves to have enough room to stick in a bar to use a leverage to pry the bar open; however, given the amount of time I am fiddling with the lock to try to lock my bike, I probably look like a thief myself! People have successfully taken off the plastic cover off of the cross bar, which should give you more room, but then nobody will know you're using an Onguard lock. Sure you'll remove about a pound of weight off the lock if you took the cover off, but the thieves won't know that you're using an Onguard, so they'll attempt to break it, thinking that it's a cheap lock. Anyway, this is an awesome, sturdy, but heavy lock.
11 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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 Great lock, but ..., November 10, 2006
By LJCS
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I really do like this lock, but b/c of its size, it does not fit on the frame of my (women's) bike, so I have to carry it in my backpack. It's also a bit on the heavy side.
11 of 14 people found the above review helpful.
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Good lock, small size can be a problem, August 14, 2008
By A. Buck (New York, NY)
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I purchased this OnGuard Pitbull MINI DT 5008 lock after extensive research on the best locks and locking techniques available. I decided to use the Sheldon Brown method, which requires you to lock your back wheel to a rack or parking meter, making sure you pass through the rear triangle of the frame. A mini u-lock is recommended as it is harder for thieves to work with. However, the lock is so small that, depending where I can find to lock up, I can't get it to close using the Sheldon Brown technique and have to lock up somewhat more insecurely. The cable, while not capable of doing battle with a bolt cutter, is great for locking down my seat post - especially comforting given the rash of bike seat thefts in my area. The 5 included keys are handy so I can leave one at work, home, carry one, etc. Overall, a good value and exactly as described. I just wish I had bought a slightly larger lock given the dimensions of my bike/wheel and what I have to lock to.
7 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Great protection, June 15, 2008
By MaDGolfeR (California)
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This u-lock/cable fits my needs to a "T". The u-lock is just big enough to fit mtn bikes rear wheel and frame and the cable just works to secure my front wheel and seat/rack. It is definitely very solid. Extra sets of keys is a bonus. The mount doesn't secure the u-lock very well though. Comes off too easily but I added a velcro strap sold as a pump strap to secure it completely. The perfect combo for the quick errand or any other short-mid term security. Great price as well.
6 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Small but tough, August 13, 2008
By Inna Z (San Diego, CA)
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I got my MINI PitBull over a month ago, after shopping around and reading numerous reviews on different websites. I was looking for a reliable, well made lock that would not be too heavy or too bulky or cost a fortune even though I do have a nicer bike... And that's exactly what this lock turned out to be. It's fairly easy to mount and use, the mechanism is smooth and the cable provides lots of options for locking. Feels pretty solid overall, a good buy for the money
5 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Top quality, small, excellent lock, July 2, 2008
By C. Sullivan (Seattle, WA)
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For the money I don't think you can get a better compact lock. If you are looking for something smaller than the standard size, this is what I would recommend. I park my bike on a college campus everyday with this, and haven't had any problems (I did just get a On Guard Brute to supplement this lock, which I also recommend). It is on the small side, but I can generally fit my frame, rear wheel, and bike rack in it. It is tight though, and sometimes it doesn't fit. I am always able to get at least my frame to the rack though, it just depends on the size of the rack. My only complaint is the mounting bracket partially broke within a month of owning it. It still functions and holds the lock fine, some of the plastic holding the lock just chipped off, so it might not be functional soon.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent value and awesome security!, November 11, 2007
By defiant (Stevens Point, WI)
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I have no complaints at all. More secure than the Kryptonite Evo Series and less expensive. Solid, easy to use, attractive, easy to carry.
100% satisfied!!!
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Broken Key, September 14, 2009
By J. Reyes (San Francisco, CA)
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I was satisfied with the lock until the key broke within a week of using it. The locking mechanism was jammed and when I gave the key the slightest bit of pressure, a 1cm piece of the key broke inside the lock. The way the keys are cut, the skeleton is way too fragile and flimsy to handle any excessive torque when turning the lock.
