jackklas

So here’s the deal I have done a huge amount of research on bike locks over the last two weeks. What I have concluded is that a U-Lock is best and that the best U-Lock on the market (in my research opinion) is the Kryptonite New York Forgetaboutit. However, it has some draw backs- it is small and it can often be hard to find the right post. Obviously, there is no lock that is cut proof, but I think the Kryptonite is about as good as we can get. What do you guys think?

degnaw

I'll differ - $20 U-locks typically can be broken with manual tools like hacksaws and bolt cutters, whereas more expensive ones (even the $45 Evolution) typically can't.

(I'll also note that two forumers have recently posted about having bikes stolen using the $30 Kryptonite Kryptolok U-lock)

jackklas

Oh yes, there is a diffrence between a $20 master lock and a $70 Kryptonite lock. Well, uke now I know who to park my bike next to. I wonder which bike thew thief will be more motivated to steal; the one with the $20 Bell lock from Walmart or the mean looking, tuff as Titanium Kryptonite lock? Yes, always park next to bikes with cheaper locks.

jackklas

Hey, if it gives a person piece of mind then who am I to fight aganst it? But start to say its just as good as a Kryptonite and then we have a conversation. Which lock do you think would break first, a $20 dollar U-Lock or a $70 dollar Kryptonite?

jackklas

Tell you what, if you can saw through my Kryptonite faster than I can saw through your $20 Walmart false security special then you can have my bike, but if I get through your lock first I get your bike. Sorry, I'm trying to be rude my friend I just want to make a point- there is a reason a $20 lock costs $20 dollars and there is a reason a Kryptonite costs $70. Thanks for being a good sport uke and thanks for adding to the post.

jackklas

I mean- "sorry I'm not trying to be rude."

degnaw

Uke uses an onguard lock (as do I), and AFAIK they're extremely resistant to manual attacks (the whole reason to get a better lock in the first place).

With an angle grinder, you're in just as much trouble.

RI_Swamp_Yankee

I think the small-shackle is over-rated. I think a better option would be a long, narrow shackle, like on my On-Guard Mini... when I lock, it goes around the wheel and frame, and then around ye aulde stationary object. Long enough to encompass all of that stuff, but narrow enough where there's no use in breaking out the bottle-jack. (I also mix it up with a padlock that has a flexible armored-cable shackle.)

jackklas

The only problem that I have with Onguard is that they have been known to sieze up from time to time, also I have heard about problems with the keys breaking off. However, I have also read that they are quite resistant to manual attacks. I would just rather have a lock with a better consumer review.

jackklas

And then again degnaw, I can understand that you don't want to pay $70 plus dollars for a lock, but certainly you wouldn't dent that Kryptonite makes a great, secure product would you?

Respectfully Jack

Commando303

Recently, I bought an OnGuard Brute U-Lock, which I feel is about as secure as the Kryptonite New York U-Lock. The former does seem to have noticeably more "play" in the shackle–locking-bar connection, but that probably doesn't make it "technically" inferior.

Part of security is, indeed, visual deterrence, and we might want to consider a thief will be less likely to attack a lock he or she knows is difficult to defeat than to attack one everyone is aware is mediocre. Of course, much depends on one's neighborhood, luck, etc.

Tex_Arcana

Ah, remember the days when people were paying big money for Kryptonite locks that could be defeated really simply by a Bic pen?

Cyclist0383

Check out some independent testing results at the following links.

https://www.stichtingart.nl/sloten_resultaat.asp - Check 'Foto's tonen' for photos.

https://www.soldsecure.com/search?pro...mpany=&action=

Oh, and the top of the line Kryptonite locks are very secure. For some odd reason there are people on this forum who don't like Kryptonite, which is totally bizarre as in my experience they have been a stand up company that makes great products.

Cyclist0383

Jaa, and Kryptonite replaced them all for free, worldwide.

Onguard ignored the problem, and even denied ever making locks with ACE style (round) keys when they sure had made a lot of them over the years.

Cyclist0383

Between a friend, my wife, and I, we've had FOUR OnGuard Brute locks freeze up on us, unable to be opened with the keys. I'd call that inferior to the Abus and Kryptonite locks we've also used that have never had a problem opening with the key.......

bragi

I agree with you. The kryptonite NY lock is probably the best U lock out there. However, it's heavy, even heavier than other U-locks. Other U locks (Kryptonite Evolution, Abus) are also very secure, and a bit lighter. If someone has tools which can defeat an Evolution, they'll also be able to defeat the NY lock, it'll just take a little longer. (I use the Evolution mini.)

I don't mind spending a bit more for a good lock; to me, the extra $20 is worth the extra piece of mind.

aley

Have you ever used an angle grinder? If not, be prepared for showers of incandescent sparks, lots of noise (bring earplugs), and lots of attention. Not what your typical bike thief is after.

