Customer Reviews

Kryptonite New York LS Bicycle U-Lock ( 4-Inch x 10.25-Inch)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Being in Cincinnati I am usually told that a cable lock is acceptable to lock up your bike since the city isn't known for many bike thefts unlike Chicago or New York but I felt it was better to be safe than sorry. This is a great lock and when used properly, I feel safe leaving it most anywhere I go. I have had no problems with the key since it operates smoothly.

For some reason, it is almost impossible to find out the lock weight and total dimension online. Most measurements only give you the inner lock measurements. The lock weights 4 lbs 5 ounces and is 6 5/8" x 12 7/8".

This lock is excellent for city use. It's convenient to carry (I either strap it to my rack or throw it in a backpack), and secures both wheel and frame to a rack or sign post. Can't swing a light post, but so what. I used the Krypto chain for many years and found it to be waaay to much of a hassle to lug around.

Tip: This lock sticks like crazy after getting wet the first time. WD40 it a bit and it works like a charm.

I will start my review by saying that as expected, the lock is extremely sturdy and heavy, weighing 4 pounds 5 ounces and comes with three keys. The shackle is 3/4" thick and the locking mechanism is 1 1/2" in diameter, which is a great deterrent for most of the opportunity bike theft situations since it should be extremely hard for someone to defeat the lock without the use of some power tools. The interior dimensions of the shackle are 4" wide and 10 1/4" from the top center bottom of the shackle to the top of the yellow locking mechanism which is longer and wider than most. The yellow locking mechanism also removes completely from the double-post shackle when unlocked which allows for easy securement of the the frame and rear tire (and the front tire if you remove it) to most posts. The lock exterior dimensions are 6 5/8" x 12 7/8".

The entire U-lock is coated with a durable vinyl coating, which has held up well even after the lock falling off of the bike twice after being jolted off by heavy bumps. My only gripe is the black cover on the locking mechanism rotates easily if twisted and can keep the shackle from locking, not a very big issue if you handle the locking mechanism by the yellow cover instead when placing and removing the lock. The bottom of the lock has a sliding key hole cover which is easy to operate and locks in and out place. The lock uses a high-security type key which makes the lock very pick-resistant and should be far more secure than the previous round tumbler designs from Kryptonite (some can be opened using a Bic pen!). One of the keys has a built in LED light which is very bright if you need to use it at night. If you register the lock key code on Kryptonite's Website you can receive a replacement should you ever lose the keys that come with the lock. The theft guarantee had too many restrictions to be useful, so I wouldn't use that as a primary reason to purchase this lock.

The reason I didn't rate the lock 5-stars is at first the locking mechanism would stick at times, making it difficult to remove the key. I used some silicone spray in the key hole which has definitely helped. The other issue is that since this is such a large and heavy lock, finding somewhere to secure it on your bike isn't easy. I hang the lock from a bracket on the handlebars that is for a front basket and the weight of the lock is sufficient to keep it from moving unless you go over a very large bump in the road. Overall this would be an excellent and high security lock for anyone leaving a bicycle unattended for long periods of time or in a high crime area. For other situations like a quick trip to the store it's probably overkill, but is great for piece of mind as long as you don't mind the added weight on your bike and have a way to carry it.

If you don't have a convinient place to carry the lock on your bicycle and don't mind a shorter length U-lock, the Kryptonite New York Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket ( 4-Inch x 8-Inch) might be a better choice since it basically a shorter (4" x 8") and a bit lighter (3.9lbs) version of the New York LS U-Lock, with the same 16mm shackle and includes a bracket to mount the lock on your bike.

The item shipped to me is a Kryptonite New York Lock MC, not the stated LS. But the looks & diamension are the same as stated. So it could be a newer model. When I first open the box, I got a shock. The lock is simply so big and long! My mom asked if that's a weapon!

Yup. It can easily lock your bike and rear wheel to most metal grills /bars / bike holder at ease. Just be mindful that its heavy. But its the solid quality of this heavy lock will keep your bike safe. Well for me, I only carry this lock and a 10mm cable to loop through my front wheel and lock it into this U-lock. I trust that the 16mm hardened steel shackle is close to impossible to crack, thus its safe to use this as my sole lock.

I do note that the entire lock is coated with a very nice black glossy vinyl finish. I appreciate the fact that vinyl finishing can protect my bike from scratches when using this lock since its so heavy. This is a plus point if you use the lock daily and thus vinyl surface will avoid wear & tear scratches on your bike. However, I'm afraid that after some time the vinyl surface might suffer from deterioration as the gloss rubbery surface is bound to wear off after intense usage. To counter this issue, I've taped up the entire lock using gaffer tape as a protectve measure.

Ihis is a lock that will give me a peace of mind. Great lock!

I used it to lock up my bike outside a store...saw someone trying to cut it off to take my bike. It worked for me. I also bought the Kryptonite chain and used it along with this.

Great lock! It is all I wanted in a lock, sturdy, tough and big enough to lock the wheel and frame to a pole or bike rack! I also love the light feature in the key, which comes in handy when trying to open the lock in the night.

I personally think the insurance that the manufacturer offers is non-sense. I did not opt for it primarily because it had to be sent in with in 15 days of purchasing the lock. I was on vacation right after buying the lock so I did not send it in. I think it is probably easier to insure the bike through homeowners insurance or renter's insurance.

Oh: If you are a weight weenie, don't buy this lock!

This lock is stronger than just about anything you'll lock your bike to.
it is quite heavy, in excess of 5 pounds, so it doesn't ride with me when I take out my fast bike during daylight hours (I have a much lighter lock for that).
If you lock your bike outside over-night, you can rest easy when you secure your steed with this monster.
kryptonite makes lighter locks if weight is an issue.

My bike is pretty flashy, and I live in Chicago. I'm glad I went the extra mile to get a strong bike lock.
I've been using it for about 5 months now. I have had no problems with bike theft or vandalism.
It's really long, so you can lock it to just about anything.
My only concern was that the plastic around the key hole broke off pretty quickly. It doesn't really matter, but I thought it was odd.

Other than that, great lock!

I live in Montana and we have harsh winters so I keep my bike inside at all times except for the summer. Recently, the temperature has been dropping (to the mid 60s) so I decided it was time to bring my bike in. However, when I attempted to unlock the bike, the key actually twisted off and shattered inside the lock.

I have had this lock for less than a year, and it (nor my key) have ever been exposed to any temperature below 60, nor snow. While the lock has been exposed to the rain, I find it hard to believe that this alone would ruin the key hole, especially considering I use the plate which covers the top of the lock.

Anyway, I called the local police to see if they could help me cut the lock, and so far, they have been unsuccessful. We'll probably need some sort of grinder or torch to remove this lock. At least this lock has proven to work well!

Overall, I would recommend this lock because it is, without a doubt, the most secure lock I have ever owned for a bike. However, if you use use this lock, I would advise that you use a special lubricating oil on the inside of the lock's key hole every month or two (or at least until the company makes a key out of something other than flimsy aluminum).

I have used this lock for a little over a month now. No problems with it sticking or keys being flimsy, the lock mechanism works smoothly. I have used it to lock up two bikes when my daughter and I have been out together, the size of the lock being enough to get around the back tires (within the triangle of the frames). I feel quite secure knowing our bikes are locked up with a quality lock like this one! Yes it is a bit heavy, mine gets put in a small backpack and I hardly notice it!