I contacted onguard customer service and was able to return the lock and receive a replacement chain lock with a code lock instead of the key lock.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Not exactly what I wanted, July 12, 2008
By da_kidd757 (Richmond, VA USA)
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First off, don't be mislead by my title, the lock and cable are exactly as they were advertised. The price was beautiful and the lock works seamlessly. However, I ride a fixed gear bike, and the mini lock doesn't always fit over my front tire and frame if I'm trying to lock it up. I can only get it around the frame OR the tire and around whatever I'm locking it too. The only exception is if the pole is really small. So, again, the product works great and is super strong...but I sometimes find it difficult to get my frame and tire locked up within the U together. Otherwise, this thing gets a perfect score.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Great lock initially, February 1, 2011
By ChemE
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I purchased this lock at a bike store. I ride my bicycle 5 days a week and move it about 6 times a day (so the lock gets used 12 times a day), and I always bring my bike inside if it's going to rain. After about two weeks, I inserted the key and the lock simply would not turn. I tried using WD-40 on it with still no luck. I ended up having to get campus police to break the lock off my bike, and I ended up missing a class.
Although it is sturdy and a good design, I do NOT recommend this lock at all.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Light, Small and STRONG, November 5, 2010
By Marcus (Boise, ID)
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People who broke the keys in the lock like to blame the lock to avoid responsibility for their own stupid mistake. If you put the key in properly and turn, the key wont break. I will admit though that the key is thinner than a house or car key, so if you have problems breaking those keys off in locks, this lock isn't for you. I have broke a house key in a lock before, but it was the doors fault!!! :) No, the fault was my own. But back to the lock.
I have been using the lock for over a year and a half and have had no problems with broken keys, rust, or any malfunctions. I don't keep very special care of the lock at all, nor do I worry about breaking the key every time I use the lock. I shoot some WD-40 in the lock a few times a year to be safe but not because I notice problems.
PROS:
*The lock fits in my back pocket.
*locks and unlocks fast
*fits around every pole I've tried to lock it too, with the Sheldon Brown Method(Google it)
*When there are no poles, You can use the cable.
CONS:
*The mount sucks. You can make it work, but if you care about your paint, use some extra padding. It chiped some of my paint. When I was using it I used duct tape to protect my bike but some might not like that.
*If you like to lock your front tire and frame, the U-Lock alone wont work. Personally I lock the back wheel(using the Sheldon Brown Method) and use a cable to tie up the front wheel. Carrying the cable and the small U-lock, for me, is better than the HUGE lock, so this isn't a problem for me.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Lock mechanism broke within 2 weeks., October 5, 2009
By K. Suen
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The construction quality left much to be desired. The key provided was very flimsy and after 2 weeks of normal use, the lock it self became jammed. NOT recommended...
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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 Worked great for a year then the key got stuck, September 14, 2009
By Ian Medina (NYC)
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OnGuard customer service offered a replacement but I decided to move on to Kryptonite locks. I wouldn't want to get another OnGuard lock and have my key get stuck in the cylinder again. It took me 30 mins just to unlock my bike only to have my key get stuck once opened. Never again, OnGuard.
I'll give it 2 stars because it does offer great protection and it worked fine for a year. Perhaps I just got a bad lock but I wouldn't risk it again.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Great paperweight, Garbage lock!, September 10, 2009
By T. Perry
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This lock would be great if the key didn't snap off or permanently jam itself into the mechanism. (Other than the fact that the bracket attachment is a completely worthless black plastic piece of trash. UNFORTUNATELY, the key does snap off and or jam irreversibly with literally almost zero effort on behalf of the user.
Thank God I was able to unlock the thing with my key still jammed into the hole after trying to lock up to a tree near my apartment. I now have the option of using both pieces as paperweights for separate, lightweight, easily blown materials, or I can stick the two pieces together to hold down heavy duty things like tagboard, or perhaps a single cardboard box. If only the key could be removed, I could potentially even use this to continue securing my bike! Wouldn't that be a treat? To no avail. Thanks for nothing OnGuard. I wish nothing but bankruptcy and class action law suits on you.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Fell to bits after 6 months - don't buy!, September 7, 2009
By Mr. S. Braun (Illinois USA)
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I've left my original review below so you know what I thought about this lock when I first bought it. Fast forward to this morning when I'm trying to lock my bike up and the D-Lock explodes into pieces. I'm not talking about something falling off, I'm talking about it completely collapsing into a number of broken pieces and being completely unusable! I will never buy another lock from this company again and will now have to fork out more money on a lock that will stay in one piece. Before you consider buying this lock, think about it... if the lock breaks apart ON ITS OWN, whats going to stop a thief from breaking into it when its locking up your precious bike?
DO NOT BUY!!!!
