I got the 9" version. I lock through the bike frame rear triangle and rear wheel. I use a separate cable lock with its own key to lock the front wheel , frame and one pedal. Good lock in terms of weight vs security. The New York Locks are tough but so heavy, while the cheap Series 2 locks are easily cut with bolt cutters. *The newer Evolution locks are now double locking.
I see where some people criticize the locks - a thief can cut any lock if he truly wants the bike, so I don't get the critics. What I do is lock my bike with a U lock and a cable and don't leave the bike from my sight for too long. I don't buy expensive bikes, so if someone steals it, it's not the end of my world. I'll get another one, if not the same day, no later than the next day. Good video!
I had the same lock, and yes, a 24 inch bolt cutter would cut it's 13mm shackle. I had to cut mine because the lock jammed. The locksmith wanted $90 to come out and remove, and the lock cost me about $54.... so I went to my local Harbor Freight and both their 24 inch bolt cutter for $18 and it did the trick. I was actually surprised at the easy that it cut with the bolt cutter. I learned that the 14mm shackled U Locks will stand up to the 24 inch cutters, but can be cut with the 42 inch cutters. So now I got a U Lock with an 16 inch shackle as my main lock. A 13mm U Lock like this is fine for most things... a ride to your local park and your bike is lock in an open area.. or when riding and you want a to run into your coffee shop and your bike is still within views, etc. If out and about and when have to go into a store of something, I'll use two U Locks plus a 7 foot cable that goes through my front wheel, saddle and rear rack. I have my main U Lock on the frame and rear wheel and a second U Lock that I have on the frame. Best wishes and thanks...
I just bought a Series 4 Evolution with the 14 mm shackle, and I was dubious right after buying it. I should have gotten one of the 16 mm or 18 mm New York versions, which has a better chance against bolt cutters. This video is next to useless.
I've been studying the weights lately and it's interesting sometimes. Kryptonite says the weight of the NY Standard which I have is around 4.4 pounds, but when I used a decent bathroom scale and made the subtractions it was running only about 3.9 pounds. I assume the 1/2 a pound discrepancy is over the bracket and the mount which I'm not counting and not using. I used the hex bolt and took off the thing from the shackle. They seem to assume the rider is going to need it and use it, so they only have the protective coating up to the point of where that bracket starts. So anyway, converting grams to pounds, your whole U-lock and cable combined is around 1.1 pounds less than just my U-lock. What I'm doing is using a smaller (different brand) chain lock for the secondary with the U-lock, but I use the cable and sometimes a padlock secondarily with the much heavier Evolution orange lock with 10mm links.
I do definitely think in many cases additional weight can mean additional security. If it was going to make the difference I'd gladly carry an extra 5lbs around to prevent theft.
Hi, ty so much for this video. I have a question. I just bought my first bike so I am king of lost in here. You did mention the width (u-lock) is important but I can not fully understand it. This one seems to be around 3,2-3,5 inches wide and I do not know if it is enough to grab my rear tire and frame. Are you supposed to place it parallel to the place you are placing it? Everyone seems to talk about the length rather than the width. Sorry if I am not clear. Thanks a lot
@Santiago Gutierrez it depends not just on the bike but also what you will be locking the bike to so it is hard to say with 100% confidence if this lock will work on your bike. For me, this lock works on my road, gravel/commuter, and even time trial bike if I'm locking it to a regular 2" pipe/post. The lock in this vid is getting on to 8 years old & still in use, btw. If you have more questions, please post them!
Have same lock. One tip is to lock only your rear tire, the part between frame members, to post - no need to lock both frame and tire, as you can't steal the bike even if you take the tire partially off.
Do you ever have some trouble getting the key to turn the whole way sometimes? Mine always jams half turn. I have to push or pull the key at that point to complete the turn.
