OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable
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List Price: Our Price: $25.49 You Save: $19.50 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Sports See more product details |
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Description of OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable
Popular shackle length with extra locking options provided by the included 4 foot fully coated, braided steel cable.Keep your bike safe while visiting theft-heavy neighborhoods with the OnGuard Bulldog DT U-lock, which comes with an extra security cable. The Bulldog DT offers a 13mm hardened steel shackle that provides maximum cut resistance, along with an X2 double-bolt locking mechanism that locks to two sides of the bar, providing added strength and high pull resistance. The pick-, pull-, and drill-resistant M-Cylinder delivers even more protection, with a BumpBlok mechanism that renders bump keys useless. Similar to the tumbler systems found on high-end European autos, the M-Cylinder has more than 100,000 possible key combinations. These tumblers won't turn unless the key is properly inserted, protecting both the key and tumbler from damage due to misuse. The lock mechanism is also completely encased in ultra-hardened steel to resist drilling, picking, or pulling, while an integrated dust cover protects the internals from moisture and debris.
As a bonus, the Bulldog DT includes a heavy-duty, extra-flexible 10mm steel cable, letting you double your protection or lock up another bike on the same rack. Other features include an all-tube, quick-release, multi-position mounting bracket, protective coatings on the cross bar and shackle, and a tough vinyl cable cover. The Bulldog DT comes with five laser-cut keys, one of which has an LED micro-light to help you open the lock after dark. OnGuard believes so strongly in the Bulldog DT that it offers an anti-theft protection offer of $1,501 for bikes and $501 for power sport vehicles.
Sports reviews of OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable
Customer Review: Great Lock
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Good Lock, Took a bit to come but is a strong dependable lock so far.Customer Review: Good Value
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
I have an original Krytonite-4 U-lock with the ACE II cylindrical lock that could be opened with a simple ballpoint pen tube - although the lock is strong it was too easily compromised for any real usage.
In mitigation Krytonite reacted laudably back in 2004 when the vulnerability was discovered and replaced those locks, that ended Sept/2007. Unfortunately I was not aware of the replacement program, so missed out on it.
However when I contacted Kryptonite about my lock they said they would still replace it with an equivalent lock at the same charge as their regular key replacement program at $20 if I ship the lock back to them. This again deserves merit/recognition.
But the total cost for return shipping and the $20 meant I really could buy a new lock for that price.
Although I would buy Kryptonite again for their good reputation and policies - my research led me to OnGuard U-locks - ConsumerSearch seem to rate both Kryptonite and OnGuard well - they picked the OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 as one of the better selections and the price at Amazon at just over $25 so qualified for Free shipping - was very good value.
Having the cable means I can secure my front wheel to the U-lock, in turn locked onto a something immovable, rather than having to remove my front wheel to lock with the U-lock.
I was obviously concerned by the negative reviews about the key/lock binding - but my key/lock seems pretty positive and easy to use - so hopefully with good lube maintenance the lock will not give me problems.
My only complaint was that the lighted key came with a battery that was totally flat - but following Amazon's instructions about defective parts I phoned OnGuard - who said they would send me a new battery.
So far, the initial impressions are good - the U-lock seems sturdy and strong - certainly as good, if not better than, my original Krytonite-4 U-lock - and at a price that would have cost me to replace the Krytonite-4, I gain the 4ft cable to help secure my front wheel more conveniently than removal and locking with the U-lock.
Unfortunately it is hard to judge the strength and security of any bicycle U-lock with personal experience - unless one had a bike stolen while the lock was in use. Even that is a difficult call if the thieves used power-tools which probably can overcome most locks fairly quickly other then perhaps the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit (expensive and heavy).
From reading reviews - I regard this OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 - as better than average security, perhaps more difficult to overcome than most regular chains and definitely cable locks - but it is not invulnerable - so care in where to leave a bike is as important, if not more so, as the lock used.
Customer Review: Solid lock. Very reasonable quality for this price point. Weird mount.
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
I will give my initial impression of this lock after purchasing it about a week ago on Amazon for twenty six dollrs. I may update this in a year or so for a long term review, which I think is more important to a prospective buyer than an initial review.
