A Stronger Mini-u Bike Holder

Here is my first instructables.

I recently purchased a mini-u bike lock, very handy, compact, but supplied with a poor holder.
I decided to replace this bike holder. Here is the result.

Step 1: The Original One

The original u-bike holder does not fit into my frame and it is impossible to tighten it around  the seat post.

Step 2: Looking for Replacement

I found an evacuation pipe. The mini-U fits into it perfectly. I cutted the exact length of the orange part of the mini-U.

Step 3: Let's Transform the Pipe

I've made 3 consecutives adjustements, in order to install the pipe under the saddle, with cable tie.

The first one, I cutted the half extremity of the pipe.
Then ,  I drilled a hole.
And then, at the opposite of the hole,  I've made a little notch. The cable tie will fit into this notch. The pipe won't slip off the cable tie.

Step 4: The Amazing Cable Ties

God bless the inventor of cable ties. What wonderfull things I can do with it !
I used two huge cable ties, a specific tool is needed to tighten cable ties (by hand it' impossible !)

Step 5: Installing the Mini-U Lock

First, I put the straight part into the pipe.
Then I install the U part.

Thanks to the specific saddle shape, I'm able to lock the mini-U with its key ( Not so many room).

Step 6: Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed my little bidouille (it means hack in french !)
Sorry for my english, I try every day to speak better and better (it's so difficult).

I think it's possible to use a longer pipe, when the saddle has got a different shape.

Comments

[robbiebb]

This is great solution and just what I was looking for. Unfortunately, my Ulock is tapered and larger than normal. It doesn't really fit a pvc pipe. This got me thinking... Do you really need the pipe? Locking it between the straps would keep it secure. It might rattle from not being a tight enough fit between lock and straps.Thoughts?

[martee]

Hi Robbie, I didn't tried without the pipe, it could be tricky to insert the Ulock body without the pipe, in my opinion. Unfortunately, the lock and the bike are gone, I broke the bike frame and actually, I'm locking my new bike with an ABUS folding lock (not such strong as the Ulock, but very compact and well deisgned).

[Yonatan24]

Great idea!

[phil.parry]

wonderful! tres bon!

[robd98]

Great idea. The big name U Lock manufacturers all get it wrong with their mountings but yours is ideal. Get the drilled hole right size and avoid any movement. In my case i had to add a bit of sheet rubber inside the plastic pipe as I couldn't get the exact size for my lock.

Thanks Martee!!!

[jmateos]

thanks for the idea

[makaros]

Great idea + smooth looking!

[captmoose]

Very innovative idea. Thanks for sharing.

[Steamfunk]

Clean, simple-great job!

[lryberg]

Thanks!

[3366carlos]

very nice, instead of plastic wraps, you can use metal clamps, like the ones used in car radiator hoses, the ones with the screw used to tighten (worm).

[teicher]

Gotta agree, that's nice and clean. Awesome hack!

[Orngrimm]

I simply love the simplicity of such builds.
Smart and elegant! Thanks for sharing!

[FriendOfHumanity]

A very minimalist fitting; I like it.

[schumi23]

J`aime bien l`idée! (Meme si je traduirais pas Hack pare bidouille)

Luckily, the Ulock holder I have fit my bike perfectly :)

[ejarrell]

This is so rad! I love you for this "bidouille" :)

[3366carlos]

Fantastico!!!!!!

[Mar HK]

That's a great idea! I've been carrying mine in my bag, since the holder the u-lock came with gets in my way, but I'll have to see if this will fit my bike.

[l8nite]

very nice

[slylee]

creative!