Description:The all new Street Cuff redefines old , heavy, bulky and hard to transport U-lock. This smart design combined with a hardened steel body and ratchet tight locking make this lock virtually indestructible. Together with the Street Cuff’s pivot link this lock virtually eliminates leverage (a bike thiefs favorite friend) as a tool to defeat the lock. The pivot also allows the cuffs to fold in half for compact storage and transportation – fits in cargo pockets or a seatbag. The patented push button locking mechanism delivers keyless locking convenience. High-tech ABS rubber sleeves eliminate scratching and marring. The handy aluminum Cuff Cage carrier bracket mounts to like a water bottle and is sold separately. This lock comes with a $3,500 theft guarantee.
Submitted by
JT
a
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Rock solid Reliable You look at it and know it's not going anywhere
Weaknesses:
Heavy ... but that's part of the security Key replacement
Similar Products Used:
A bunch of crap ... won't use anything else.
Bottom Line:
I've had this for several years and haven't had any problems with it at all. It works great, is completely secure and troublefree.
This thing has been great for a few years but, finally, one of the keys was damaged. I like to have a backup so I went to order a new spare. Masterlock won't replace them directly and said I had to go to a locksmith. After finally tracking down a locksmith that wasn't online, I ordered my replacement key. Well, after a few weeks, the locksmith found out that these things were made in Europs and Masterlock has to order the replacement keys from there. They have nothing in stock, nothing available to even cut the key and no way to handle this other than to order from Europe. Bottom line: $45 for two keys and a four week wait. That's pretty sad if you ask me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA, US Date Reviewed: December 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
American River Parkway
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Amazon.com
Strengths:
As compared with a u-lock, the cuff lock is lighter and easier to use. Overall, the lock is solidly built with oversized chromed locking aperatures and links. While I can open many older u-locks with a bic pen, I cannot similarly open the cuff lock. The cuff lock holder (which looks like an odd-shaped waterbottle cage) works well, but as others have pointed out, the weight of the cuff lock means you shouldn't use the braze-ons, especially on an aluminum frame. I used a Minoura BH-95 bottle cage holder on the seat tube of my aluminum-framed Milano, and no worries.
Weaknesses:
The keys are subject to wear. The locking mechanism requires you to push-click the cylinder into the locked position. That's no problem for me, but I've heard others complain that they are always forgetting to do this... also, you have to oil or WD-40 the cylinder mechanism on occasion to keep it unlocking smoothly (this also cuts down on key-wear).
Similar Products Used:
Kryptonite, Avenir u-locks.
Bike Setup:
I use this lock with my 2004 Bianchi Milano, 1972 Raleigh roadster, and 1999 Rockhopper.
Bottom Line:
I've read a lot of hyperbole online concerning this lock. Yet I have yet to meet anyone in person that can successfully pick the lock with a bic pen or any video online showing the same. The cylinder mechanism on the cuff lock is not the same as on the older u-locks (Kryptonite takes a lot of heat, but all older u-locks w/cylinders -- including those marketed by Masterlock -- suffered from the same deficiency). Three of us have used the cuff lock on the mean-streets of Sacramento, CA for years and none of us has had our bikes stolen. This is not to say the lock cannot be defeated... but while I have seen the remains of bikes stolen off campus (CSUS), mine just sits nearby untouched. If they made a more durable key (which is numbered and can be replaced by Masterlock), I'd give the cuff lock a top score.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raiyn
a
from St. Pete Fl Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Looks
Weaknesses:
failed to protect a junker Huffy. Horrendous customer service
Similar Products Used:
Kryptonite NY Lock various other styles and models
Bike Setup:
Irrelevant
Bottom Line:
I'd be happy to demonstrate how easy it is to defeat this lock regardless of how it's utilized. I locked a junker Huffy with this POS following the method perscribed by Master Crap in a busy shopping area (where the tourists go not where the jumkies hang out) just to see what would happen and within a half hour the lock was open and the bike gone. It's actually easier to open this thing with a pen than it is to use the key. Throw in the link weakness and you've got a recipie for disaster. The only reason the previous poster still has his bike is due to that cable lock. Thieves usually only carry tools to beat one kind of lock the fact that he has two (albeit one is about as secure as used chewing gum in a foil wrapper) means he beats the odds 9 times out of ten. You;d be better off with one of the locks from Onguard who while being comparable to Kryptonite tend to be cheaper than Krypto or Master Crap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver,BC, Canada Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
Foldable, easy to carry than a U-lock
Weaknesses:
Can be difficult to open with the key. Need to lock it a certain way so as not to expose its weakest link to attacks.