The lock quality feels quite good. The fit and finish of the included 4-foot cable and the U-lock are high quality and tight upon inspection. The locking mechanism feels very secure with tight tolerances.
It feels like Onguard has been responding to customer complaints regarding sticky lock mechanisms by introducing a soft click feel when the key is fully inserted. This reduces user abuse where the user twists the key before it is fully inserted, damaging the lock and key.
When opening the lock, I accidentally dropped both the U and the lock bar onto concrete from about 3 feet. Everything seemed to work fine when I picked it up. I had a fifteen dollr Master U-lock seize on me when it fell off of my rear bike rack, so I was pleased with the Onguard's durability.
The included 4 foot cable lock was just long enough to secure my quick-release rear rack and my front wheel while the U-lock locks my rear wheel and frame.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the quality of the lock, considering the price point. I cannot compare it to more expensive locks, but I can say that the fit and finish of this lock is much better than the Master U-lock I had.
In terms of security, my opinion is that the conditions surrounding the bike and lock are more important than any attribute of the lock itself (the quality of the locking mechanism or the thickness of the steel for instance). A determined bike thief with a battery operated Dremel can open any U-lock on the market within minutes. A properly dressed bike thief with a cover story can spend hours with a hand tool in a public area, and no one would care (bit[dot]ly/bIz8HM). The conditions under which a bike is locked: the lock only secures a wheel, the area is dark, deserted, or in a high-crime neighborhood for example, would all increase the chances of theft more than a "low-security" lock would.
Finally, the mount is not good. I cannot compare it with any other brand's mount, so maybe the problems I had with it are inherent to all mounts. But the thing does not secure tightly. After riding for a few minutes, if any part of your body comes in contact with the lock -- thigh or foot during pedal stroke for example -- the lock will shift position. My rear wheel wore down some of the rubber protective coating of the cable because the lock had shifted position and was contacting the rear wheel while I was riding. I rarely use the mount, placing the lock and cable on my rear rack instead.
Customer Review: Beast of a U-Lock
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
This thing is the Kong Kong of U-Locks. The useful cable that comes with this set is excellent. I believe you would need a cutting blow torch to get through this thing (the U-lock not the cable). Thoughtful design with the dust/water protection drum that rotates to protect the entrance to the keyhole.
There is no place to mount this huge and heavy thing on my bike (full size mountain). With a water bottle cage + a small pack that hangs from my horizontal frame bar, I must carry the U-Lock in the Topeak Basket behind me. AND, it is HEAVY!
Be aware, this Theft Protection Program they tout is a bit of a scam. You must pay for this additional service. Also, you cannot register nor sign up for the Theft Protection on line. You must first print out a form(s) and mail it (them) in. The address is not on any of the forms. You must go back into the site to locate the mailing address.
The process of signing up for eventual support and FAQ information is a complicated event that required setting up an account that duplicates many of the registering steps and information you have just completed earlier.
BUT: This thing will definitely deter any thief that I can imagine. Isn't that the primary function anyway?
Customer Review: Solid thick U-Lock
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
This lock is a beast. It feels sturdy and secure and has kept my bike safe. I have had no problem at all with the keys being sharp - some of the teeth are, however they are recessed into the key and have presented no problems after two weeks of use and a spot on my keychain that goes in my pocket. The lock also works perfectly and smoothly. And you get five keys, one with an LED light. Bonus. Now the cons.
1. Huge, the mounting bracket is flimsy and I have a water bottle cage - it will not mount on my 56 cm top tube specialized sirrus (road bike with commuter handle bars.) anywhere that will not interfere with my pedaling motion. Forget about the bracket if you have a waterbottle cage.
-However, I use a trunk bag/panniers so this is not a problem for me and I was aware of this going in.
2. The warranty (bike replacement) is crap. You must send them the broken lock for them to honor the warranty... Gee if someone ever steals my bike I hope the thief is nice enough to leave my lock lying around. The warranty also states the lock must be broken into and is voided if power tools such as an angle grinder, dremel, or blowtorch is used. Industry standard but still crap.