OnGuard Pitbull U-Lock

The Pitbull is a mid-range lock from a mid-range manufacturer but it punches above its weight when it's attacked and is a worthy deterrent around town. The bracket isn't the best but other than that it performed very well.

The lock is built around a 13mm hardened shackle that's locked at both ends by a centrally mounted cylinder lock. There's a rotating dust cover – though we never have too much trouble with dust round here – and five keys, one with an LED light. The mount scores for being very adjustable but loses points for not being very sturdy. It should be fine around town though and you can always sling the lock in your bag, it's not too heavy.

We attacked the Pitbull with our standard thieves' armoury – big bolt croppers, persuader, hammer, cold chisel and hacksaw – and it lasted the full five minutes. Although the dust cover and plastic barrel cover broke off the internals remained intact, and though we bent the shackle we couldn't prise it out. It wouldn't last as long against power tool attacks as some of the beefier units around but it's a good all-purpose lock for your town bike, and you'd be looking to spend a bit more anyway if you've got something really tasty to lock up.

Verdict

Normally cheaper locks are a false economy but there are some very decent U-locks in the £30-£40 price range and the Pitbull is one of them. A good security solution for everyday riding