Similar Products Used:
Kryptonite Evo Mini and OnGuard.
Bike Setup:
Hybrid commuter.
Bottom Line:
3 years so far, I have been fortunate for not having my bike stolen yet. A lot of people commented about its mean demeanor (tough and nasty), so that's a good deterrent.
The only problem is that, you can't use this lock to chain your frame to the post like you would with a U-lock. Mind you, this is NOT the most secure way to lock your bike, but while the thief may bend the bike frame in the process of breaking the U-lock, the street cuff's one link can be severed easily. So, this is the lock's weakest link. It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out either. That's why, a lot of negative reviewers out there exploit this and give the lock a bad rap.
The effective way to use this cuff lock is cuff one shackle to the rear triangle of the bike, thread the link and the other shackle through the rear wheel and then cuff it to a solid post. This way, it makes it harder to get to the link without damaging the bike frame and the rear wheel (both expensive items on your bike). If you want to lock your front wheel too, simply place the front wheel in between the rear wheel and locking post. This way, it provides even better protection against any attacks on the link. And that's what Master Lock recommends. In addition to this, I also use a cable to loop around my saddle and then secure it to the shackle on the rear triangle side.
If used properly, this cuff lock can provide as good a security as any similar U-lock on the market. Now, the previous poster claimed that this lock is "BIC"able. While I was able to open my older Krytonite and MEC U-lock with a BIC pen within 5 minutes, I was not able to open the cuff lock at all -- I've tried and tried for close to 4 hrs. Sure, there is a possibility that someone can open it, but of all the U-lock attacks aftermarket with cylinder lock mechanism that I witnessed, not one was opened with the pen even during the U-lock media scare. It's easier to pry, jack or cut a cheap U-lock than to use a pen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raiyn
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Pete, FL Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one that passes your Momma's house
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Intimidating (yet decieving) looks secures my beater bike
Weaknesses:
"BiC-able" cylinder lock, DISGRACEFUL "Customer Service", center links easily popped with common tools
Similar Products Used:
Kryptonite NY Chain with NEW EV Disc lock & variuos U-locks
Bike Setup:
Thankfully not stolen
Bottom Line:
Two years ago, I spent one of the most frustrating hours of my LIFE speaking to the customer service department of Master Lock in reference to this craptacular product. (800) 308-9244 I was calling to find out what action they were taking in regards to replacing their BiC-able locks. I started out very friendly and understanding with the first representative as she was having difficulty locating my Street Cuffs on their website (that should have set off alarm bells) She said that I could call back when I had the information, which I did within a minute of the time it took to fire up the PC.
The second representative seemed uninterested in following up with me on a solution to the issue at hand, she placed me on hold after informing me that she would need to speak to a supervisor. She came back on the line to tell me that she could not find a supervisor and that she would need to place me on hold again in order to get a supervisor. No problem I waited for a couple of minutes then I heard a click as if she were coming back on the line only to be met by silence, no hold music, nothing a minute or so later I get the "If you'd like to make a call please hang up and try your call again message".
I call back and demand to speak to a supervisor I get placed on hold a minute or two later I get the "I can't find my supervisor can I place you on hold again" speil. I get placed on hold AGAIN and again the person disconnects me after a minute or so.
