OnGuard Bulldog MINI DT 5015TC Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable
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List Price: Our Price: $29.99 You Save: $10.00 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $19.00 (click here) Category: Sports See more product details |
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Description of OnGuard Bulldog MINI DT 5015TC Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable
Double Bolt Locking Mechanism provides added strength by locking the crossbar to the shackle on two sides. Features 13mm ultra hardened steel shackles for maximun cut resistance. Dust covers and vinyl coating protects the crossbar, shackle and cylinder from damage. Includes multi-size/multi-position mounting bracket, (5) keys (1 with micro-light and 4 regular keys), plus OnGuard's anti-theft protection plan. LS: long shackle model for added convenience ATB: slightly wider shackle to fit around extra-fat tires STD: sized to fit most any bike on the market LM: Lean and Mean is the lightest full size U-lock on the market DT: includes four foot cable with lock loops on each end Combo: features user resettable 4-digit combination Mini: short shackle model fits in a back pocketSports reviews of OnGuard Bulldog MINI DT 5015TC Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable
Customer Review: serves its purpose well
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
This is the first "mini"-sized U-lock that I've purchased. After reading about the theory that smaller U's are more difficult for thieves to snap apart with hydraulics, I settled on this mini-Bulldog.
CONS:
Let's start with the cons, which are few.
- For those who aren't used to a mini size (like me), you'll find that you're a bit more restricted as to what you can lock your bike to. I knew that this would not accommodate wide telephone polls, but I have yet to find a street sign post that this lock can fit around; it simply doesn't have the width. If you commute in areas with plenty of bike racks, this is not an issue at all, but if you cycle in Los Angeles (where bike racks are more endangered than bald eagles), it becomes a bit of a hassle.
- My second, more minor gripe is with the length of the cable. I put the U-lock around the back tire and loop the cable between the lock and front tire. The cable is BARELY long enough to do this job. A few extra inches would make life a bit easier.
- Oh, and that flimsy plastic bike connector IS truly useless. Having read the other reviews, I never bothered installing it and simply lock the U-lock around the front head tube of my bike while I ride.
PROS:
- For the price, this seems to be one sturdy U-lock that'll be tough to break into. I have heard that Bulldogs are impermeable to BIC pens (though I've also heard that Kryptonite has changed their design to be ball pen proof as well), which is reassuring.
- As others have mentioned, the key has an LED that can be used for easier locking/unlocking in the dark. What's even better is the 4 extra keys that you get in case one snaps off. I have had the lock for over three months now, and I haven't had any problems with locking/unlocking, but perhaps it's because I'm simply being careful after reading what others have said.
- For small lock virgins like myself, the tiny size makes this mini-Bulldog very convenient to carry around.
- And lastly, that cable is great for looping around that front tire (albeit its short length)
The price is right for what you get. If you live in an area where there's a reputation for bike theft, I'd probably invest in a heavier and more expensive model. But for most suburban and urban cyclists, this will more than suffice.
Customer Review: Well Built Lock. Mounting Bracket is a Joke.
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
The U-Lock itself is very well built. One minor nitpick is that the keys could be smoother to operate. They provide you with a ridiculous number of replacement keys, which I suppose is nice. It even comes with 1 LED flashlight key.
The yellow ends on the U-lock are removable. Underneath them are what appear to be plastic parts recessed in the main barrel of the lock. I have some concerns about being able to smash those plastic parts with a screw driver and hammer, but hopefully that wouldn't compromise the locking mechanism.
The plastic frame mount broke after two weeks of riding. It's cheap plastic and in no way is actually engineered to hold a lock of this weight during city riding. So stick it in your belt or bungee it to a pannier rack.
Because of those concerns my next lock will be a Kryptonite Mini, it's more expensive. However it's still a lot less than a new bike...
The included security cable is a "Why bother?" feature. It's meant to lock your front wheel in place when your U-lock is holding the frame to a bike rack. It's in no way meant to secure your bicycle. However a much smaller lighter combination rope or necklace style lock will serve the same purpose and be much easier to cary. If you're going to be leaving your bike out in a dangerous area, the best bet is to just use multiple U-locks.
Overall, it's a great lock for the money.
Customer Review: my lock was different than pictured
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
When I bought the lock and cable, the picture of the dt 5015 was up, but the price was only around 25 total. Turns out that they had the dt 5013 in stock. The lock I got is rated by onguard as 3 + stars for security. I believe the 5015 is rated 4+ stars or something. I felt a little mislead by the false advertising, but I guess I saved a few bucks over the up-to-date pricing. Hopefully, if you order now you'll get the higher rated lock. Regardless, the mini lock size is great for securing your back wheel via the Sheldon Brown method, and the cable lends peace of mind for my quick release front wheel. The mini size supposedly makes it harder for the evil ones to insert cutting tools. I carry the lock in my bag since it's mini sized, so I can't comment on the frame attachment carrier that others felt mixed about. So, even though I got a lower rated lock, I figure anyone willing to take on a U-lock is going to need power tools and no amount of security locks is going to stop someone that determined. For the less than professional thief(outside NYC), the mini-U and cable are very strong theft deterrents.Customer Review: This lock is great
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
This lock is a great lock at a good price.I like it because it is quite heavy duty and not too heavy in weight.Also the locking mechanism works quite smooth.In comparison I just had a Kryptonite New York Standard and the first time I used it the lock wouldn't unlock. And I ended up breaking the key off in it.What a hazzle to cut the lock with a power saw.For the price this is one great lock.And it does have a double locking mechanism.I would recommend this lock over any kryptonite.Fahgetabout kryptonite they suck.Believe me its not much fun when your key breaks off in it.Not to mention it costs twice as much as this one.But don't count on using the extra cable for anything.It's too short.I lock my bike with a 6 ft. cable lock through the wheels and frame and post and the On Guard Bulldog mini through the frame.Then I don't worry about someone stealing it at all.For 1 thing I never leave my bike locked long enough for them to cut through them.But even if it does get stolen which it won't I have it insured through my renters insurance.Now that gives me extra peace of mind.Customer Review: Amazing lock, size is a bit snug...
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
This lock is excellent in all ways, except for one, it is a bit too mini for me. Now, I saw the description and dimensions before I bought it, so I had an idea of how small it was. I just got a bike with a larger frame, so locking the bike up with this lock is a bit harder. If i would have known this, I would have bought the larger model.
That being said. It is the best lock I have ever owned. It is sturdy as hell and has even been left in the rain, and the keys still turn perfectly (it comes with about 5 spare keys). The bike attachment is kinda flimsy, but it does the job. Oh and the included security cable helps take care of those times when I cannot get the U-lock to lock normally around my bike frame. One more thing to note, the lock is not extremely heavy, so you can put it in a backpack easily.
If you have a roadbike or other small framed bike, this lock is perfect for you.