How do the key for u-locks work?

Yes, the keys fit only the locks they were created for (purchased with), your keys theoretically will not fit anyone else's lock and visa\versa. Locks are only to keep the honest, honest and the dishonest away for awhile. If a thief wants your bike bad enough and the time and place are right then a lock won't stop them.

Check this site out: http://www.epinions.com/bike-Components-All-Locks

metomeya said:

I heard that the kryptonite locks can be broken in with just a pen.

There were certain models that had barrels that were the same size as the cap on a Bic pen. They have since been recalled.

metomeya said:

Okay so i'm going to buy my bike tomorrw, and i'm gonna be on a campus, so I'm gonna need a lock.

But i'm just wondering does the key that comes with the lock premade to work it and it only?

Also while I'm at it, which locks do you guys recommend? I heard that the kryptonite locks can be broken in with just a pen.

I like Kryptonie locks myself. As Artmichalek mentioned, Kryptonite did have a problem with their locks at one point. I have a newer one and I haven't had any problems with it. If you are really afraid of having your bike stolen, I would suggest the following....

1. Get a ULOCK and a Flexible Chain lock.... the harder you make it for a potential bike thief, the better it is.

2. I would even consider taking the front wheel with you if possible. I had a wheel ripped off one of my bikes, nothing else.

3. Another solution is to pick up a beater bike in addition to your regular road bike.... something that you won't miss if it's ripped off.

Hope this helps.....

Bike security is a major concern for me because I also leave my bike locked up at a university for extended periods of time. I tried thinking like a theif, and I realized that with just an alan key, somone could take off my handle bars, rip out my cables, and walk off with my $300 brakes/shifters. That's why I added a fourth lock around the handle bars.

lohsnest said:

3. Another solution is to pick up a beater bike in addition to your regular road bike.... something that you won't miss if it's ripped off.

That's probably the best answer yet. I wouldn't store a nice bike outside on a college campus no matter how good the lock is. Vandalism is a much bigger risk than theft. No matter how small your dorm room is, there's always space to hang/stuff a bike.

Definitely worth registering your frame number with someone incase your bike gets stolen then recovered. I have a Trek that was stolen last month. The Police got DNA off the bolt cutters used and arrested someone a couple of weeks later. They found the bike on his premises and a quick email to Trek to ask for the serial number I had given them (to register for the lifetime frame warranty) confirmed it was mine.

Better still to prevent a theft, but always worth being prepared incase the worst happens.

Court case is next week! Bring back the death penalty 🙂