I call back yet AGAIN. This time I ACTUALLY get to speak with a supervisor. I explain the situation to her that I have their products which have been shown to be easily compromised with a BiC pen. I explain what locks I ask what actions are being taken to solve this problem. She informs me that if I'd like to send the locks back (at MY expense) they'll replace them for me. Great wonderful, I think I ask her what they intend to replace them with she tells me they'll be replaced by new items of the same model numbers as my products. "The problem is with the style of keyway used in those products" to which she replies "we have several different levels of locks not all of which are affected by your situation" I reply "I understand that. My locks ARE affected. I want to know what steps your company is taking." She again asks me what locks I own, I repeat the information back to her and she again replies with the "several different levels speech" This goes back and forth ad nauseum until I ask to speak to someone in the product development department. CSSupervisor: "They're not availiable" ME: "Why not" I ask "Why can't I speak to someone who knows what your company is doing about this situation? I have $X,XXX worth of bikes locked up with your products and I want to know what you're doing to fix this issue." CSS: "You said you have bicycles sir?" ME:"Yes I do and I don't want them stolen my some schmuck with a Bic pen" CSS: "Master Lock has a theft guarantee" ME: "Yeah what's your point your locks can't protect my bike" CSS: "That's not my problem sir, we have a guarantee on our bicycle products." ME: "Look I UNDERSTAND that. You also have a LIFETIME warranty on your products should they be shown to be defective do you not?" CSS: "Yes" ME: "Then I would like to know what steps your company is taking in order to recitfy this issue" CSS: "We'll send you new locks" ME: "I don't want locks with the barrel style keyway because people have proven to me that they can be opened with a PEN" CSS: "Is there anything else I can help you with?" ME: "You can answer my question - What is MASTER LOCK going to do about this situation?" CSS: "I don't have that information" ME: "Then I want to speak to someone that does" CSS: "They're in the building but they're unavailiable." ME: "Why can't I speak to someone who knows what's gong on?" CSS: "They aren't availiable" ME: "Then I want to speak to YOUR supervisor" CSS: "That person is unavailable, can I have your information please?" ME: "Mr. _________ (###)###-####" CSS: "I'll forward your information I'm terminating this call" ME: "Hold on, why can't I speak to someone else? CSS: ______dialtone_____
I called back and demanded to speak to someone from "Product Development". I was placed on hold. CS Representative: "I see someone let me see if they are available. Can I put you on hold?" ME: "Sure" CSR: "Is this Mr___________" ME: "Yes" CSR; "Someone will contact you" __disconnect___
I called back a couple more times and got the same basic response. Later I was contacted by Master Schlock and told:
"A lock that can be compromised with a BiC pen is 'Not Defective'"
Product Manager: Please tell me what it is that you've told out customer service representatives. ME: I told them that I had three locks that were able to be compromised by BiC pens and that i wanted to know what your company would do about it. PM: We have a lifetime warranty on our locks and if you'd like we'd be happy to exchange your locks for new one of the same model. ME: That doesn't solve the problem. PM: What problem? ME: The problem is that your locks are defective due to the fact that they can be opened with a BiC pen! PM: All locks can be compromised in one way or another (proceds to list several ways) so we don't feel that a lock being compromised by a BiC pen as a defect. ME: Yes but you don't see people walking down the street with bolt cutters in their back pocket, but you can find a pen in any school kid's backpack. ME: I can understand bolt cutters, freon, Rifles -You know "Tough Under Fire" sledgehammers and so on but a ten cent BiC pen?
(We go back and forth on the BiC pen issue for several minutes) PM: We can offer you three U Locks with flat keys but they aren't as secure as the locks that you have. ME: I beg to differ at least those can't be opened with a BiC pen. ME: Why won't you admit that people opening your locks with a pen is a problem? PM: Because it isn't ME: (incredulous) So I'm supposed to trust locks that I know can be opened with a BiC pen and that you won't admit that a pen being able to open your locks is a defect. PM: A pen opening a lock isn't a defect. ME: I'm sorry you feel this way. Your competitor Kryptonite obviously feels differently in this matter they've admitted that it is a problem and are taking steps to solve the problem. PM: Our locks are different - We use a different style of lock than they do. ME: What makes it different? PM: That's proprietary information that I can't give you. ME: What is it different pin tensions? (I then give a dissertation on the differences between the ACE I and ACE II cylinder and state that that had minimal impact on people opening the lock) PM: We have one of the top five lock engineers in the world working on this and he hasn't proven that our locks can be opened by a pen. ME: I know college students who'd be happy to demonstrate Cutomer Service Manager: Sir we've offered you a solution: We can exchange your locks for the flat key style which we don't feel is as secure as the ones you currently have ME: You haven't offered me an acceptable solution, you haven't even acknowledged that there IS a problem. With all the media exposure this is recieveing you'd THINK you might want to take this more seriously. PM: We've dealt with the media - We released a statement (Found elsewhere) the re's nothing that you can tell the media that we haven't covered. ME: I'll bet. PM: Now you can take the offer that we've given or you can decline: ME: Unacceptable PM: That's your decsion Mr.____ ME: _hang up_
About a week later the company was shamed into doing a recall , but they made it so that the owners of the Street Cuffs were ineligible.
For the full story google the following: A lock that can be compromised with a BiC pen is "Not Defective" If I could give negative chilli's I would.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zeke
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
E-bay
Strengths:
Compact, easy to carry, rubber sleeves, $3,500 guarantee.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, not always easy to use, price
Similar Products Used:
Kryptonite and Specialized U-locks
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock '99 Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS, Manitou FS TI
Bottom Line:
The Street Cuff came highly recommended from a friend of mine that used to work at a bike shop. I bought one off E-bay and it came with 2 keys and a registration card for the anti-theft guarantee. I lost the original card but you can still download it at http://www.masterlockcycle.com/support_guarantee.shtml
I like this lock mainly for it's compact size. The previous u-locks I have used had flimsy brackets to mount onto the frame and would bang around or even fall off while I would ride. I resorted to wearing a backpack just to carry the freaking lock. The Street Cuff fits into my saddle pack so I can ride without being over burdened. Rubber sleeves on the cuffs and keyless locking are nice features too.
