I would agree about Bell, but for your 5 minute errands this really is great. The smaller size of the Catalyst one I have makes it harder to break, and easier to carry, I definitely still recommend it for a daily carry. If I leave my bike for longer downtown I use this and a cable lock, mainly hoping a thief would take one look at everything and decide its not worth it. I have an expensive Kryptonite ulock with a fancy glow-key, but after less than a year of use the mechanism failed and the keys can no longer turn it, I feel it was a waste of money on something I should have just spent $11 on.
I just got an old bike for the purpose of commuting to and from work and the occasional bike ride to store and for pleasure/exercise. The bike (Miyata One Hundred ~1980s) was fixed and refitted with new components. Pretty much new Shimano components, chain, wheels, quick releases, tape, brake pads. It was about $300.
My question: What is a good U-Lock to get that is small/light, but safe enough to lock up when I get to work? I'm looking at the Bell 200 U Lock (http://www.amazon.com/Bell-Catalyst-Pocket-U-Lock-Black/dp/B00D42NMM4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1455756934&sr=8-4&keywords=u+lock) Is this sufficient enough?
I have had a bike stolen many, many years ago using a crappy coil/cable combo lock that featured plastic for the 'locking' mechanism, which was my 1st mistake.
Also, what is a good strategy for carrying around said U Lock? I thought of velcroing it to the frame while I ride to reduce 'clunking' around.