Locks for a solo Trans-Am camping tour?

[LongTallEandM]

Pound for pound, OnGuard Bulldog Mini U-lock (with optional cable), used as Sheldon Brown suggests, is a candidate. The smaller the U, the smaller the chance it can be pried apart.  BUT U-locks are unwieldy and heavy for touring (and you can lock only to certain objects).  That's why we opted for a cable lock instead for riding the TransAm. If I knew I had to leave my bike in DC or NYC, etc., I probably would have made different provisions.  In Eugene, Oregon we locked our bikes in our hostel room.

[Westinghouse]

Those U locks are strong as all get out. However, a hand-held drill can open one in a minute or two with the right bit. Just go into where the key hole with the drill. That method would be used only by thieves looking to purloin an expensive ride, I think. It happens. It makes noise, too.