Customer Reviews

OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

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?

After moving to Los Angeles, I needed to buy a second U-LOCK as bike's are a hot item to be stolen. One u-lock to lock my front wheel to the frame, and the second to lock the frame, back wheel, to a post, etc. I bought this U-LOCK not knowing the company, but it was sturdy and good feel and at a good price.

I had a HORRIBLE experience with this lock. My second time using this, the key broke off like butter while I was opening it. I have owned many U-LOCKS in the past and know how to not force the key, so I wasn't using much force at all. The key broke off inside the lock, leaving me stranded. I'll avoid my heroic details of finding my way home to then return with the 2nd key and plyers to remove the stuck key.

The key (you get two) that is made for this lock is EXTRA thin. All U-LOCK keys are thin and should never be forced, but this is a terrible design and major flaw. It's a good lock, but comes with a terrible key, so I would not suggest buying this.

Yup, this is a big one! I can't imagine ANYONE being able to steal a bike (if you attach it like they tell you to with the cable) or your front wheel/tire -- and you don't have to take it off the fork to secure it!!! That's a shortcoming with a lock that DOESN'T include a cable. Even with a quick-release front wheel, it's a pain to take it off and then put it back on (straight) when you return to your bike. But if you don't have a way to carry this thing, you might decide it's too big and bulky. I've decided it's worth the trouble of lugging it around, but then I ride in the city and prefer to have a bike to ride rather than an empty front fork -- or worse -- an empty bike rack.

and my bike is at class. I spent 10 minutes fiddling with it, and could not get it open. The key turns the lock, but its stuck good. It often didn't open on the first try, but now it's completely stuck. I will try another key, but I'm not happy now, after having to walk back.

edit: I found that knocking on the side of the lock barrel helps the most, as well as rapidly turning the key. Pulling on the U is useless. I added some oil (low temperature engine oil), and it seems to be much better. I think it is worst in below-freezing temperatures. It is better than it was, but DO NOT RECOMMEND. If you haven't bought it yet, buy a different lock.

The key on this product has a thin area right above the notches that fit the tumblers. In my case, this caused it to break off in the lock earlier today (I did not apply excessive force, knowing from experience the hassles a broken key can cause ). Now, the only way of getting my bike off that stand is for me to go home, bring back my rotary tool and cutting disc and have at it (if that works, this thing is hardened steel) . The lock itself might be as safe as the Bank of England, but I would advise against buying this product because of the key.

Update: the "13mm hardened steel shackle" on this lock took about five minutes to cut through with my little-bitty cordless Dremel, so I shudder to think how easy a job it would be for any thief with a "professional" tool. In retrospect, I am happy the key broke off and that I had to get rid of this lock.

After careful research, I found this lock to be the best value -- strong and well-priced. I sent it to my son at college. After using it for a few days, he was unable to open it for a few days in a row, he said. Then one day he got it to work. He used it for a few days and then he could not open it when he stuck the key in again. It was just jambed shut. After about two weeks of trouble, he bought another lock. I am not sure if he just got a lemon or if there is an inherent problem with this lock.

I bought this lock because it was a bit less expensive than other locks. But after only 6 months the barrel is cracked and seperates when unlocked. I do not want to chance that the lock will not hold up to theft so I am going to replace it.

I read the reviews, saw that some keys break, get stuck or stop functioning soon after purchase. I figured there were just a few bad apples out there. After 2 weeks I noticed some difficulty unlocking/locking with the weakly built keys (they give you 5, but it isn't like it helps!). Just after the return period, and after using it only about 12 times, the lock won't lock, the key just stops mid turn and any more force will snap the key.

On their website they say "We have found that despite our efforts to make the best locks in the industry, a small number of lock owners, particularly in beachside areas and areas where salt is used to condition icy roads, encounter trouble with our lock mechanism. Corrosion and dryness of the lock cylinder sometimes cause the locking mechanim to bind 90-degrees into the rotation of the key."

I live in So. Cal 2 miles from the beach and wished I would have seen this tidbit earlier, but I keep my bike indoors at night and kept the lock cover closed. I don't dare use it again. It is so heavy that it hurt$ to have to return it. I'll be forking out the money for the kryptonite lock.

Haven't used the lock in a few months, and I can't get it to open (I have the key, and it turns the lock, but can't get the lock to pull apart).
I thought this lock was well made, and secure, but it isn't working now. So, this is a quality issue. I will be able to return it to the store I bought it from, and get a replacement, but it is something to consider.

This is about one of the heaviest locks I have seen on the market, the mounting bracket will not fit my road bike, but it probably will keep my bike safe from someone stealing it. The added cable is a definite extra.