Reddit mentions of ONGUARD PitBull Mini DT U-Lock, 3.55 x 5.52-Inch OPEN BOX

A lot of the bike thieves around here are usually just looking for a quick and easy $20 so don't think that a cable lock is good enough just because your bike isn't fancy. Most stolen bikes are not that fancy.

• Cables are 100% useless.
  
• Use the right u-lock. I recommend the On-Guard Pitbull Mini. Larger u-locks leave too much space and are vulnerable to prying. This one fits in your back pocket. It also takes two cuts to defeat instead of one. Getting through one of these is either very loud or very time-consuming.
  
• Don't lock up outside overnight.
  
• Don't lock up in the exact same spot every day.
  
• Secure your seat and wheels with locking skewers.
  
• Make sure you're locking up to something solid. Some signs and poles can be lifted out of the ground or the bike can be lifted up over the top.

If you aren't going to bike in the winter, then an old road bike is definitely the better - not to mention much cooler looking - option. Simply because they are designed specifically for riding on pavement.

If you want to try riding in the winter, then you need a bike that can accommodate bigger, knobby tires, which very few road bikes can do. So I would definitely go for a mountain bike in that case. A mountain bike is fine for riding on the road for simple commuting purposes, even better if you get some more pavement appropriate tires like I mentioned.

As far as locks go I use this to lock my frame and front wheel to the bike rack/railing/whatever and I use this to secure my back wheel to the seat tube of my frame. Good bike locks are expensive, but it's worth the investment. I know the locks I suggested are going to add up to be almost as expensive as your bike, so feel free to look at similar options that might be a little easier on your wallet. College campuses tend to be VERY high bike theft areas so that's something to consider. I'm super paranoid about locking my bike up while I'm in class and always bring my bikes into my apartment when I'm home for the night simply because a determined thief with an angle grinder can get through any bike lock in a matter of seconds or minutes. It's really all about deterrence, making your bike a less attractive target than the bikes parked next to it. Once it's dark out and there's nobody around, the deterrence factor goes way down no matter how many high grade locks you use.

And no problem man, I'm always happy to help anybody get on a bike and start riding. Happy, safe riding man. Feel free to keep asking question if you have any.