@@fargoththemoonsugarmaniac yes, frequently. I even contacted kryptonite when I started having trouble unlocking it. They sent me a replacement, thanks to the lifetime warranty but it too had the same issue from day 1. I still got 6 months use our of it before it too began to jam to a point of being unable to open it without furious fiddling. I've been using Teflon based dry lube (finish line)and the silicon based type (tri-flow) frequently. At least once a month. More during wet seasons. After several days of rain, there would be some noticeable stiffness that dry lube wasn't breaking. So I resorted to degreaser (good ol' WD40), then followed up with dry lube. I'm on my 3rd kryptolock mini and this one actually opens without that midway block so much. I'll see how this one goes. I must add that I lock and unlock my bike quite frequently each day. I'm a food courier. So I'm much more likely to burn through these types of locks faster than most.
It’s a disc lock. The mechanism inside is different and turns independently in sections. If you don’t fully insert the key and start to turn only the upper sections will move and not the lower sections. Supposedly makes them harder to pick with with a little more specialised picking skill and different tools required.
The cable is a complete pain. You can easily mount the lock but there is no holder for the cable. Wrapping it around the lock is a lot of work and a hassle. Also actually using it is a bit annoying, you have to unravel it and the do the whole looptyloop thing and make sure you don’t forget to insert it before you lock up. The actual U-lock is nice though.
Lots of folks think the cable doesn't provide enough additional security to justify the hassle. I think it does but depending on crime in your area the argument could swing either way. Thanks for commenting & viewing!
Avoyce N Deether it’s great for locking up the front wheel or for wrapping it around a large pole that doesn’t accommodate the U-lock. But a major hassle if you need to lock the bike often. I bought the smallest Asus Bordo just for locking the front wheel to the frame. Weighs more but like 1/4 of the hassle lol
Instead of their cable I just use another lock separate key cable lock. Since they would then have to break 2 locks to get riding on my bike, plus the cable is less of a hassel separate that way.
@@42luke93 I do the same. Yes, having two locks will increase the time and effort to steal your bike, but probably not all that much. If they have the tools to go through a serious U-lock, snapping a lighter secondary lock in seconds doesn't offer much of a deterrent.
@@carlospwk yeah, the cable is basically so I don’t have to get rid of the nice quick release. But can be stolen. Probably the same thing with the U lock cable too.
I haven't had any HUGE issues with this lock yet! czcams.com/users/postUgkxfyHDlEqk6hqu9acdvK5NGzZsGKSokSbv It seems sturdy and like it will get the job done. I really like that it has a twisting lock feature to keep out dirt and debris. However, the mounting system is much too light for the lock, and continues to get loose/move around. It's mostly made of plastic parts, and I've had to tighten it a few times in the past week or so that I've had it. I'm worried that it's going to break off at some point while I'm riding. I'm considering just scrapping that part, but that would mean having to carry the heavy lock i my backpack and adding more weight. I wish I could have given this more stars, but without the mounting system, it's just another heavy lock that I have to cart around. UPDATE: Increased rating to 5 stars because the seller offered to provide a new lock and mounting system. Really appreciate the attention to customer service!!
Never had any issues. The lock mechanism still turns easily. Even the orange plastic sleeves are still on the cable. But I rarely ride in the rain so the lock has been well maintained.
Do not recommend this lock, the key jams and you always need the key to close/open it, most locks close keyless, it rattles on the holder too, regret this choice a lot, have another one for half the money and it is much better
I hear that a lot lately. Wonder if they changed some of the lock components? I still use this lock today & it's really smooth but many people share your complaint.
This video is next to useless because it doesn't disclose just how vulnerable this Kryptonite U-lock is to cutting. It makes you think you have a lot more protection than you really do. The rating of 7 out of 10 is meaningless. If you want to secure your front tire, forget stupid braided cables that can be cut in 2 seconds flat. You might just as well hang a sign on your front tire saying "GOT 2 SECONDS? STEAL ME!" I took a walk downtown Toronto, yesterday and that's just what happened to a lot of parked bikes. Instead, put a 2nd mini U-lock on the front tire rim and lock it to the front part of the frame.
