Customer Reviews

OnGuard Bulldog STD 5010 Bicycle U-Lock

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

 

 

This lock is pretty robust and has a solid locking mechanism. It's definitely a step above the previous Kryptolok STD which sells for the same price. (UPDATE NOTE: Kryponite has since updated the Kryptolok with the release of "Series 2". My comments reflect the original Krypolock only.)

Onguard comes with a bunch of keys (at least 4 spares + 1 LED key) and has a good locking system. (The Onguard is a double-lock where both ends of the U are secured by bolts) In addition, the lock cylinder of the Onguard lock is technically superior to the old Kryptolock's - not only is it deeper but each of the discs that comprise the locking mechanism can independently rotate, which makes the lock very drill resistant). Finally, the Onguard crossbar seems better protected than the kryptonite's - there's a bulky and relatively thick plastic housing that surrounds it.

The Onguard Bulldog comes with a rather limited but free 1-year protection plan in case your bike is stolen while being protected by select Onguard locks. (The kryptolock has a different protection plan.) The Onguard plan offers up to ~$1251 to replace your baseline bike (doesn't cover accessories or parts you added beyond the baseline) and is valid anywhere besides New York. The key limitation in the plan is that it only applies to locks busted by hand tools AND you must return the broken lock back to Onguard. Keep in mind that only the chain and u-locks have the protection plan.

I've never found a mounting system that I've liked so far, and the onguard lock-mount is no exception. The mounting ring on the U can freely rotate so even if you can position the lock perfectly, it can still swing about. Also, I've found that the lock mount mechanism is a quite tight so you'll really need to struggle with it to get it to work - Personally, I just throw my lock into my basket Topeak MTX Rear Bicycle Basket.

After about a year of ownership in Berkeley, I'll have to say the lock isn't super durable. The plastic end-caps on the crossbar section no longer stay on if the U isn't inserted - but this is merely cosmetic damage as it doesn't really affect the security of the lock.

In the end, it's a great lock for the money.

I got this lock because of the price and recommendation in online forums [...]. On first impression, it was a bit heavier than my old kryptonite (circa 1997), though presumably more secure. The mounting hardware is certainly more robust (my kryptonite occasionally 'jumped' out on bumpy roads).

It has now been three months using the lock in Wash. DC, and yesterday, I could have said I was perfectly happy with it. However, today, it wouldn't unlock. The key turned and everything, but the mechanism would not release the lock! After awkwardly struggling with the locked bike in front of Starbuck's outdoor seating for around 15min. I gave up.

Later I came upon some advice at Onguard's website:
[...]

Basically, one needs to 'tap' the lock while turning the key to jar the mechanism to release. After 10 minutes of tapping with a hammer, I started 'hitting', and eventually that did the trick. In some experimentation, it appears that turning the key very quickly is also effective.

I plan to keep the lock for now, but if this happens again, it is going back to the manufacturer.

I've had this lock for a day now and the lock was jammed already. I locked this bike to a sign post and I couldn't unlock it afterwards. It took me well over 40 minutes to no avail so I went online to see how to get this thing opened. The other post that told said to "tap" on the key barrel is true, however, it's more like you have to hit it REALLY hard. If this ever happens to you, don't try to pull the lock because that won't work.

Other than that, this lock is super strong. I almost had to cut off the sign post to get my bike back!!

a week after buying this lock my bike got stolen... again.
:/

now i'm not even going to bother being cheap about the lock and buying a kryptonite

I've had this lock for about half a year now. I live in Minnesota and every once and awhile the lock would jam for about 5 minutes while I fumbled with it. I mention MN because it can get extremely cold and fumbling with a bike lock is not the most ideal use of time. Today the lock jammed up much worse and I've spent more than an hour and a half attempting to unlock it to no avail. All I can find in terms of how to fix it is to bang it with a hammer (which I can assure you fixes nothing). So while this product is durable and cheap, use with caution. You may end up with you bike stuck around a sturdy metal pole.

I purchased this particular lock in May 2008 when I purchased a Schwinn that I preferred not get stolen. I loved the lock and used it often, until one morning when I walked outside and found that the lock had cracked because of cold temperatures. I RECOMMEND THIS LOCK, however, I advise that you use WD-40 every few months to prevent sticking and that you keep the lock warm/inside if you live in a climate that is typically under freezing temperature. The clip that attaches the lock to the bike is also suspect of breaking, as mine broke in the same week as the lock. Don't get me wrong: I think this lock is great and I always felt secure using it. Just be aware of the damage you inflict on it and take good care of it.

As far as the lock goes, all seems well. Seems sturdy and secure enough, with a safe locking mechanism (nice touch that you can twist the silver ring to cover the keyhole). The mounting bracket is not ideal, though. Depending on the bike frame, it's not easy to place conveniently, and the hold isn't quite as firm as I'd like it to be, even after tightening. And you can't release it again to move it to a different position.

I've only had my lock for a few weeks, but so far it is great. Shipped promptly. The attachment that holds the lock on the bike is pathetic-- definitely plan on having some sort of additional support to hold it on. The key fits pretty easily most of the time, sometimes needs a little jiggling, but opens beautifully once it's in properly. Overall, quite happy with product, especially given reasonable price.

I've only used it 4-5 times so far. It's a strong lock and it's heavy, but I feel secure with it on the bike. The key only comes out in the locked position so you have to relock it before you can remove the key.

I've had two of these locks. The first one lasted about two years.Then i dropped it a few times on the pavement after crashing. The insides started to slide out of the cylinder, and it became difficult to unlock. When I managed to slide the insides completely out, I noticed that the reason it was difficult to unlock was because most of the actual locking part on the inside of the lock is made of brittle plastic.

I returned it to the store, who exchanged it, and offered me store credit if it happened with the new lock. Six months later, the same thing happened except I had to cut the lock with a grinder. No amount of hammering or key jiggling would get it open. The store apologized me and refunded me completely. Both locks were sent back to the manufacturer as I recall.

If you are careful with your lock, this will probably be OK for you. I usually keep my lock in a loop on my jeans, and drop it occasionally because I'm clumsy. I also lock and unlock it quite a bit more (messenger), so maybe it's just not made to be used so much. I upgraded to a $70 Kryptonite mini lock, which feels to be more robust than the Bulldog.