The OnGuard Mastiff 8020 bike lock presents a confusing picture. At first glance, this chain lock, constructed with formidable 10 mm titanium-reinforced hardened steel links, appears to be a top contender among portable bike chain locks. However, despite its burly appearance, the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff falls dramatically short of expectations, earning itself a place among the least secure options available. This review delves into the reasons behind this surprising inadequacy, examining its portability, ease of use, and, most importantly, its security flaws, before suggesting significantly better alternatives for protecting your bicycle.
Portability of the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff Bike Lock
OnGuard Mastiff 8020
Despite its robust 10 mm thick links and a 43.0″ (110 cm) length, the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff technically qualifies as a portable chain lock. This means it’s designed to be carried daily for securing your bike in various public locations. Generally, chain locks with links exceeding 12 mm become excessively heavy, making them more suitable for stationary use at home or in the workplace rather than daily carry. Length also plays a crucial role in portability, but link thickness is a primary indicator of weight. For more detailed insights into portable versus stationary chain locks, and optimal methods for transporting your lock while cycling, further resources are available on dedicated pages discussing the best chain locks and bike lock carrying techniques.
Transporting the Mastiff 8020 is relatively simple, lacking a frame mount, it can be easily wrapped around the seat post or slung across the shoulder. However, the inherent weight of chain locks becomes a significant factor. The OnGuard 8020 Mastiff weighs a substantial 6.28 lb (2.85 kg), equivalent to carrying approximately 7.5 cans of soda. While daily carry is feasible, the considerable weight is noticeable, whether draped over your shoulder or secured to the bike frame, impacting your riding experience.
Ease of Use of the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff
The 43.0″ (110 cm) length of the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff provides ample reach for securing your bike to various objects in urban environments. It’s also likely long enough to secure multiple bikes at home. For situations requiring greater length, the OnGuard 8021 Mastiff offers a 72.0” (183 cm) chain, albeit at a significantly heavier 9.84 lb (4.46 kg).
The integrated lock mechanism at one end of the chain streamlines the locking process compared to systems requiring separate padlocks. This design allows for quicker bike securing, eliminating the need to handle and align an additional lock component. The 8020 includes five keys, one equipped with a built-in light for nighttime use. OnGuard offers a key replacement service for registered users, though it’s important to note that direct registration through OnGuard is typically limited to customers in the US.
Security of the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff Bike Lock
Based on its substantial chain construction, one might expect the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff to deliver a high level of security. Unfortunately, this is where the lock dramatically underperforms. The chain itself is undeniably robust, constructed from 10 mm thick, titanium-reinforced, hardened, square steel links. Independent testing by security experts has even demonstrated its resistance to angle grinders, with the lock surviving longer than the battery life of the testing equipment.
Despite the chain’s resilience, official security ratings paint a concerning picture. OnGuard’s internal rating is a mediocre 78 out of 100. More critically, Sold Secure, an independent security testing organization, awards the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff only a Bronze rating. Bronze is the lowest security level awarded by Sold Secure, reserved for locks offering minimal protection against theft.
This low rating strongly suggests a critical vulnerability, likely residing in either the integrated locking mechanism itself or the connection point between the chain and the lock on both the 8020 and 8021 models. This weakness is further highlighted by the higher ratings of other Mastiff chain locks within the OnGuard range. For instance, the OnGuard 8019 Mastiff, utilizing the same robust chain but paired with a separate, miniature u-lock, achieves a 92/100 in-house rating and a coveted Gold award from Sold Secure. Remarkably, the 8019 is often priced similarly to, or even less than, the less secure 8020.
