Customer Reviews

OnGuard Akita 5041 Bicycle Combination Cable Lock

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

FIrst things, first. If a bike thief really wanted your bike, he'll get it no matter what kind of lock you have. Think of bike locks in general as just a "deterrent." That being said, I only use this lock for use on quick errands and areas of high foot traffic. If you plan on leaving a bike anywhere long, I'd suggest a U-lock in conjunction with a cable lock.
I've had another combo cable lock in the past. This one is the best. The combo was so easy to set. I like the use of a combo lock since I never have to worry about losing a key. The only way I can lose my combo is if I lose my mind. The lock mechanism has great engineering/machining by the way the combo numbers spin and the way it smoothly locks together. The length is perfect for locking up your quick-release wheels. This comes with two velco tethers to securely keep the lock together instead of just one.

Altogether, this is a well-put together lock. I like the fact that it has a changeable combination and requires no tools to do so, just a little lever on the inside mating face. Considering the thickness of the cable, the thickness of the lock=pin seems a little on the wimpy side. still, I twisted and yanked as hard as I could on the thing and nothing happened to it. The lock has an intimidating look to it as well. I'd say that if you're in anywhere but a notorious high-theft area, this lock will work well for you. It's pretty light weight. Just don't count on it not being cut by a large pair of bolt cutters if you ride in really bad areas.

Does the job well and slightly easier to use (visibility of numbers) than the more expensive No. 1 brand I also bought. Price unbelievable right now.

This thing is a nice looking piece of junk. I set my combo and used it to lock 2 bikes to the bike rack on my car when I went on vacation. At our first stop, it worked just fine. But when we reached our final destination, the lock was somehow "stuck" and would not come open.

We tried everything - we moved each digit of the combo up one and down one, we wiggled, we jiggled, we spun the tumblers and retried again and again, but it would not open. Something internally had gone wrong with the lock during the journey, and our bikes were now "trapped" on the car. As I did all of this, and the sun began to set, I was filled with a growing sense of dread that my vacation was gonna be ruined by some cheap crummy bike lock.

After full desperation set in, I ended up cutting through the cable with a pair of snipers I borrowed off a stranger. Once I finally resolved to take this "drastic step," however, it was surprisingly easy. Of course, this makes me wonder how much I was really protected by this thing in the first place.

In the end, this $13 piece of crap almost ended up ruining my vacation - and the only thing that saved me was the fact that it's not very good protection from theft in the first place. Bah.

I hate carrying keys, hence I opt for any lock that is keyless. I love this one. The combination dials are sweet to roll, the lock is swift to articulate, and the length is good such that I lock my bike and my wife's together. This lock does all that I need. Not that anyone has tried to cut it and steal the bike, but I think is will give them some difficulty and someone will probably notice he is a bike thief. Also, I believe it looks serious enough to deter any petty bike thief. I don't know about a serious bike thief in an isolated place with your bike. For that scenario, I suggest you get and insurance :)

I have a so-so bike. With rips and scratches in many places. I locked my bike with this cable. It worked for 5 months. Then last Monday 11/10/08, it happened. The thief came over to my bike, bent down and within 16 seconds, rode off my bike. I saw this on the surveillance tape. it would have taken me longer to unlock my own bike knowing the combination. So, in essence, yes, the thief wanted my bike. He was a professional and he has my bike.

I bought on-line sight-unseen. This cable lock is larger than the picture appears. Excellent quality for the price and I like the ability to set the lock to any combination/code.

I was planning to coil it up and carry it in my seat-bag, but it's way too big. However, I'll find another use for it. Except for the professional thief, this thing should deter most criminals and send them looking for an easier target.

This company makes good stuff!


Rob

I bought this lock because I needed a lightweight lock to travel with. Judging from the picture I thought the cable would be easy to cut with bolt cutters. That is not the case with this lock, since the cable is encased in a hard plastic shell.

So if a thief is carrying bolt cutters strong enough to cut this lock/cable, then guess what, the thief is going to steal your bike no matter what kind of lock you have with you.

I have owned lots of bike locks in many many years of cycling and this one is the first one I have ever owned that actually failed in my hands. I bought it less than one year ago and when I was trying to lock it the last time, the end that sticks into the combination part broke off. That's right, the metal cable that I relied on to keep my bike save simply broke in two. I would never buy another lock from Onguard ever.

After just 2 weeks in use, the lock seems to have reset internally and cannot be opened. No amount of jiggling, tugging, respinning the cartridge or trying numbers "one off" worked. Fortunately, it was very easy for campus security to cut the cable (as I guess a thief could). Maybe it was too cold--30F tonight.


A real waste of $15.