Customer Reviews

OnGuard Bulldog MINI DT 5015TC Bicycle U-Lock and Extra Security Cable

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

pros:

moderate weight: At about two pounds, this might be a lot heaver than your wimpy cable lock, but I think it's well worth the additional deterrence/security.

small size: Just enough to fit around your seat tube and through your rear wheel, which suffices if you subscribe to Sheldon Brown's method of bike-locking like I do (Google "sheldon brown lock strategy"). There's not much room left for prying. The included cable is just enough to get through your front wheel and frame and around whatever you're locking to. I usually can't quite manage getting around a fat telephone pole with the provided length, so another foot would be nice, but I've had no problem getting around lampposts and bike racks. If you'd like to get the U-lock (vs. just the cable) around whatever you're locking to, you should probably consider a model with a longer (and maybe wider U) shackle. You might manage to get this smaller lock around a bike rack bar and your rear wheel, but that's pretty tight.

can't be picked with a pen tube: I know from experience that the older Kryptonite locks and some other brands with round keys have this problem. OnGuard locks have a very different key design, and while I generally believe any lock can be picked, I expect OnGuard's locks to be fully pen-resistant.

keyhole cover: Another nice plus is the simple but sturdy keyhole cover that's easy to slide into place, even with gloves on.

key with light: One of the included keys has a little, amber LED in it, which is nice if you've locked your bike in a really dark location and have trouble finding the keyhole, but you really ought to avoid locking your bike anywhere that dark anyway!

scratch-safe surfaces: The only time I have to be careful about scratching my paint job is when the lock is open. The steel ends of the U shackle are (of course) uncoated, but otherwise, the shackle has a heavy rubber coating, and the crossbar has a plastic exterior that seems pretty sturdy and has held up well to over a year of usage. Nice, solid construction.

cons:

possible danger of bending/breaking key: You have to learn to be a little gentle with the lock mechanism. If you have the key all the way in, turning the key should be effortless. If you try to force it, the key feels like it could bend or snap (although I haven't done this yet). Luckily, the lock comes with several keys, in case you need to learn this lesson the hard way. Similarly, when locking, both ends of the U shackle have to be fully seated in the crossbar, or the key will not turn. Bottom line is to remember that unlocking and locking are smooth and easy if the key and shackle ends are all fully in place.

wimpy bracket tab: Although the Amazon product info doesn't suggest that this comes with a quick-release mounting bracket for frame attachment, the one I bought last year did. The plastic tab on the U shackle that slides into the mounting bracket snapped while I was riding, sending the lock into the street. I had the mount on my seat tube, and I think bumps caused the lock to bounce, stressing the tab in the bracket. The OnGuard site advertises a newer bracket whose lock attachment point might be sturdier, but if you insist on frame mounting, you might consider "hanging" the lock on the attachment point by putting the bracket on your top tube. Overall, I recommend carrying the lock in a bag, on a rack, or in a large pocket. (You could also stick it in the back of your pants, which I see some hip fixie riders doing around here, but I can't imagine that's very comfortable.) This was a minor concern to me, since I cycle-commute and almost always have a pannier.

Overall, I'm happy with this lock for medium security (i.e., not NYC) applications, and if used properly, you can generally ensure your bike looks a lot harder to steal than the others on your neighborhood rack. Consider adding a shorter, lighter cable to thread through your saddle rails, if you've got a pricey saddle.

Length:: 0:57 Mins

Quick video review of bulldog mini U-lock and cable

I bought this and works great, when locked but the key gets stuck when removing it as well the device that attaches to the bike does not feel well built and in truth is not. My u-lock twice fell of the bike while riding it and now it wont lock in place on the bike attachment. If you are a commuter you are better off just putting it in one of your panniers or leave it at work. But I due feel the u-lock as a whole is a very good lock and will prevent my bike from being stolen. I use Sheldon Brown's locking method.