Oh, and what's the price of the extension cord, generator, or battery and inverter to run that grinder? Have you ever noticed how much more expensive and how much wimpier the cordless ones are?

I'm not saying that a bike can't be stolen by a miscreant with an angle grinder, or an acetylene backpack torch, or the Jaws of Life, or any other suitable tool. But it's a little disingenuous to use the fact that locks can be cut with power tools as an excuse to use a cheap lock that can be cut with hand tools.

aley

Perhaps I should have quantified "cheap" - I'd consider any lock that's $30 or under cheap, unless you get a screaming deal on something that's normally much more expensive. Good design, good steel, and good heat treatment are expensive, so you're unlikely to get them on an inexpensive lock. If a lock is made with low-grade steel, or if it's not properly heat treated, then it's much easier to cut or break than a lock that is made with better materials and better techniques.

KitN

1. I am one of those two forumer you mentioned.

2. That Kryptolok cost more than $30 at the time of purchase.

3. I did everything by the book to protect my bike. The thief was intent on getting my bike. No lock, not even a NY Series u-lock, would have saved me because the method they used to defeat the cheaper Kryptolok works just as well on the NY series u-locks -- it just takes a bit longer. (Time is a HUGE factor here.)

4. I now use a Kryptonite Evolution Mini (with 4' Kryptoflex cable for the seat & wheels). I rarely ever lock my bike because I normally bring it with me inside and the few times that I lock it, I do everything by the book and NEVER LEAVE IT LOCKED FOR LONGER THAN IT TAKES TO BREAK THE LOCK.

No matter what lock you get, educate yourself on how long that lock buys you before your bike is gone-baby-gone. I learned the hard way. Even the Kryptonite NYFU lock has a time limit. It's wise to know it and not exceed it if you plan on having your bike still there when you come back.

jackklas

Indeed, the best lock is never having to lock a bike, never leaving it out of sight. If need be come back and check on the bike every 15 minutes. I know this does not appeal, and it is not always practical, but how much do you love your bike, what is better to be annoyed at checking on the bike- or to be annoyed because the bike was stolen?

Now even though we know that the best lock is never needing a lock, would anyone seriously own bikes without also owning locks? Thus, we must conclude that we have to make a choice, which lock is it going to be, a cable lock, a chain or a U-Lock? Those of use who have done the homework know that a small U-Lock is best. We want it to be small because it buys us more time; it makes it harder for the thief to steal our bike. Time is the key, the thief does not want to get caught and the longer it takes him the greater chance he will get caught.

I would love to see how long it takes a person to saw through the Kryptonite Forgetaboutit lock (while it is attached to the bike and the rack leaving the thief with cramped quarters and limited mobility). If someone finds that video send it my way. All in all I don’t think there is a better lock on the market- The Kryptonite New York Forgetaboutit. Get one and learn how to use it. Again, I don’t work for the company I just love the lock.

Jack

jackklas

BEST TWO LOCKS ON THE MARKET HANDS DOWN!

Don't believe me, then read all the reviews:

1. U-Lock: https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Fah..._bxgy_sg_img_b

2. Chain Lock: https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Yor...pr_product_top

jackklas

Another Informative Page on Locking Bikes: https://quickrelease.tv/?p=327

kelvinbatista

I concur with Jackklas, I have the NYC chain and U lock. I also have the Evolution Mini and 2 different Krypto cables. It is my opinion that Kryptonite makes a far superior product as compared to other bike lock companies(Multilock makes beautifully engineered padlocks). Their first class locks are definitely not for everyone. I am a NYC Locksmith and I don' t sell Kryptonite yet i find myself buying their locks every time. Just as with any purchase you make, a little investment in time should be taken to research and compare. For some people purchasing a new lock is emotional and they buy the biggest and meanest looking lock there is and that is Ok if it makes them feel safer. Ultimately, security is a state of mind and relative to your environment.

Tex_Arcana

Just saying. Sometimes you worry about how strong this and that or the other is and pay top dollar for those features. Then when the thief takes advantage of a 50 cent component that the manufacturer used to save money, that you didn't notice, your bike is just as gone as the guy that used a 99 cent combination cable lock.

Never take for granted that just because you payed big money for a highly hyped lock you actually have "the best". Using price as a gauge for how secure the lock is...well, doesn't seem the brightest thing to me.

Too bad we don't have a successful, professional bike thief around to ask what locks he/she likes to see on a targeted bike.

degnaw

Sure, the NYFU is secure. I just don't think that a couple extra minutes under power tools is worth the expense. Also, if the rack or pole you're locking to is weaker than the lock (quite likely even with midrange locks), spending all that dough to make the lock stronger doesn't seem justifiable.

As for the onguard freezing issue, I actually started a thread about it prior to buying the lock. From what I gathered, most of the issues were with older models (though I could be wrong).

what method?