Customer Reviews

Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Standard Bicycle U-Lock (4-inch x 9-inch) with 4-Foot Flex Cable

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Kryptonite STD U Lock seems to be a very decent lock but it still can be "infiltrated" by a knowledgeable master thief/master lock picker in probably under 1 hour time. I'm not too worried since it is sizable, hefty looking and very heavy (4 lbs), so it looks bigger than what I saw on other bikes in the bike rack and my bike is only valued at $500. Plus most bike thieves are just simple crooks with a few tools (a bike crook in public with a 20 Pound Sledge Hammer, hacksaw, 42-inch bolt cutters, 12-inch screwdriver, 20-inch crowbar, and claw hammer will be very obvious and suspicious working for one hour on a lock).

Most bike thieves have limited time, looking for an "easy" and quick target. If you beef up your security with the bulky Kryptonite STD U Lock, odds are he'll go for a bike with a cheap lock (cheap chain or cable locks are a certain way to get your bike stolen in the bike rack). Many bikes are stolen because they're not even locked ("I'll just be a sec!"). Many bikes are also stolen because the locks are used incorrectly or left open/unlocked by mistake.

Kryptonite STD U Lock. The keys are very flimsy and forged with cheap metal so I won't be surprised in 12 months that they snap or are damaged. The Lock holder (cheap plastic) didn't work on my bike as the Lock is too big to fit anywhere so I just snug it into my rear rack.

Comes with a cable (be warned, it can be cut quite easily so don't use it as a "main attachment" to a pole, bike rack, etc, just use it to secure your rear or front tires with the U Lock attached to a pole, bike rack, etc, or run the cable through both the seat and the rear tire with the U Lock fastened to a solid object).

You should use a cable lock ONLY to secure your front or rear tire to the bike frame or bike rack. ALWAYS attach the U Lock to a solid, fixed object (lamppost, pole, road sign, fence, bike rack, etc). A cable lock is NOT a primary security tool to secure your bike. Never rely on a cable to anchor your whole bike, it can take someone a few seconds to cut through a cable lock. Always use a high quality U-lock or hefty chain as your MAIN locking device and cables as secondary devices.

In spite of AT LEAST 5 known attempts by petty German bike thieves to break through the Kryptonite STD U Lock, it's held up and has been an eminent tool in my bike lock collection (my secondary cable/cheap Chain locks securing my front tire have ALWAYS been cut).

In all, it's not bad for medium to low bike crime areas but don't use it ALONE for overnight, expensive bikes, big cities, dangerous zones or in dark desolate areas where a thief can use high powered tools or torches.

If you need more Security (you also will need to put up with the hassle of more Weight) go for:

Kryptonite New York Chain With EV Disc Lock Chain

OnGuard Brute STD 5001 U-lock

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock

OnGuard Beast Chain

I like the lock. It's for a cheap ($100) bike. When I get a more expensive bike I'll buy the New York Std (yellow sleeve) lock.

I think the Kryptonite locks are a good value. But, the "protection offer" is almost insulting to my intelligence. You have to read the box carefully to realize you're only getting an *offer*, not protection. You can buy protection for 1-2 years. And, the terms of protection are so ridiculously tedious that you wonder why they even offer. The terms sound like they don't want you to use it.

Here's an example: You have to register your keys and serial number of your bike within 15 days. Why a time limit? I bought my lock before receiving my bike. Why should it matter to Kryptonite that I bought the lock 2-3 months ago?

Also, you can't transfer the lock/insurance to another bicycle. Why would Kryptonite care about that? Unless it's just a gimmick to sell more locks?

For a claim, you have to submit the broken lock. What if the thief takes the evidence with him?

I've heard that NYC messengers who ride expensive bikes buy two locks. They take one to a welder to cut/break. They register the keys (and buy protection) for that lock. They use the other other lock. If their bike is stolen, they submit the broken lock which they never used.

I can't blame them for doing that. Kryptonite sets the conditions that you almost have to do that if you want to protect a $1200 bike.

I would give the lock 5 stars. But, because of the fishy "protection offer," I only gave 4.

This lock works well. It is a little heavy, and I could not attach it to my bike anywhere, so I carry it in my pack. The cable makes it much easier to lock my bike to various racks, and makes it so I can lock up my friends bike at the same time. I would buy this again.

Now that I have the Kryptonite U lock and cable, I feel very comfortable leaving my bike parked at a bike rack on my school's campus where bike theft is common. It took a little practice getting used to locking and unlocking quickly as well as figuring out the best way to carry it while riding my bike (it's a bit heavy), but I would buy this same product over and over again and recommend it to anyone who wants to keep their bike safe from theft.

This lock is great. I live in a large city and go to a HUGE university (Ohio State), but since I ride an older road bike, bike theft isn't that big of a concern. If you have a new bike, live in a bad area, store your bike outside, etc, I would recommend the New York series lock, but in my situation that would be overkill. To be honest this lock is probably a little bit of overkill based on the other types of locks I've seen around campus, but better safe than sorry.

The keys are somewhat flimsy, but no worse than with any other u-bolt lock I've owned. Kryptonite offers one free set of replacement keys when you register them online (no cost for registration), so unless you think you'll break 4 keys I wouldn't worry about it. I don't use the lock mount, but it looks like one's I have used in the past and all of them broke within a few days. You might as well save yourself the extra weight on your frame and put it in a bag. The added cable is awesome! I can lock my front wheel for complete security or lock a few of my friends' bikes up with mine when we go out for a group ride.

The U-Lock portion is strong enough to deter thieves, and the cable lock that goes with it is long enough to connect your tires to the U-Lock and bike parking rail. The mount is a pain to install and I do not use it. The Velcro tab on the cable lock is a nice touch that allows you to wrap it around the U-Lock for storage. The hole doesn't seem very sturdy, but it should last *knock on wood*.

This product seem to be strong and durable. I was wrong. I only used it for 5 Days and it was working like it suppose to. Then one day the lock would not open. I tried the spare key and nothing worked. I then pulled it hard and it finally came off but now the rod wont go back in. This item is being returned.

Good product. Only the mount could inspire a bit more confidence, but seems to work.

I live in New York and as it's well known, bikes don't stay long in the same location! I left my bike for more than 3 days locked with this lock and found it right I left it when I came back! The additional cable is good and nice for the price. Hate the so called eazy mount though...

This is my second Kryptonite lock and it is a great deal for those value minded but dont want to sacrifice security. My First one is my New York Fahgettaboudit which is heavy duty security but also very bulky. Depending on the duration of how long I will leave my bike out and where I park my bike determines what lock I will use. If I know I will need heavy security for high theft areas, hands down I go for the NY Fahgettaboudit lock. But for my short leisurely rides I use the Kryptolok since it is much lighter and less bulky. Kryptonite is a great company but I just wish they would develop a more sturdy attachment to my bike. Normally I carry my locks in my bag and in the long run its easier. For those who want to secure your bike with piece of mind (but heavy on the wallet) i would go for the Fahgettaboudit, but for those who want a good lock with also little to worry about without hurting the bank, go for the kryptolok. I highly suggest you use the cable for securing only your wheels and parts while utilizing the U lock for the actual frame and something solid (ie pole, bike rack, etc) and not the other way around. Be safe out there folks.