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I'm an avid cyclist and have been cycling for many years. I have a more expensive bike back home that I lock with a very expensive lock. Now that I am at school riding a refurbished bike from the 70's I don't place as much value on locking it up but I have a basis to compare this lock with the high end locks. The first difference I noticed is that these are nowhere near as hefty as my expensive locks. Most average cyclists would prefer this lower weight though as it makes it easier to ride around whilst carrying the locks. The other point I can compare is that instead of a cable, my high end locks uses high density chain instead. Frankly, in my experience, cables are completely useless. Any thief with a pair of bolt cutters can slice through that baby like butter. When you lock your bike, put the U-Lock through your frame and if you can, also put it through a spoke (preferrably in the rear). This leads me to another complaint. This U-Lock is TINY. A lot of times I have tried to lock my bike up and there just isn't enough room between the U-Lock and my bike to fit it back together. Take my advice and get the bigger size and you'll be better off.
Overall, the lock does a very good job as long as you position the U-Lock properly and just use the cable as an extra measure (I put mine through the front tire and connect it to the U-Lock at the back). The size is a little small but it seems hefty enough. The size is partly the reason for my low rating but its heftiness kept it up a little. What also really brought it down was the bracket they give you. It is completely useless. It is a very flimsy plastic piece that holds this heavy lock onto your bike and through normal bouncing and riding it breaks... VERY FAST. In fact within a week of getting this lock, the bracket had half broken off. I don't even use it anymore. This is not a problem for me as I have a tray on the back of my bike to carry it but my girlfriend has the same lock and now she's screwed. Don't rely on it.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Poor quality, June 9, 2009
By Software Engineer (San Diego, CA)
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The lock itself seems sturdy enough, but its accessories are useless. The lock holder (to attach to your frame) broke after 3 rides, and the key seems fragile enough where I believe I could (and will) easily break it off within the lock; maybe that's why they give you 6 keys.
Fat lot of good this lock will do me if I can't take it anywhere.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Good except for mounting bracket, May 21, 2009
By David Murphy (Petaluma, CA United States)
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Good size and solid feel. The bracket that attached to frame is not though. Feels like itnis going to break at anytime. Figure I'll just carry it in my bag when that happens.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Compact And Sufficient Cycling Lock, February 27, 2008
By RiderLooney (San Diego, CA)
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This lock is strong enough, but also light in weight and compact in size to carry on your bike or even in your rear pack, when the rider decides to stop and walk and look around town. I chose this lock because of its' compact size, yet still having the security as a small U-lock should. I would recommend this product to all riders who like to stop and look around for a while. It also came with a thick cable which also can be stored in a person's messenger bag or on the bike.OnGuard PitBull MINI DT 5008 Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Dont listen to supergirl (Daria's review), October 13, 2010
By Amazon Shopper
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I read the tiny asian girls review and purchased the lock anyway. Here is some advice. Read the instructions and when inserting the key wait until you hear/feel a small click before you turn the key. Also dont turn any key in any lock when there is resistance. Resistance means the key isnt inserted properly.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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lock stuck.... lock sucks, July 29, 2011
By cookiemonster
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i've had this lock for about a year now, but only started using it regularly since cycling to work a couple times a week this month. i've used it less than 10 times, never dropped it, and kept it indoors, used in covered parking lot.
the last time it actually locked, it was really finicky and gave me hell when i tried to engage the lock and then yesterday, this stupid lock got stuck. key goes in and turns lock/unlock but once i try to connect the u part to the lock- the key gets stuck! i can't turn the key (engage lock) nor pull the key out unless i remove the u part.
no amount of wd40 to all ports engages the lock to actually perform is intended funtion- lock together.
gonna buy a kryp like i should of in the first place:(
its cute, small, hefty and looks like it will be work like a kryp..... but. it. is. a. piece. of. crap.... or now a repurposed wd40 soaked paper weight and horse shoe.
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Fell apart after a couple of years, May 5, 2011
By currocj (San Francisco, CA USA)
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So at first I had problems with the holster breaking since it was made of cheap plastic. They were not helpful at all in replacing that low cost piece.
The lock itself is completely falling apart right now. Granted I purchased it in 2009 and here we are in 2011, but I would expect something that's supposed to be super sturdy and strong to last much longer than 2 years. All I can say is that the engineering, construction, and quality of the materials are all cheap. I will never buy another OnGuard product again.