Calm down Karen. By all means watch one of the numerous other videos on the subject. Guy uses the lock. He’s not about to destroy it in order to satisfy your needs just to avoid the off tilt, ranting and raving.
@@avoycendeether8869 Same here! Very low crime, small village outside crime ridden NYC! This lock and cable is more than enough. Many dont even put on their locks when they run in for coffee, CVS etc.
Fabulous! Now I know how to stash the flex cable! Thanks!!!
I got the 9" version. I lock through the bike frame rear triangle and rear wheel. I use a separate cable lock with its own key to lock the front wheel , frame and one pedal. Good lock in terms of weight vs security. The New York Locks are tough but so heavy, while the cheap Series 2 locks are easily cut with bolt cutters. *The newer Evolution locks are now double locking.
I see where some people criticize the locks - a thief can cut any lock if he truly wants the bike, so I don't get the critics. What I do is lock my bike with a U lock and a cable and don't leave the bike from my sight for too long. I don't buy expensive bikes, so if someone steals it, it's not the end of my world. I'll get another one, if not the same day, no later than the next day. Good video!
7 years later and still a fantastic review.
Perfect review. Thank you.
I had the same lock, and yes, a 24 inch bolt cutter would cut it's 13mm shackle. I had to cut mine because the lock jammed. The locksmith wanted $90 to come out and remove, and the lock cost me about $54.... so I went to my local Harbor Freight and both their 24 inch bolt cutter for $18 and it did the trick. I was actually surprised at the easy that it cut with the bolt cutter. I learned that the 14mm shackled U Locks will stand up to the 24 inch cutters, but can be cut with the 42 inch cutters. So now I got a U Lock with an 16 inch shackle as my main lock.
A 13mm U Lock like this is fine for most things... a ride to your local park and your bike is lock in an open area.. or when riding and you want a to run into your coffee shop and your bike is still within views, etc. If out and about and when have to go into a store of something, I'll use two U Locks plus a 7 foot cable that goes through my front wheel, saddle and rear rack. I have my main U Lock on the frame and rear wheel and a second U Lock that I have on the frame. Best wishes and thanks...
I just bought a Series 4 Evolution with the 14 mm shackle, and I was dubious right after buying it. I should have gotten one of the 16 mm or 18 mm New York versions, which has a better chance against bolt cutters. This video is next to useless.
Will, please be sure to give the video a thumbs down if you don't like it. Thanks!
? I already did.
@@willbranson3216 ha-ha! Well I guess you can get something right, then. Good for you Will Branson.
thank you for the video and showing us how it is in real life
Great video! I was considering this as a second lock.
this was great! thank you
Great review.
It is indeed a good lock thanks dor the review. Bought it and also have done a video on my channel. Cheers.
Thanks, I think its a very good lock! At around 3 lbs, its a bit heavy though, if youre riding with it all day long.
exactly what I was looking for
Thanks, gonna buy it!
This is very rare to get a real world usage of a specific lock ❤️
Thanx good review
Great review
The new Evolution mini locks are now double locking.
Nice video buddy.✌🙃
It's great but I wish it was a little wider. Just barley fits though half of the frame and a tire to the green street pole or bike dock.
Wow you really help me and my family to install the lock 🔐 thanks!!
Thank you
I've been studying the weights lately and it's interesting sometimes. Kryptonite says the weight of the NY Standard which I have is around 4.4 pounds, but when I used a decent bathroom scale and made the subtractions it was running only about 3.9 pounds. I assume the 1/2 a pound discrepancy is over the bracket and the mount which I'm not counting and not using. I used the hex bolt and took off the thing from the shackle. They seem to assume the rider is going to need it and use it, so they only have the protective coating up to the point of where that bracket starts. So anyway, converting grams to pounds, your whole U-lock and cable combined is around 1.1 pounds less than just my U-lock. What I'm doing is using a smaller (different brand) chain lock for the secondary with the U-lock, but I use the cable and sometimes a padlock secondarily with the much heavier Evolution orange lock with 10mm links.