While the imposing appearance of a 10 mm chain might deter opportunistic thieves, relying on this psychological deterrent is insufficient. For the price and weight of the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff, genuine, robust security is expected, not just the illusion of it. A Sold Secure Bronze rating signifies that a lock can be defeated within just 61 seconds using basic tools. This minimal resistance makes the 8020 unsuitable for protecting bikes against determined thieves. Therefore, locks with a Sold Secure Bronze rating, including the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff, are not recommended. The minimum acceptable security standard should be Sold Secure Silver, offering a significantly higher level of protection. The OnGuard 8020 Mastiff offers a comparable level of practical security to much cheaper and lighter locks like the 7 mm Kryptonite Keeper or the 6 mm Hiplok Lite, neither of which are recommended for reliable bike security.
OnGuard 8020 Mastiff and Insurance Coverage
Like many OnGuard products, the 8020 Mastiff is eligible for OnGuard’s Anti-Theft Protection program. This program promises to pay up to $2001 towards a replacement bike if it’s stolen due to the lock being defeated. However, this coverage is typically limited to US customers. Detailed analysis of such programs, comparing Abus, Kryptonite, and OnGuard schemes, reveals that while offered, payouts are rare due to stringent conditions and difficult claim processes. Securing bike insurance through homeowner’s policies or specialist bicycle insurance providers is generally a more reliable approach to theft protection.
OnGuard 8020 Mastiff Review Summary
Bike lock recommendations involve balancing price, practicality, and security, recognizing that the ideal lock varies based on individual needs and circumstances. The aim is to find a lock offering adequate protection while being convenient for daily use. However, the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff struggles to fit any reasonable user profile. A generally accepted principle is that the best bike lock should ideally be light, affordable, and strong. Conversely, the worst bike lock would be heavy, expensive, and weak in relation to its other attributes.
The OnGuard 8020 Mastiff unfortunately aligns with this definition of a poor bike lock. It represents a particularly unfavorable combination of price, practicality, and security. It’s difficult to identify a bike lock that offers a worse overall balance in these critical areas. Therefore, the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff earns the unfortunate distinction of being one of the least recommendable bike locks available, primarily due to its significant security shortcomings relative to its weight and price.
OnGuard 8020 Mastiff
OnGuard Mastiff 8020
The OnGuard 8020 Mastiff is a strange beast. A thick chain lock, with 10 mm, titanium reinforced hardened steel links, it should be one of the best portable bike chain locks available today. But it’s not.
Product Brand: OnGuard
Editor’s Rating: 1
Alternatives to the OnGuard 8020 Mastiff Bike Lock
Fortunately, numerous superior alternatives exist to the OnGuard 8020 chain lock, offering enhanced security and often better value.
More Secure Alternatives to the OnGuard 8020
OnGuard Mastiff 8020
The OnGuard 8019 Mastiff addresses the security flaws of the 8020 by utilizing the same excellent chain but replacing the weak integrated lock with a separate, high-security miniature u-lock featuring a 14 mm shackle. This upgrade dramatically improves the lock’s security rating, achieving a 92/100 from OnGuard and a Sold Secure Gold certification. Often available at a similar or even lower price point than the 8020, the primary trade-off is the slightly increased fiddliness of handling a separate u-lock in conjunction with the chain.
Secure Integrated Lock Alternatives
The Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1090 presents another 10 mm chain option with an integrated lock, but crucially, it achieves a Sold Secure Gold rating. Slightly shorter than the 8020 at 36″ (90 cm), it is also marginally lighter at 6.10 lb (2.77 kg) and frequently priced more competitively. For those needing greater length, the Series 4 1016 offers a 63″ (160 cm) option, though it is considerably heavier at 9.70 lb (4.40 kg).
More Secure and Lighter Alternatives
The Abus CityChain 1010/110 stands out as a significantly lighter yet more secure alternative. While offering the same 43” (110 cm) length as the 8020, it weighs over 10% less and boasts a Sold Secure Gold rating. Abus steel is renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio, suggesting enhanced resistance compared to the 8020. The Abus CityChain 1010/110 is a highly recommended portable chain lock option. For a broader perspective on bike lock selection, a comprehensive guide to choosing the best bike lock is available, offering a three-step process to identify the ideal security solution for your needs.
OnGuard 8020 Mastiff Specs
OnGuard Mastiff 8020
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