Though compact, it's a pretty heavy lock and it can be a bit clumbsy to use since it's not rigid like a u-lock. It takes some time to get used to. If you forget to the press the button, the cuff will not lock properly and can easily be removed.
I've rarely been in a situation where I've had to lock my bike outside for hours at a time or overnight so I can't tell you about it's true anti-theft capability. As someone mentioned below, your bike can be taken if they want it badly enough. Overall I think it's a good lock for running quick errands when you are in and out for a few minutes and you need something compact. The $70 that I paid is a decent value for the lock but I've since seen it on sale for $50.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Tallahassee, FL Date Reviewed: December 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M80 Hardtail w/ Disk Brakes
Bottom Line:
I ride to college everyday. I lock my bike up with these and know when I get out of class that my bike will be there no matter what! They are easy to lock up on campus, but sometimes it can be difficult to find something to lock up to while doing errands. It is easy to forget to push the lock pin in or make sure they are fully shut and locked. The tuff metal nicks my bike pretty badly, but I ride everyday and I dont mind my bike getting beat up. Great locks, easy to store and they are flippin' sweetest locks at the bike racks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Carbondale Il 62901 Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Phoenix Cycles
Strengths:
Tough, broke a thiefs bolt cutters
Weaknesses:
Rubber covers don't hold up to the sun.
Similar Products Used:
Cable, U-lock
Bike Setup:
Cannondale hardtail, all xt
Bottom Line:
I work for the railroad and haul my bike all over. No one has messed with these until a week ago. Two nicks in the plating were all they managed and a piece of the bolt cutter jaws on the ground. They did steal a co worker's bike that had a U lock so I'm pleased with the performance. The Rubber covers that protect your frame rot in sunlight. I emailed masterlock and just recieved a form to send them in on the lifetime warranty. As far as the guy who had the pivot cut in the previous review, they have a 3500 dollar guarantee. Anything can be stolen if someone wants it bad enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Racer
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
University Cycletry
Strengths:
Unique, compact, easy to use
Weaknesses:
Links can be cut in half easily
Similar Products Used:
Masterlock 6' chain w/ lock
Bike Setup:
Custom BMX from top to bottom
Bottom Line:
This is a great lock for that cool look and ease of storage and mobility. It is also great because there are many ways to lock your bike with the street cuff. Especially when you have to lock your bike onto bike rails on campus, etc. Sometimes that traditional U-lock gives you a headache trying to figure out how to lock your bike. Overall, for the first impression part of this product I give it an A+.
But....
From what I understand, a security locks main purpose is to secure your investment. In this case it would be our bikes. So what is the point of having a security system if it doesnt protect your investment? Masterlock did do a good job by innovating a security system based off traditional handcuffs. But did they know that there is a very fatal weak point in this product?
The actual incident I encountered....
I have had my bmx for roughly one month and I used the Masterlock Street cuff for my security. One day I didn't feel like hauling my bike 3 flights of stairs to my apartment. So I cuffed my bmx to a 6 foot masterlock street chain that was securing my motorcycle. Next day my bmx was gone. The thief had cut right through the link of the street cuffs. (I have made a website inorder to show some pictures of the street cuffs cut in half.)
In conclusion....
The main purpose of a security system is to secure our investments. If the product can't serve the main purpose of a security system. Then it fails to even be considered a worthy product to purchse.
I hope you enjoyed my review, thanks for your time.
Submitted by
Daniel Torza
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
croney1@aol.com
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
SF Grand Prix Bike Race
Strengths:
Rock Solid. Easy to Use. People are always checking it out.
Weaknesses:
You lose your water bottle cage. But really no big deal.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized piece of garbage lock
Bottom Line:
This is a great lock. I know my bike is safe with this one. Unfortunately I found out how good it is the hard way. Was in San Francisco over the weekend. Brought two bikes to ride with a friend. She was tired at the end of the night and we had to lock the bikes downtown and cab it home. Next morning the bike with a Specialized lock was gone. The Street Cuffs held strong. The other thing I like about the thing is what another reviewer said was a drawback. You have to push the buttons to actually lock it. But you can shut the lock without doing that. Thats great to me for when you're going making a quick stop and want to get in and out. Middle of the day, no one is going to try to steal that back when they see the street cuffs on it. When I get back to it it's unlocked and ready to go in 10 seconds. So that's my review. Buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist website
Strengths:
Strong Lock with $3,500 anti-theft protection. Packs smaller than a standard U-Lock.