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Great Lock Had For a Good Price!, April 11, 2011
By Timmy Toast
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This is a great lock purchased for a good price. OnGuard makes a high-quality product and has a good reputation. I have purchased their products before and have always been impressed with them. This U-style lock and cable combination is given a 4+ star rating by OnGuard making it one of their tougher locks. The U lock is of a very sturdy construction and looks the part. The quality of the lock is unquestionable. The locking mechanism used on this lock provides a high level of security as well as peace of mind.
Overall, I gave this lock and cable combination 5 stars due to its security rating, quality of construction, and fit and finish.
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Works great..................for a while, March 29, 2011
By Waggles
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Bought this lock about a year ago. I used it everyday until with minimal troubles until about a month ago when it would take me 5-10 turns of the key to unlock or lock the bike. Finally today, after 3 twisted/ruined keys (no wonder they give you so many) I have given up on this lock. It should not take 5 minutes to unlock/lock your bike every time!
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Mini U-locks are the, February 17, 2011
By Chris Sippel
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I decided to get a mini U-lock because they offer better protection than their bigger counterparts. This locks works quite well besides a couple small things. I used this lock in the winter and had ice get inside the lock which obviously created an issue. I don't see there being an issue with the key breaking inside the lock unless you are over forceful with it. Also the outer plastic casing broke on me but I was a little rough with the lock. The mounting system isn't the greatest but it does the job. The cable that comes with the lock works exactly like you would expect it to. For the price, the lock and cable were was definitely worth it. I would recommend reading proper U-lock locking strategies here [...]
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No complaints, February 13, 2011
By LA Bicyclist
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Solid lock, have used it for a couple months now and have had no problems with the keys. Like everyone else says, make sure the key is inserted correctly all the way in before turning. The cable is nice for a little extra piece of mind to wrap around the front wheels.
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Good lock, November 29, 2010
By Robert Baker (Arizona)
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This a good lock, I can't complain. One thing I don't like is the plastic cover (gray piece in the middle). I had to get this replaced because the 1st lock I had fell out of the mounting bracket about 10 times hitting the street at fast speeds. The last time, the lock was in the locked position, when it fell the lock came open and the shaft was broken in pieces. I couldn't believe it. I haven't tested my replaced lock, but I think someone can just hit it with a sledge hammer a few times and pop it open.
The cable is too short to do anything useful.
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Lock Jams, October 4, 2010
By Spliskin (Virginia)
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The lock jammed within 2 days of using it, after it rained. Now its locked outside a shop luckily a block away from my house. I'm afraid of breaking the key. I've walked to my bike on three different occasions to try to jiggle it free. I'm going to try to use motor oil to maybe loosen the pins but in short, unless you want your bike stuck somewhere, where you can't free it without looking like a thief, don't buy this lock
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this lock sucks, June 23, 2010
By Changbin Liu (PA)
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It is a lot of pain using this lock. The metal of the keys are "soft", easy to be bent when rotating inside the lock for the purpose of locking and unlocking. Once they are bent, it becomes a "tricky" task for locking and unlocking. Typically I paid more than one minute for this process every time, and I am surprised to find every key (they give us four) has same problem. Even worse, I just got my key broken into two halves when trying to unlock it, and one half got firmly stuck inside the tiny little hole of the lock. I had to use a saw to cut the lock off to get my bike back. I feel depressed and angry. Btw, the lock itself is also hard to use.
I strongly recommend nobody uses it (any more).
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Security -nuff said, June 12, 2010
By J. Mueller
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Works great - be careful with your keys and opening it. I read other reviews with people bending and breaking their keys. I can see it happening, but you would really have to turn and push hard. I have no issues with it and love its small form factor. Fits great around the back tire and frame. The Cable works well for securing the bike to the rack. Great buy and much cheaper than Kryptonite. Buy it -- do it and do it now.
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Great U-Lock for my ride, April 14, 2010
By A. Gil (Florida USA)
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I bought this because my last bicycle was stolen because I had one of those combination cables. This makes it way easier to lock and is much better protection. The lock is very sturdy, heavy and thick. There's been no issue with the keys and they work fine.
I like that it includes the extra cable which makes it easier to lock the front tire for added security.
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great lock, March 19, 2010
By InfoSanDiegoHomes.com (San Diego Ca.)
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I just got this Pitbull mini. I must say it is hefty. Seems pretty bullet proof. I did not have any problems with the key as others' had stated in the reviews. It did come with like 5 keys so I'm hoping not to really need them all. The one drawback and really it's just because I don't have the allen wrenches is that it doesn't come with the ones you need to mount the lock so I have to go to the store to get the tools needed to mount it but overall very happy with the quality. One thing is be careful, once it's locked there is only about 5.5 inches and that has to wrap around some part of your bike and the bicycle rack so you have to be a little creative. But great product.
