OnGuard Beast 5017 Bicycle Chain Lock Review

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As an experienced cyclist who relocated to Manhattan in the summer of `04, I wanted to purchase the most theft resistant chain available. My ambition was to use my Trek 3900 for both exercise and transportation, while not having to constantly worry about it having it stolen. Having experienced several bicycle and bicycle part thefts in Boston and Chicago, I decided to thoroughly research bicycle chains and locks. Stories about the vulnerability of U-locks and the clearly stated Kryptonite null-and-void-in-New-York warranty steered me towards a hex chain made by OnGuard.
As a previous owner of Kryptonite and Master U-locks, I initially wanted to stick with a tested brand. However, lessening the appeal of Kryptonite locks was a widely publicized story in 2004 explaining how a design flaw in certain models allowed them to be compromised with a Bic pen(!), causing a recall. In Chicago, I had a frame destroyed when one thief attempted to break a Master U-lock with a long pipe. While this failed attempt slightly bent the U-lock, it collapsed the main tube of the bicycle. Hence, I thought using a chain manufactured slightly lesser-known brand without publicized vulnerabilities would be a good idea -- much like purchasing a Mac would protect against Windows viruses.
After one year of use, I have been very happy with the 12mm Beast Chain. At 9.5 pounds, this chain is at the upper limit of what one can affix to the bicycle and still be able to ride it. In my case, I am able to rap it around the seat post and have enough clearance for my legs. For a typical bicycle, the chain adds about 40% to the overall weight. When I purchased this lock, I was unaware that a 14mm, 15 pound version existed. Even so, I would not have purchased this model, which is more appropriate for a motorcycle or piece of construction equipment.
The design of the Beast chain is exemplary. In addition to having very long, thin keys and complementary keyhole, there is a sliding keyhole cover, making the mechanism very corrosion and pick resistant. The thick polyethylene coating may serve a similar purpose while preventing freezing, which has been used by savvy thieves to make the lock more brittle. For the record, I used commonly available electronics freezing spray to embrittle an earlier-generation Kryptonite lock when I lost the key. With five hits with an over-sized hammer, the protruding barrel lock and supporting metal cracked right off. Pretty scary.
While no chain can eliminate the possibility of bicycle theft, I still have my Trek. It is impossible to tell what tactics thieves will employ next. It seems unlikely that a conventional pair of bolt cutters could cut this chain. When I emailed OnGuard customer service, they had no straight answer on its cut resistance. My impression is that only an oxyacetylene torch or hydraulic cutter could break the links. Both techniques would attract a great deal of attention. Hence, secured with the Beast chain, your bicycle will be about as safe as one can get in a public area.


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