OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012

*Est. $35
Reviewed
July 2009
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OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012

Pros
  • Includes supplemental cable lock
  • Comes with five keys, including one with a light
  • $1,501 anti-theft warranty
Cons
  • Not the best for high-crime areas
  • Theft protection not available in New York state
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

Experts say no bike lock is impenetrable, so the test of a good lock is how long it can resist attacks. In reviews, testers easily clipped most cable locks in a few seconds, so they do not recommend relying on a cable lock alone. Steel U-locks are top-rated overall, but research shows a standard size will typically fit around the frame, one wheel and the bike rack, leaving the other wheel and the seat unprotected. One solution is the OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 bike lock, which includes a U-lock made of hardened steel and a supplemental cable together in one package for a reasonable price. If your bike is valuable or gets left in a high-crime area, however, experts say you should consider buying a maximum security U-lock, such as the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock (*Est. $63) for the frame and rear wheel since it is thicker and stronger, and a second U-lock for the front wheel.

The New York Times and Amazon.com have the best reviews of the OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 bike lock. However, they focus only on usability, and do not include tests or comparisons with similar locks. U.K. website BikeRadar.com comments on the OnGuard Bulldog's ability to withstand hand-tool attacks, and amount of time it lasted under power tools.

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

 (95 reviews)
Buy new: $44.99 $28.25   11 New from $25.49

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
 
 

Our Sources

1. BikeRadar.com

This online U.K. source mentions that the OnGuard Bulldog DT U-lock could take anything they threw at it with hand tools, but ultimately succumbed to power tools. They point out that the addition of a cable lock to this already strong U-lock makes the OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 a good deal.

Review: OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012, Warren Rossiter, Nov. 9, 2010

2. Amazon.com

Nearly 90 owners review the OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 bike lock at Amazon.com, including positive comments on the cable's usefulness, but also a lot of negative remarks about the U-lock's locking mechanism being difficult to work with. Some complain about the delicate keys, and others complain about the weight. Some say they would not rely on it for leaving a bike overnight in an urban setting.

Review: OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 Bicycle U-lock and Extra Security Cable, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. The New York Times

In this review, Brad Quartuccio (the editor of Urban Velo) says the OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 is "pretty perfect for most people."

Review: Physical Culture – Gear Test, Locks, Stephen Krcmar, Aug. 2, 2007

Bicycle Locks Runners Up:

OnGuard Brute STD 5001 *Est. $70

3 picks including: Amazon.com, The New York Times…

OnGuard Bulldog DT 5012 *Est. $35

2 picks including: Amazon.com, The New York Times…

     
   
 
 
 
     
 
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OnGuard Brute STD 5001 Bike U-Lock
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
 
 

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