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Great lock, bad lock mount, March 3, 2010
By K. Chalamala
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The lock itself is great, not too big or too small, the mount it came with to mount the lock on your bike is good if you ride a road bike, but if you go up and down sidewalks and frequently bump then it's horrible. The first mount I had I accidentally broke by forcing the lock in it, however, the mount is PLASTIC while the lock is metal. So i got a replacement for free(customer service was very good) and it broke even sooner, but I didn't force it this time, I guess i'm just too rough of a rider for this mount.
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It gets the job done..., February 11, 2010
By J. P. Grattan (Portland, OR, US)
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Alright I would like to start off by saying that the locking mechanism is fantastic, the same idea behind all the U-Locks, so they don't really get credit for something new and inventive, just being able to do something properly. That cool looking black and silver cover over the actual lock however could be made with more durable plastic... I dropped the damn thing once from the height of a normal 19" cross tube and the plastic shattered... Lock still functions perfectly fine, but I was annoyed that it didn't look so pretty anymore.
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Love this lock!, November 11, 2009
By Eber Legarreta (San Jose, CA)
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I've been using this lock for about a month now and I think it is fantastic. It has good weight and feels very sturdy and well made - I feel confident in leaving my bike in any bike rack around town. Also, having quick releases on both my wheels, the additional cable is very convenient.
I've read that people have broken keys inside their locks, but to be honest - I dont know how people are doing this. If you insert the key in all the way, the key will turn very easily in both directions. The only time the lock gives tension is if the U-rod is not fully inserted into the locking mechanism (letting you know that you're not closing the lock properly). Admittedly, I was hesitant to buy this lock because of all the broken key issues I've read, but once I got my hands on the lock - my doubt went away.
Overall, love the lock. Its small and fits right in my backpack with the cable. The only downside is the cheap strap the lock comes with. I didn't even bother with it since I figured I would break it in a few rides. But security is the key when buying a lock, and I'm certain I'm getting plenty of it with this lock. I'd recommend it to fellow riders.
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OK to price, October 27, 2009
By The Dane
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The lock is small and heavy. The lock it self seems to be good quality. The keys seem to be made too fine and less stable though. Other customers complain about broken keys. I could see that happen. You get 5 keys which is good though..
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Ivan, October 27, 2009
By Ivan (San Francisco, CA)
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This item is awesome. Works like a charm. I live in sunset (San Francisco, CA). My bike is lock in the outside and has not yet been stolen. I ride with a few buddies here and there around the city and still haven't been stolen yet either. Assuming I'm lucky or else this lock is pretty sturdy. Comes with a wire chain too...now I can lock front tire, back tire, frame, and seat post. I give this item a A+++ for lock and chain combo and for keeping my bike safe and sound.
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works well, October 11, 2009
By matrix (canada)
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NO problems ... small, but goes around most posts. The bracket could be better - but works. weight is ok. I use "pitlocks" for the wheels and therefore only need to use the lock without cable.[...]
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Good buy!, August 31, 2009
By AT (Washington, DC)
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Product as expected. I have had no problems with this lock but I have not used the mounting piece because it does not fit my bike (Trek WSD 7.3). Other than that, very satisfied with the product. Good price. Received item quickly.
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Great lock, terrible bracket, August 18, 2009
By LHarris (Dubuque, IA USA)
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The lock itself is great; it's sturdy, compact, and easy to use. Multiple keys are handy, it unlocks without much trouble, and it's just the right size to go around my road bike frame and tire. Google "Sheldon Brown bike lock" for a good technique, this lock works perfectly for his recommended method. 5 stars for the lock.
The mounting bracket, however, is terrible. The cinching strap never tightens enough to keep the lock from moving all over the place, the tightening bolt strips out entirely too easily, and the most recent issue is that the actual slot that the lock sits in broke out, rendering the entire bracket useless. Now I either have to hook the lock around the frame and listen to it rattle around and scratch up the paint, or put it in my backpack. 0 stars for the bracket.
Bottom line: if you have an alternative method of carrying the lock (ie backpack, cargo pocket, or don't mind it rattling on your frame) this is perfect. The additional security cable is a nice touch too, makes locking the front tire to the frame a breeze. But OnGuard really needs to get their act together when it comes to the mounting bracket.