Weaknesses:
More complex than a U-Lock Can scratch frame easier
Similar Products Used:
Kryptonite Evolution 2000 standard U-Lock
Bike Setup:
Rivendell Atlantis with 700x37 tires, fenders, rack, moustache bars, XT/XTR.
Bottom Line:
If you lock your bike up for long periods of time, this might be the most secure lock you can get...and it's backed up by $3,500 anti-theft protection...about $1,000 more than most U-Locks. The cuff design isn't prone to the bar and leverage attacks used to defeat U-Locks from time to time.
Colorado Cyclist's website had them on sale for around $45, so I decided to give it a try since I needed a new lock. The standard Street Cuff often retails for $70 or more. In the end I am sure glad I got the Street Cuff on sale, because I'm going to be buying another Kryptonite standard U-Lock and most likely carry the Street Cuff for times when I need to leave my bike unattended and locked for many hours at a time.
I need a lock that is convenient for running errands that include lots of stopping, locking the bike, running inside for 20 minutes or so, unlocking the bike, pedaling to the next stop, repeat as needed. The Street Cuff is just too cumbersome to use compared to a U-lock. It looks easy enough, but after you secure one cuff to whatever you are locking your bike to, you have to awkwardly thread the other cuff through your frame and around the rear-wheel. If you use a cable to secure the front wheel it makes it even more difficult. For short stops when I'm not worried about the rear wheel, I might just connect it to the seat tube or down tube. That's a little easier.
You have to make sure you push down the locking core for each cuff. Leaving one popped up by accident could allow someone to simply open the cuff. If you lock your bike several times a day, how long will it be before you forget? With most U-Locks, you have to lock and unlock with the key...making it impossible to leave things unlocked. U-Locks are also easier to operate, and you won't have to worry about making sure both cuff locks are facing the easiest way for you to get the key into the hole.
While the Street Cuffs are partially covered in rubber and plastic, there is enough exposed metal with a rough edge to make scratching your frame pretty easy. I've already done it trying to get the cuff around the back wheel. Fortunately it was a small scratch on the back of the seat-tube, but it pissed me off enough to decide that I'm getting another U-Lock. At least U-locks have no exposed metal that comes in contact with the frame.
The Street Cuff might be the strongest lock around, but I need something more convenient for running errands. Fortunately I can park my bike at my cubicle in the office, so the street cuff is just a little more lock than I need.
3 chilis for value... but that is thanks to Colorado Cyclist. In reality I think the U-Lock...like an Evo-2000 or a Kryptonite New York lock are better values.
3 chilis overall...because the stupid hunk of metal made me scratch my bike while I was trying to wrestle with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan S.
a Downhiller
from NYC Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hellavator at Bear Creek in Macungie, PA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Larry & Jeffs Bike Shop (82nd. (?) and 2nd Ave.)
Strengths:
Lightness, gimick factor, ingenuity, neat construction
Weaknesses:
hard to mount to bike and anchor. Not always a suitable anchor available. ingeniously designed, but still looks like a hefty enough bolt cutter could do some damage to the outter cuff.
Similar Products Used:
Other random bike locks.
Bottom Line:
I just started out as a messenger in the city. I was dreadging slinging a 14lb. Kryptonite NY lock around my neck. So when I caught a glimpse of this, I thought'd i'd try it. It's cool and it's tough. I doubt any one anyone would take the time break into it. It can holds its own, though its appeareance doesn't instill the same deep sense of security the tons of metal on a Kryptonie lock will. But that's ok, cause the cuff lock has brains behind it.
The only problem is findind a place to use it. ITs' great if yo uhave a parking meter. But that is about the only thing it is friendly with. Other stuff you will have to fuss with a litle bit. Some parts of NYC don't have great anchors, You might end up parking you bike 3/4's of a block a away for a delivery.
The other thing is that it's gorky. it's hard to position the bike and your front wheel and the anchor s it all goes together well. I"m still gettting used to it. I never use the Kryptonite NYC lock, but i think it's chain like flexibility might make it quicker to anchor and unachor the bike, as oppossed to teh cuff lock
Overall it's a neat product, it'll take time time to get really smooth with it. Till then it takes a little while to get the bike locked in place.
The other thing about the frame mount is that it doesn't allow you to have another water bottle cage. So if you have the locked mounted you can't have a watter bottle. Or so i found on my 18 inch GT, triple triangle frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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