Ok, what's there not to like, fits in my back pocket, comes with like 5 sets of keys, good price, tough steel.. I love this lock. One caveat, the mount does not seem sturdy, so I decided not to install it. The key even has a led light built into it. One other issue is that the plastic on it sometimes loosens up so you need to remember to tighten it back, or it won't lock; this can be frustrating if you don't realize what is causing the lock not to work.

pros:

moderate weight: At about two pounds, this might be a lot heaver than your wimpy cable lock, but I think it's well worth the additional deterrence/security.

small size: Just enough to fit around your seat tube and through your rear wheel, which suffices if you subscribe to Sheldon Brown's method of bike-locking like I do (Google "sheldon brown lock strategy"). There's not much room left for prying. The included cable is just enough to get through your front wheel and frame and around whatever you're locking to. I usually can't quite manage getting around a fat telephone pole with the provided length, so another foot would be nice, but I've had no problem getting around lampposts and bike racks. If you'd like to get the U-lock (vs. just the cable) around whatever you're locking to, you should probably consider a model with a longer (and maybe wider U) shackle. You might manage to get this smaller lock around a bike rack bar and your rear wheel, but that's pretty tight.

can't be picked with a pen tube: I know from experience that the older Kryptonite locks and some other brands with round keys have this problem. OnGuard locks have a very different key design, and while I generally believe any lock can be picked, I expect OnGuard's locks to be fully pen-resistant.

keyhole cover: Another nice plus is the simple but sturdy keyhole cover that's easy to slide into place, even with gloves on.

key with light: One of the included keys has a little, amber LED in it, which is nice if you've locked your bike in a really dark location and have trouble finding the keyhole, but you really ought to avoid locking your bike anywhere that dark anyway!

scratch-safe surfaces: The only time I have to be careful about scratching my paint job is when the lock is open. The steel ends of the U shackle are (of course) uncoated, but otherwise, the shackle has a heavy rubber coating, and the crossbar has a plastic exterior that seems pretty sturdy and has held up well to over a year of usage. Nice, solid construction.

cons:

possible danger of bending/breaking key: You have to learn to be a little gentle with the lock mechanism. If you have the key all the way in, turning the key should be effortless. If you try to force it, the key feels like it could bend or snap (although I haven't done this yet). Luckily, the lock comes with several keys, in case you need to learn this lesson the hard way. Similarly, when locking, both ends of the U shackle have to be fully seated in the crossbar, or the key will not turn. Bottom line is to remember that unlocking and locking are smooth and easy if the key and shackle ends are all fully in place.

wimpy bracket tab: Although the Amazon product info doesn't suggest that this comes with a quick-release mounting bracket for frame attachment, the one I bought last year did. The plastic tab on the U shackle that slides into the mounting bracket snapped while I was riding, sending the lock into the street. I had the mount on my seat tube, and I think bumps caused the lock to bounce, stressing the tab in the bracket. The OnGuard site advertises a newer bracket whose lock attachment point might be sturdier, but if you insist on frame mounting, you might consider "hanging" the lock on the attachment point by putting the bracket on your top tube. Overall, I recommend carrying the lock in a bag, on a rack, or in a large pocket. (You could also stick it in the back of your pants, which I see some hip fixie riders doing around here, but I can't imagine that's very comfortable.) This was a minor concern to me, since I cycle-commute and almost always have a pannier.

Overall, I'm happy with this lock for medium security (i.e., not NYC) applications, and if used properly, you can generally ensure your bike looks a lot harder to steal than the others on your neighborhood rack. Consider adding a shorter, lighter cable to thread through your saddle rails, if you've got a pricey saddle.

Finally, check out some more information about this lock in an article on Slate. Google for "slate bulldog lock".

I have had this lock for a couple months now, and am very happy with it. I agree with others who say that the key is a little funky sometimes, but in practice, I've been careful not to force it, and have had no problems. I also use the Sheldon Brown method, though on my road bike, I can fit the U around my rear tire + the frame and bike rack, and still loop the cable to the front tire. I don't bother with the bracket, I carry the lock either in a bag, or simply with the cable slung over my back like a shoulder bag.

