U-Lock Mount

Has anyone had any success frame-mounting the Kryptonite "New York Fahgettaboudit" lock? I am getting tired of carrying it on my back (the thing weighs more than my laptop!)

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Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) on April 15, 2012 at 2:43pm

I looked at that one and it looks like a nice mount. Not sure I'd want it on the handlebars though.

Steve said:

Hey I was perusing the Kryptonite web site and ran into this mount. I needed a way to transport the Fahgettaboudit u-lock as well.

Kryptonite Transit H-Bar Carrier

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Permalink Reply by David Farin on July 6, 2012 at 12:51pm

Something simple like a bungee cord or a retired inner tube might work on racks. The space under the top tube on a traditional frame also makes a fine space for a U-lock. Especially if there is no rack. Knowbody's cowbell method is a similar thought to mine. You may actually ride a stupendously expensive bike somewhere if you can bring your NY F U-lock along without having to mount a bracket on it.

I looked after I got the NY F U-lock and couldn't find anything. Then I saw these (at $3 each) JANDD pump ties and ordered 3 to give them a try. I've used them to carry my NY F U-lock for a couple of years commuting. Depending upon your frame and accessories, you might use one of the following mounts that fit around a frame pump and a down tube mounted water bottle on my large Surly LHT.

Option 1: Carry the lock with the radius of the U aimed at the headset, one side held by two ties around the top tube, and with a third tie holding the lower radius against the down tube. These ties are designed so that their integrated pads are secured between the lock and the frame tube. The straight section of the lock butts up against the top tube because it is longer than the width of the U.

+ If the ties are loose, you may insert the key and unlock, then remove both sections leaving the straps on the frame. When you return, you can carefully slide it back in place and lock it back up.

+ It come close but doesn't interfere with a tall water bottle.

- The upper end of the straight section pings the top tube at most bumps in the road since it is longer than the U is wide, defeating the pads. Stick a bunyon pad on the end to stop the pinging.

- The top straps need to be attended to while riding or they slide toward the headset along the top tube. This can gradually free the straight section to swing. Very annoying.

Option 2: I recently began using two ties around the stout straight section of the lock holding it against the top tube so it hangs like the letter U. I use a single tie to secure the radius of the U to the down tube. Again, the pad of each tie is secured in between the lock and the frame tubes.

+ The foam pads sewn into the ties keep the lock from pinging against the bike tubes.

+ The ties are long enough to wrap around the lock's stout straight section and standard diameter steel frame tubes with velcro fully engaged. It is rock solid and has stood the test of time.

- Use a shorter water bottle, or tolerate a longer water bottle overlapping the U along the down tube.

- You may have to hang your lock the preceding way depending upon frame and tubing dimensions.

- Requires releasing ties to get a key into the lock. Removal makes the ties less likely to be stolen.

Option 3: Under the seat along the seat tube. Here shown like option 1, depending upon water bottle cage or frame pump placement. Just harder to keep track of the ties if they are sliding around.

Either way, straps and pads may be arranged so they won't interfere with the shifter and brake cables.

Dave Farin

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Permalink Reply by Mattheis on July 6, 2012 at 1:16pm

The best solution I have found for mounting U locks is made by a company called TwoFish.

I use two small ones for my Abus u lock. It is PERFECT. Ultra secure, zero noise, completely removable, won't scratch my frame. They're basically contoured rubber blocks with velcro straps. If I remember they're made in the USA too.

I also mount a superbright LED maglite on my handlebars with one. The bracket allows me to adjust the aim while riding, and if I have a handlebar bag I can undo the velcro and mount the light down on my fork.

They come in different configurations and are high quality. I think I paid under $10. Check your local bike store otherwise Amazon and online retailers carry them.

The TwoFish "Megablock" seems to be your best bet for a Fahgettaboudit u lock. Maybe even use 2.

http://www.twofish.biz/bike.html

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Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) on July 6, 2012 at 1:31pm

I ended up locking the U-Lock to my rear rack. It had a couple holes in the top that fit perfectly, with the the thicker part with the keyhole resting on top of the rack and the U portion resting at the edge of the rack, so it didn't touch the tire. I'll post a photo later once I am by my bike.

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Permalink Reply by David Farin on July 6, 2012 at 2:23pm

The Megablock looks like a better option yet, if you can find them. Right now, their web site helps you find wholesale outlets, but no retail. I suppose your LBS may be able to order them for you.

Mattheis said:

The best solution I have found for mounting U locks is made by a company called TwoFish.

I use two small ones for my Abus u lock. It is PERFECT. Ultra secure, zero noise, completely removable, won't scratch my frame. They're basically contoured rubber blocks with velcro straps. If I remember they're made in the USA too.

I also mount a superbright LED maglite on my handlebars with one. The bracket allows me to adjust the aim while riding, and if I have a handlebar bag I can undo the velcro and mount the light down on my fork.

They come in different configurations and are high quality. I think I paid under $10. Check your local bike store otherwise Amazon and online retailers carry them.

The TwoFish "Megablock" seems to be your best bet for a Fahgettaboudit u lock. Maybe even use 2.

http://www.twofish.biz/bike.html

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Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) on July 8, 2012 at 4:05pm

I attach my U-lock to my rear rack like so:

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Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on July 8, 2012 at 4:12pm

I agree with James about figuring out a way to put it on the rack. I do that on my Breezer and my Civia and while it isn't a perfect fit it gets the job done.

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Permalink Reply by AM 9.5 on July 8, 2012 at 5:39pm

I have a small saddle bag that attaches to the loops on my saddle. The NYCF lock hangs nicely through the loops that attach the bag to the loops on the saddle.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie 13.5185km on July 8, 2012 at 6:19pm

I do it in a similar way. Simple, but it tends to rattle on even the smallest pothole.

Adam Herstein said:

I attach my U-lock to my rear rack like so:

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Permalink Reply by David Farin on July 8, 2012 at 7:28pm

I don't like the way it sits on my Surly Nice racks. Spacing won't allow it to straddle 2 cross bars, and it has a lot of freedom to move around with just 1 cross bar. I also often carry two bags in the winter so looping it around the back won't work. I'll check with the LBS's first. Then there's always Amazon for the Megablocks by Twofish.

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Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on July 9, 2012 at 9:59am

Count me among those who would be driven crazy by the lock rattling in the rack. I bungee my second U-lock to the top of the rear rack with enough bungees (at least one below) to kill most of the rattle.