Re: Bike Locks
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 2:03 am
I have a Kryptonite mini-7. And a Abus U-mini.
Both are advertised as being the same size.
The Abus is a bit heavier, has a rubber coating around the black part. It is more expensive. The Kryptonite has a bent foot on one end of the "U", and a lockable bit on the other end, while the Abus has lockable notches on both ends of the "U". Hence the Kryptonite's keyhole is offset to one side, while the Abus keyhole is in the centre (like the higher end Kryptonite locks). Apparently this means that thieves would need to cut through both sides of the "U", but I don't really know this to be true.
My impression is the Abus is at least a good alternative, maybe even a better lock. For casual use, the Kryptonite is easier to use: even though advertised at the same size, it is a little longer (the Abus' rubber may take up a a couple of mm). The dogleg means that it is easier to lock: hook one end in, then lever the other end in. And if the keyhole is pointing upwards, the Kryptonite sliding cover can cover the hole, protecting from rain ± icing in winter. It also comes with a mount, which I dislike. All this is typed without both locks in front of me, and without scientific testing.
Regarding the Kryptonite 4 foot cable: I wonder if you are going to carry a 2nd locking device (the cable) on a tour, why not carry one with a lock in it, instead of one that relies on the U-lock as a lock. If the U-lock is defeated, then so is the intact 4-foot cable. And either cable would just be as easy to defeat on its own (i.e. be cut).
These are the 2 locks I am referring to:
I think it also comes in red.
Both are advertised as being the same size.
The Abus is a bit heavier, has a rubber coating around the black part. It is more expensive. The Kryptonite has a bent foot on one end of the "U", and a lockable bit on the other end, while the Abus has lockable notches on both ends of the "U". Hence the Kryptonite's keyhole is offset to one side, while the Abus keyhole is in the centre (like the higher end Kryptonite locks). Apparently this means that thieves would need to cut through both sides of the "U", but I don't really know this to be true.
My impression is the Abus is at least a good alternative, maybe even a better lock. For casual use, the Kryptonite is easier to use: even though advertised at the same size, it is a little longer (the Abus' rubber may take up a a couple of mm). The dogleg means that it is easier to lock: hook one end in, then lever the other end in. And if the keyhole is pointing upwards, the Kryptonite sliding cover can cover the hole, protecting from rain ± icing in winter. It also comes with a mount, which I dislike. All this is typed without both locks in front of me, and without scientific testing.
Regarding the Kryptonite 4 foot cable: I wonder if you are going to carry a 2nd locking device (the cable) on a tour, why not carry one with a lock in it, instead of one that relies on the U-lock as a lock. If the U-lock is defeated, then so is the intact 4-foot cable. And either cable would just be as easy to defeat on its own (i.e. be cut).
These are the 2 locks I am referring to:
I think it also comes in red.