Reddit reviews Abus Granit X-Plus 540 540/160 HB230, 9" + USH, Bike U-lock

As someone with a 2k pedelec with past thefts in guelph and different cities (cheaper bikes)
1)inside as much as possible, especially at night. Thefts have occurred in guelph quite frequently with backyards, sheds unattended or unlocked garages and even lower balconies.
2)proper locking techniques with frames and tires. Don't forget any quick releases or accessories. I've forgotten a light on my bike for a 5 minute lock up on campus and it was gone.
3) I don't recommend downtown campus for long term or overnight lock ups. Cameras won't deter everyone but it may help to put in in a surveillance that is also well lit
4) record serial numbers and keep pictures. I've gone as far as buying a $15 engraver to etch my drivers license # on the frame
5) places that don't have proper racks or sketchy places I often double u lock and use one of those extension cables. I use a small cable lock sometimes for my seat and helmet if I can't bring it with me.
6)try not to lock up to trees or slim signs that could just be lifted, broken or even kicked down


I have this lock: https://www.amazon.ca/Abus-Granit-X-Plus-HB230-U-lock/dp/B00H3T773O/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1524959812&sr=8-11&keywords=Abus

Its expensive but it actually has the best mounting brackets I've ever seen and I always have a lock available even on sleepy forgetful mornings. Abus is supposed to be a really good lock brand.

Here is a good link to a bike map resource. It includes hot spots for theft and accident prone areas. You can easily flag anything yourself including dangers such as pot holes or death traps. https://www.guelphmercury.com/opinion-story/7462888-bikemaps-org-wants-to-know-your-cycling-woes/

FYI most chains are easier to cut with compact hydraulic cutters than a good u-bolt. Its just a function of the manufacturering process and thickness and the fact that chains offer a lot more leverage options which open them up to more attacks. You may just have never seen a good u-bolt lock though if you're under the impression they're lighter than chains. I've got this monster and it's definitely as heavy as a good chain and has a decent lock :
Abus Granit X-Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3T773O/

Pad locks unless high end are generally easy to defeat in a dozen different ways If they can't just be cut with a bolt cutters, hacksaw or cordless sawzall.

Tubular locks are basically useless and can be picked in seconds with basically no skill and $30 pick that your just jiggle in the lock blindly for a minute and can hide in your hand easily so anyone watching thinks you're just having trouble unlocking your bike. If you have a u-bolt with one of these it's almost a sure bet it's a crappy ulock in general aside from the actual lock itself.

Checkout 'the lock picking lawyer' on YouTube sometime he's covered almost bike lock and chain combo worth mentioning and shown how they can be defeated. Obviously everything can be defeated with the right tools and time but it'll make you far more aware of the types of attacks you need to think about when combining two different security solutions. You'd be surprised how many times manufacturers will pair an easy to defeat lock that looks beefy with a decent chain or vice versa for instance.

Yeah, I don't mind buying a couple locks. I was looking into these locks:

Kryptonite 999485 Black 14mm x 39-Inch, 1410 New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and New York Disc Lock
Kryptonite New-U New York Fahgettaboudit Mini Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock Bike Lock
Kryptonite New-U New York Standard Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock Bike Lock

Abus Granit XPlus 540, U-Lock, Key - USH, 160x230mm, 6.3''x9'', Thickness in mm: 13mm, Black

Probably gonna get the NY chain, and one of these U-locks. Tough decision between the three u-locks. I don't know if the mini Fahgettaboudit will be versatile enough. I like the mounting bracket that comes with the Abus, but the 13mm shackle is putting me off. However, my research tells me that the Abus is the most pick-proof.

Feel free to chip in if u have any suggestions. I had no idea that UofT was that rampant of an area for bike thieves, damn!

I also have a cheap $20 supercycle u-lock from Canadian Tire from when I was a kid, so I'll probably use that as a THIRD lock as well LMAO.

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Another question I have though, is this: Will having 2-4 locks (2-3 on the frame/wheels and a small Abus $15 4mm chain for the seat) on a bike make it MORE susceptible to it being stolen as it'll certainly catch the eye of a thief?