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compact strong lock, weak mounting bracket, August 11, 2009
By N. Lawson (New York, NY USA)
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I have been using this lock on a 1977 Raliegh in midtown manhattan for a little over a month with no issue so far. The lock is very compact and with the larger diameter bike racks in NYC it will only fit over a seat stay and rear rim on the bike for locking (with minimal clearance. The cable "secures" the front wheel, but i wouldnt trust it for much more than that.
Give the mounting bracket a try if your ride is slow and smooth as glass. I ejected the u-lock twice in traffic when hitting small bumps in the road (or braking) and have given up on it until i can find a way to modify it.
NOTE: The less clearance in the lock, the less room to insert something to force it open. Avoid large u-locks if you are in a high theft area.
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lock is still good, but new mount is poor, July 29, 2009
By Daniel S. Dunnam (Brooklyn, NY USA)
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I have bought OnGuard u-locks in the past. Each one has come with a mount and the locks themselves have provided good, secure, locking. My girlfriend's bike was stolen twice in a short span of time using lesser locks, but since getting her an OnGuard u-lock she's had no problem for a couple of years here in NYC.
The previous locks came with a plastic clamp-like mount. You would wrap some rubber (included) around the post you wanted to mount to, then tightly bolt the plastic clamp to the post around the rubber. The result was a very snug mount. I had relatively few issues with this mechanism.
I just got for my new bike and wanted a nice new lock for it, so I got this one. They have changed the mount. Now it's a plastic mount with a seatbelt-like strap that you wrap around any post of your bike and use an allen wrench to tighten until it's snug. The advantage I suppose being that it will fit around posts of any shape. Sounds good, but in practice it's much worse than my old mount was, and in the span of just a few weeks the plastic part of the mount has scraped up my new bike due to the slight wiggling it does (weight of the lock it's holding + riding over bumps = enough wiggling to mess things up). Also, the other day I was riding pretty fast and hit a pothole. The lock jumped out of the mount entirely and skidded across the middle of an intersection. It didn't break, a testament to the lock's rigidity I suppose, but still it was extremely inconvenient and unsafe. Had the street not been deserted this could have caused all sorts of problems.
And one other thing, my previous OnGuard u-locks have been the larger ones. This compact one is more secure and lighter and better in most ways I think, however the included security cable is not able to be wrapped a few times, then intertwined and locked into the u-lock for storage as was possible with the larger lock. As such I have to carry the cable in my bag since there's not really a good way to carry it on the bike.
Despite my displeasure over the mount situation, I would still recommend this lock. Even with this worse mount, it's still a great value. And many people may not use the mount anyway. But for me, the unreliability of the mount (which, lacking a better option, I do use despite it's sucking) makes me knock it down to a 3 star product.
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No worries bike security, June 7, 2009
By T. Kannady (midwest)
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I have used this enough times to know that i won't always be able to lock up my rear wheel and frame to a bike rack, but of the racks in my town i will be able to so I think this is a great lock. With that in mind I haven't locked it up in any real rain or snow for long periods of time. this is the second Onguard lock I own and both have worked well for me.
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Broke after 10 months of use, June 3, 2009
By Brian Carlson (San Mateo, CA)
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This lock worked well for the first 6 months until the locking mechanism started to have trouble engaging. A few months later, the lock jammed and the key broke off inside the unit. A locksmith couldn't even salvage it. Replaced it with a Kryptonite Evolution 4, which appears to have a more robust locking mechanism.
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Good, not great, May 10, 2009
By D. Pearlman (Santa Monica, CA)
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I've had this lock for several months now, and while I'm pleased with the value, I wish it were a little better made. One day it fell to the ground and several parts came unattached (a far cry from the unibody design of my Kryptonite lock). Since then, the security of the lock has come into question. As far as I can tell, any damage that has been sustained shouldn't effect the locking mechanism (the black pieces of plastic on the sides of the lock came undone). In my opinion, a device that is supposed to secure your bicycle should be able to withstand some pretty heavy duty force...much more than a 2 foot fall to the ground creates...
I'm going to finally contact customer service and see what they will do about the situation.
To be continued...
The inclusion of the security cable definitely made me interested in the lock. The size is ALMOST perfect, in that I can lock my bike to most structures (except lamp posts) and feel safe about my bike still being there when I return...
