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Xena XN15 Disc-Lock $104
I'm pretty lazy when it comes to bike security-I'm wont to shut down, turn the key to "park" and hit the bricks. Disc locks' small footprints always seemed appealing in town, but the flimsy units I'd sampled in the past felt more like window dressing than deterrents. Then there was that time I attempted to ride off with one still mounted...

All was forgiven when I got my paws on the Xena XN15. We're talking heavy metal: 4 pounds of high-grade steel with a 14mm carbide-reinforced locking pin. Xena claims the XN15 is built to weather even brutal hammer attacks (logos on the box tell you it's certified throughout Europe). I slipped the XN15 onto our V-Star's brake disc and pushed the locking pin closed. Because it's self-arming, that's all there was to it.

When it came time to sound off, the Xena delivered. Microprocessor-controlled movement sensors trigger a 110dB siren that's not so much a wail but enough of a shriek that it can't be ignored. I had to remove the lock just to save myself from aural torture. Any self-respecting thief should run away, too, but I was concerned that the shriek only lasted about 25 seconds. It's powered by six button-cell batteries with a claimed life of eight months (a replacement set is included).

The XN15 isn't as loud as I expected, but it's shrill and sensitive enough to discourage casual passersby from messing with your ride. It's a bit pricey (though you can find it for less than the MSRP) and I'm not sure how it'd do against a sophisticated assault, but it's easy to carry and a snap to use.

I give it a thumbs up for medium-duty security use. -Andrew Cherney
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