I do definitely think in many cases additional weight can mean additional security. If it was going to make the difference I'd gladly carry an extra 5lbs around to prevent theft.
Where did you get your saddle bag that attaches to the bottom of the top frame? Thanks! :)
That's is a Leed's battery bag. I don't think you can buy them anymore. The zipper eventually failed & I replaced it with a Jandd frame bag.
Thanks for sharing
Hi, ty so much for this video. I have a question. I just bought my first bike so I am king of lost in here. You did mention the width (u-lock) is important but I can not fully understand it. This one seems to be around 3,2-3,5 inches wide and I do not know if it is enough to grab my rear tire and frame. Are you supposed to place it parallel to the place you are placing it? Everyone seems to talk about the length rather than the width. Sorry if I am not clear. Thanks a lot
@Santiago Gutierrez it depends not just on the bike but also what you will be locking the bike to so it is hard to say with 100% confidence if this lock will work on your bike. For me, this lock works on my road, gravel/commuter, and even time trial bike if I'm locking it to a regular 2" pipe/post. The lock in this vid is getting on to 8 years old & still in use, btw. If you have more questions, please post them!
Have same lock. One tip is to lock only your rear tire, the part between frame members, to post - no need to lock both frame and tire, as you can't steal the bike even if you take the tire partially off.
If you do this in a city. You'll come back to a lock around a post, a cut bicycle wheel and no bike.
Include the frame.
You must be a bike thief.😂😂😂Always lock that rear wheel and frame!
Don't be so stupid.
Actually, you can make a loop with the flex cable and attach it to the u-bar using the free end. This extends the reach of the cable.
he showed this in video did you watch until the end?
Hi,
thanks for this video.
Do you still have it ? :)
Still have it! Incredibly it still works just fine. Lock mechanism is still solid and the key has never bound. Pretty reliable product.
If you have the quick release on the wheels, a thief can steal the bike except the wheels due to some shortcoming of your method.
not angle grinder anymore. check out cordless rebar cutters. nearly silent, no sparks. cut through almost any ULock in under 15 seconds.
littlegoobie You dont even need a grinder for this one. Medium cutters do the job easily
nice. Is that a 4ft loop cable? thanks
yes
Do you ever have some trouble getting the key to turn the whole way sometimes?
Mine always jams half turn. I have to push or pull the key at that point to complete the turn.
Sorry if this might be a dumb question but did you lube it with e.g. silicone or Teflon spray or some kind of oil based stuff?
@@fargoththemoonsugarmaniac yes, frequently. I even contacted kryptonite when I started having trouble unlocking it. They sent me a replacement, thanks to the lifetime warranty but it too had the same issue from day 1. I still got 6 months use our of it before it too began to jam to a point of being unable to open it without furious fiddling. I've been using Teflon based dry lube (finish line)and the silicon based type (tri-flow) frequently. At least once a month. More during wet seasons. After several days of rain, there would be some noticeable stiffness that dry lube wasn't breaking. So I resorted to degreaser (good ol' WD40), then followed up with dry lube.
I'm on my 3rd kryptolock mini and this one actually opens without that midway block so much. I'll see how this one goes. I must add that I lock and unlock my bike quite frequently each day. I'm a food courier. So I'm much more likely to burn through these types of locks faster than most.
It’s a disc lock. The mechanism inside is different and turns independently in sections. If you don’t fully insert the key and start to turn only the upper sections will move and not the lower sections. Supposedly makes them harder to pick with with a little more specialised picking skill and different tools required.
@@craiglyle2966 This was around 2 locks ago. My current kryptonite lock doesn't have this issue. Must've been a manufacturing defect
@@myscreen2urs Good to hear. Might’ve been a dodgy one? Maintaining them with Teflon lubricant helps keep the discs gliding freely.