This is a fantastic lock, especially for the money. Although it doesn't specify the lock does come with a carrying bracket. The bracket can be configured to carry the lock in the original upright position or you can undo 1 bolt and turn the bracket 90 degrees and lock it back down. The bracket tab on the lock itself can be positioned and locked down allowing you to carry your lock in a variety of ways.

As for the supplied cable it just fits through my front wheel and back through the U-Lock if I'm using my U-Lock through the rear wheel which is great in my book. Unless you use some extra Velcro strapping (1 is included with the cable) or some small ties you will have to carry the cable in a seperate bag etc.

The 5 keys are great as most lock companies only give you 1 spare key. The lighted key works extremely well. All 5 keys come together on a keyring with a "key-code" card attached so you can order more keys if needed. The keys seem a better quality then other lock companies use as they don't seem like they will snap at the slightest use.

You have to keep the key in the lock when inserting the U-Lock back into the locking mechanism or it will not go. The lock opens very easy, no forcing is required. You have to turn the key a full 180 degrees to open and close the lock. What else can I say, it's just a great lock and cable combo at a very nice price.

So upon becoming ridiculously attached to my first road bike, I decided to buy a decent locking system. I did a good amount of research and went with this little guy (also keeping funds in mind :)

It's worked great for me thus far. Sometimes I have to be a little picky as far as what I lock it to since it's a mini and the shackle is a bit smaller. However, I follow the Sheldon Brown locking system so I usually have no problem. Then I just loop the security cable through my front tire, then around what I'm locking to and then back to the lock. It's great!

Everything about the lock bracket is true though. It just feels really cheap to me. The last thing I want is to be riding around and have my lock falling off in the middle of a busy street. So I just toss the lock and cable in my bag. I've also put the lock on my frame while I ride and it's worked just as well.

Another thing I've noticed is that the crossbar only locks on the shackle one way. Sometimes I'll go to lock it and the key won't turn. So I just flip the crossbar over and it's fine. Not a big deal.

I definitely recommend this lock! It's perfect for the price. Or at least until you can save up for The Beast or a Kryptonite :)

My brand new Gary Fisher Hybrid was stolen from the Metra train station on the north side of Chicago using this lock. I was locked to a bike rack with many other bikes at 6:30am. By 2:30 my bike and lock were gone. The thief must have cut or leveraged the lock open. This is a low crime, high traffic area, so I doubt the thief would have had time to make it a long project to get open - seems the lock was easy to get open. Just an FYI for those thinking about this lock in a big city. Also, the warranty is useless if the thief takes the bike and lock together. If your bike is stolen, you gotta hope the lock is left behind :(

In terms of its utility there is nothing wrong with this lock. It's a nice balance of size, weight, and security. However, after a couple of days use I really missed my Kryptonite. It seemed better engineered in all respects. Most importantly, I would get stuck wrestling with this lock while locking/unlocking it. If it is not very firmly in place (it is more difficult to tell than with a Kryptonite, because the Kryptonite has the hook on one side of the bar to help keep it in the locking mechanism), you can't lock it; because the keys feel flimsy, I am worried about breaking or bending them. The keys are also much larger than the Kryptonite ceramic style, and I appreciate the minimalism of the latter (plus they are made of metal). Lastly, the frame brace places the lock slightly beside the frame, where it is guaranteed to rub against your leg while riding. I also seem to be smashing my fingers between the lock and frame trying to insert and remove it from the brace -- granted I will probably learn how to install and remove the lock without doing this. But in addition the brace seems plastic and flimsy -- and the vinyl fastening strap seems guaranteed to fail in a few years if it has to deal with any kind of weather.

This may seem hypercritical, but I suppose that is just because my Kryptonite lasted 12 years and I took its superb engineering for granted until I moved to another brand.