scarlettestr 's Profile

ROSALI:

Kryptonite New York Chain With EV Disc Lock 3-feet 3-inch Chain, $79.95
Pertinent Thicknesses: 10 mm Links, 13 mm shackle on mini U-lock
Weight: 6.1 pounds
Free Anti-Theft Warranty: $3,000 for one year

The New York Chain lock is much easier to use than the Beast. The two ends of the chain are held together by a tiny U-lock, which, unlike the Beast's padlock, doesn't separate into two pieces. It's tough, too: I didn't think this little lock could handle a full-fledged beat-down, but it shook it off and continued to work like new. I appreciated the added flexibility that comes with a chain lock—they can fit around wide things like lampposts—but I was a little disappointed with its portability. While it's definitely lighter than the Beast, it's still a load to carry. Take this for a test ride before you buy.

OnGuard Brute STD U-lock, $69.95
Pertinent Thickness: 16 mm Shackle
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Free Anti-Theft Warranty: $3,001 for one year

The Brute is the toughest-looking lock in the bunch and one of the toughest-acting. I gave it everything I had (almost kneecapped myself with the hammer), but I only did cosmetic damage. Sawing on the 16 mm shackle for five minutes only got me about 3 mm deep. At that rate, it would have taken me more than 35 minutes to cut through. It falls short, however, in proper mounting hardware: It comes with the same bracket as the 2.4-pound Bulldog, which doesn't hold up since this monster weighs 4.5 pounds. While the Brute is mean enough to scare off real bike thieves, portability—or lack thereof—weighs it down.