The cable is a complete pain. You can easily mount the lock but there is no holder for the cable. Wrapping it around the lock is a lot of work and a hassle. Also actually using it is a bit annoying, you have to unravel it and the do the whole looptyloop thing and make sure you don’t forget to insert it before you lock up. The actual U-lock is nice though.
Lots of folks think the cable doesn't provide enough additional security to justify the hassle. I think it does but depending on crime in your area the argument could swing either way. Thanks for commenting & viewing!
Avoyce N Deether it’s great for locking up the front wheel or for wrapping it around a large pole that doesn’t accommodate the U-lock. But a major hassle if you need to lock the bike often. I bought the smallest Asus Bordo just for locking the front wheel to the frame. Weighs more but like 1/4 of the hassle lol
Instead of their cable I just use another lock separate key cable lock. Since they would then have to break 2 locks to get riding on my bike, plus the cable is less of a hassel separate that way.
@@42luke93 I do the same. Yes, having two locks will increase the time and effort to steal your bike, but probably not all that much. If they have the tools to go through a serious U-lock, snapping a lighter secondary lock in seconds doesn't offer much of a deterrent.
@@carlospwk
yeah, the cable is basically so I don’t have to get rid of the nice quick release. But can be stolen. Probably the same thing with the U lock cable too.
I haven't had any HUGE issues with this lock yet! czcams.com/users/postUgkxfyHDlEqk6hqu9acdvK5NGzZsGKSokSbv It seems sturdy and like it will get the job done. I really like that it has a twisting lock feature to keep out dirt and debris. However, the mounting system is much too light for the lock, and continues to get loose/move around. It's mostly made of plastic parts, and I've had to tighten it a few times in the past week or so that I've had it. I'm worried that it's going to break off at some point while I'm riding. I'm considering just scrapping that part, but that would mean having to carry the heavy lock i my backpack and adding more weight. I wish I could have given this more stars, but without the mounting system, it's just another heavy lock that I have to cart around. UPDATE: Increased rating to 5 stars because the seller offered to provide a new lock and mounting system. Really appreciate the attention to customer service!!
even after all this time I'm still lockin' my bike up with that thing. It's been a good bit of kit for me.
How does this lock holds up ? have you had any issues?
Never had any issues. The lock mechanism still turns easily. Even the orange plastic sleeves are still on the cable. But I rarely ride in the rain so the lock has been well maintained.
Thank you for your response it really helps!!!@@avoycendeether8869
Do not recommend this lock, the key jams and you always need the key to close/open it, most locks close keyless, it rattles on the holder too, regret this choice a lot, have another one for half the money and it is much better
Didn't even open and show the shackle, this lock has a weak BENT FOOT shackle, the New U design has a double deadbolt...
Well I didn't mention it explicitly but you can tell by the way the lock walks with a limp...
Getting it locked and undone is a pain.
I hear that a lot lately. Wonder if they changed some of the lock components? I still use this lock today & it's really smooth but many people share your complaint.
*smack lips*
This video is next to useless because it doesn't disclose just how vulnerable this Kryptonite U-lock is to cutting. It makes you think you have a lot more protection than you really do. The rating of 7 out of 10 is meaningless. If you want to secure your front tire, forget stupid braided cables that can be cut in 2 seconds flat. You might just as well hang a sign on your front tire saying "GOT 2 SECONDS? STEAL ME!"
I took a walk downtown Toronto, yesterday and that's just what happened to a lot of parked bikes. Instead, put a 2nd mini U-lock on the front tire rim and lock it to the front part of the frame.
Will, sounds like you need a car. To drive to a lower crime are. Ha! Good luck.
LOL! Do u know a lock u can't cut it?🤔🙄
So what lock do u recommend?
Calm down Karen. By all means watch one of the numerous other videos on the subject. Guy uses the lock. He’s not about to destroy it in order to satisfy your needs just to avoid the off tilt, ranting and raving.
@@avoycendeether8869 Same here! Very low crime, small village outside crime ridden NYC! This lock and cable is more than enough. Many dont even put on their locks when they run in for coffee, CVS etc.