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Pitbull, April 16, 2009
By FM (Los Angeles, CA)
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It's a great lock. Unfortunately I broke the bracket to mount it on my bike so I have to always put it in my back bag and it is about 4 or 5 pounds. Otherwise, the lock works perfect when I find the right place to lock it up against
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Good lock, November 10, 2008
By P. Bates (Michigan)
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I bought the lock about three weeks ago and use it regularly. I had expected the cable to be the thin kind that can be used to secure seat post but find it very useful anyway. The U-lock can barely attach the bike frame to a post, so the cable is useful to secure the front wheel. I know that cables do not offer much protection but a thief would only get the front wheel by cutting the cable and the risk of being caught for such a small payoff is probably a deterent. I take the seatpost with me.
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Excellent "Mini" U-Lock, October 29, 2008
By ProfesseurX
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The lock is very robust, no one is going to break is without destroying the bicycle or using professional powertools. The lock fits snugly around the bicycle frame and the cable is long enough to lock both wheels. Overall, an excellent product!
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So Far So Good., September 15, 2008
By W. W. Zhang (MD, USA)
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I really like the flexibility of the cable used in combination with the u-lock. I'm a bit disappointed with the length of the u-lock. It required me lock the bike close to the rail or bar. But that is a minor detail that can be overlooked because there are usually enough spots in bicycle-accessible areas to lock up bikes. Overall, I would highly recommend this product.
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easy to use, August 5, 2008
By Enrique Pineda (Athens, GA United States)
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Big heavy lock plus cable means thieves will look for easier targets. They give you plenty of extra keys. I keep the lighted LED key on my main key chain, and the spares attached to various bags that I use for commuting, in case I lose the main key.
My only minor criticism is of the flimsy bicycle mount, which really can't support the weight of the lock. Attaching to my frame that way will just result in a noisy ride while the U-lock flaps around and bangs against my bicycle. It might work for some frames where it's possible to hang the lock upside down, instead of mounting it horizontally, but on my small bike that isn't possible.
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The lock is solid, but a bit shorter than needed, July 31, 2008
By Mykola Dzyuba (San Francisco, CA USA)
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The lock is solid and pretty heavy. The attachment to the bike is easy. However, I found it to be a bit short for some parking places. The wire that comes with the package is pretty handy for locking the wheels.
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Great lock!, July 26, 2008
By Maciej Jankowski
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Big, tough, heavy looks indestructible and comes with insurance.
I think it was a bargain.
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Best Value, June 23, 2008
By J-Reezy (Bay Area)
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I have owned this for almost 1 month and I am very pleased with the purchase. The size is great and it feels very durable. I do find that on occassion it may be more difficult to get it locked around a pole and my frame because it is smaller than other u-locks but a little shimmy and you can usually get it secure. The added cable is a must
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Simple and Sturdy, June 5, 2008
By jsr (Virginia)
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well its simple and sturdy product. comes with the lock and cable. Only thing that needs improvement is the lock mounting device. But aslong as the lock goes it quiet sturdy and does the job very well.
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great lock, fast shipping, May 8, 2008
By chicago
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This lock is awesome, its lighter than some of the other on-guard locks, or other high quality locks, but at the same time its stronger than most of them. Highly recommend.
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key got stuck in lock after 1 week, January 23, 2010
By Nick
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i bought this after the key broke off in my kryptonite after a couple of years of solid use. i was disappointed with the quality of the locking mechanism right off the bat and after only 1 weeks worth of use the key got jammed in the lock and would not come out. bad news bears. buy a chain and pad lock instead -- won't stop a serious thief, but then again, what will?
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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i have superpowers too!!!, January 29, 2009
By beanface (orange county, ca)
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so i've used this lock a total of 2.5 times successfully. on the third try i was trying to lock it and it was putting up a fight. then it locked and i tried to pull the key out. the key wouldn't come out! so i unlocked it and it still wouldn't come out. i started struggling with it (gently though because i've read the other reviews) and then it happened... my key broke. i guess i'll try to contact the company but for now i'm just going to use the cable and cross my fingers that my bike won't get jacked. yeah right.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Pit Bull Mini DT lock and cable, March 2, 2008
By Hokie from Pierrepont, NY (Bburg, VA)
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Product seems to work fine. Have had it for 3 weeks and no problems. Haven't left the bike outside at night though-just during the day.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Mistaken, September 19, 2009
By K. Daly (Long Island, NY)
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I just got a new hitch mounted bike rack for my car. I needed a good lock to make sure that my bikes were safe when I was not with the car. I researched as many locks as I could and decided on this one. When I received the lock, I was surprised at the weight of the package. I am sure this is a very good product, but I did not want such a heavy,bulky lock as this one. Definitely a bull dog. In addition, I was surprised at the cable that came with it. Not as sturdy as the lock, for sure.I should have checked the description of the weight of the lock before ordering. I returned the lock and cable. In this case, I should have just gone to a local store to see and study bike locks first.
0 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Cable only looks secure, November 29, 2008
By A. Hatch (Culver City, CA USA)
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11/28/08 - Buyer Beware: I had two bicycles stolen (over $1400 value) from my garage when a thief cut through a related product OnGuard Akita 5080 Bicycle Security Cable (Lock Not Included) in one slice. Looks like they used a chain cutter. Unless you're using this as a theft deterrent or for low value items, don't fool yourself that you're buying security.
0 of 37 people found the above review helpful.
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A disappointment, October 9, 2011
By Alexander Boxerbaum (Chicago, IL USA)
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First off, this lock is still functional after about a year of constant use. So that's why it gets two stars. It's just that everything else is lacking:
The bike mount broke after three months. Apparently you can only adjust the position once or twice, and then the mechanism strips out. Had to buy a new one of a different brand.
It's about a half inch too small. I know the small size makes it stronger, but that half inch would help soooo much. I need the cable to lock my front wheel, and to lock to anything that is not a bike rack.
It's begun to rust everywhere. I ride my bike in the light rain, and the inside of the lock is fully rusted. I'm surprised it still works.
It's really heavy.
It rattles a lot.
I know many of these minuses are a fact of life for a heavy duty lock, but the rust, rattling and bike mount are just poor design.
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Purchased, but don't use that often, September 11, 2011
By B. Jacobs (Baltimore, MD)
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This lock is fine, but it isn't that easy to with you while biking. While it does have a bike attachment, it is a bit bulky and I don't use it that much. I've had this lock over 2 years and only used a couple times.
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Terrible lock enclosure, September 3, 2010
By me="R19XKIVCN3CGCB">
2.0 out of 5 stars
Terrible lock enclosure, Sep
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After using this lock for only two days i accidentally dropped the lock from a foot or less off the ground only to have the whole casing for the lock come off. After trying to put it on for 15 minutes i finally gave up figuring out that the plastic holding (yes it is plastic, not rubber as you would think) the enclosure together was broken.
Now i have a naked lock that is probably going to rust and have my key break off in it anytime soon. If you take off the plastic enclosure you see that all that technology that onguard claims to have is basically a cheap mastercraft lock with a plastic enclosure to conceal its true identity.
Bottom line if you want a durable lock which doesn't have cheap components and might last you more than a day. For those of you who think you won't drop it, think again. You will try to lock it but the locking mechanism doesn't hold the lock and you let go (at least this is what happened to me).
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(Used to be a) Great lock, terrible bracket, August 18, 2009
By LHarris (Lincoln, NE, USA)
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The lock itself is great; it's sturdy, compact, and easy to use. Multiple keys are handy, it unlocks without much trouble, and it's just the right size to go around my road bike frame and tire. Google "Sheldon Brown bike lock" for a good technique, this lock works perfectly for his recommended method. 5 stars for the lock.
The mounting bracket, however, is terrible. The cinching strap never tightens enough to keep the lock from moving all over the place, the tightening bolt strips out entirely too easily, and the most recent issue is that the actual slot that the lock sits in broke out, rendering the entire bracket useless. Now I either have to hook the lock around the frame and listen to it rattle around and scratch up the paint, or put it in my backpack. 0 stars for the bracket.
Bottom line: if you have an alternative method of carrying the lock (ie backpack, cargo pocket, or don't mind it rattling on your frame) this is perfect. The additional security cable is a nice touch too, makes locking the front tire to the frame a breeze. But OnGuard really needs to get their act together when it comes to the mounting bracket.
UPDATE:
Down to 2 stars. Lock exploded into multiple pieces on me after freezing up...see picture I uploaded. Looks like another reviewer had the exact same thing happen. It's now completely unusable. OnGuard customer service is great - they replaced and upgraded my bracket when it broke the first time (the new one also failed spectacularly, although it lasted a little longer). This lock got regular use for a few years, and finally died. But it doesn't inspire much confidence when the lock breaks by itself without tampering from a thief.
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