Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bicycle U-Lock Review: The Best Bike Lock on the Market.
I had heard about rampant bike thefts in the city, so when I got myself an expensive bike, I was in the market for a bicycle lock that was not only sturdy but which also looked strong enough to thwart theft attempts. The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bicycle U-Lock does just that.
One of the reasons for considering this lock over the other cheaper versions on the market was of course the Kryptonite brand name. I was willing to pay a little extra if that meant my bike would be safe. The one thing that can be said about this lock is that it's thick and heavy and a thief will probably end up ruining all the tools in his kitty before he can damage even the surface of the lock.
The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bicycle U-Lock is currently on sale on Amazon for 47% off with free shipping through this link right here.
I tried using it on my bike and it is a little short but then again, the longer the lock the easier it is for miscreants to use their tools on it and given enough time they may end up compromising it. However, the only way to get through this lock is to either use a power grinder which is too noisy for a public place or to saw manually for a good half an hour; this would attract a lot of attention. So, your bike is going to be safe one way or the other when using this lock. Although I have to find innovative places to park my bike, the lock is good enough for me.
The ironic thing is that despite the overkill value of the product, somebody did try his hand at breaking the lock. Well, can't blame the product for this if there is actually a fool who thinks that he can get through an 18mm steel shackle. The guy barely managed to damage the rubber coating before he gave up.
So, at least the frame was protected; however, I will need to get some form of locking device for the accessories as well. I can safely say that Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bicycle U-Lock is definitely worth every penny that I spent for it.
I also liked the key with the high intensity bulb; it sure does make opening the lock easy after dark. But, the plastic material used for coating the key head is not particularly durable and comes off easily leaving pointed shards that have to be filed.
Let's take a look at features of Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bicycle U-Lock:
- Extra-tough bicycle lock designed to hold up to thieves in New York and elsewhere
- Offers a maximum 12 security ranking on the Kryptonite 1-12 comparison system
- 18mm hardened Max-Performance steel shackle resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks
- Oversized, hardened steel sleeve over crossbar; double deadbolt locking
- 3 keys, 1 with high-intensity bulb for after-dark use; measures 3.25 x 6 inches
- If you want to buy these bike locks, you can get them cheapest on Amazon through this link.
Since this lock easily weighs 4 to 5 lbs, it did take a little getting used to and hauling it around was a slight bit of a problem. The only way to carry it is to either put it in your bag or chain it to the rear rack. This U lock does not come with a mounting bracket although this would have been a very useful feature given its weight. I was very happy with the size of the lock because it can be carried in a large pocket of your backpack etc. I certainly would not recommend keeping it clanging around on the handle bars but you also need to consider that strapping it may bend the rear rack.
I have used another Kryptonite bike lock before and I have never had any complaints with the locking mechanism of any of their products including this one. A lot of people complain that the U lock rusts easily and is difficult to use if exposed to rain water. However, you can simply use some spray on lubricant to keep it working as good as new.
Let me show you what current owners have to say about it.
Lorax,
Best lock out there, good for big cities but heavy as a brick,
I got my bicycle stolen the second time I locked it up in the city with a cable lock only, so I spent many hours researching locks to make sure it wouldn't happen again.
This lock is widely regarded as the most secure lock currently available, and weighs much less than the fahgettaboudit chain locks (which seem to be about equally secure). Mine weighs 4 lbs 6 oz, and to lock the tires I need to also use a 12 oz 4 foot Kryptonite cable lock. So the whole locking system is about 5 lbs, which is a lot.
The most important feature of this lock is the small size, which doesn't allow thieves to get their manual tools like levers or car jacks in to break it. The only known way of breaking this lock is to saw it by hand (at least a half hour of intense effort), or to use a powered angle grinder (probably at least 5 minutes). So most thieves would end up cutting through the frame of the bike if they really wanted it.
Review Paraphrased for size – view original full review here.
How to Choose a Best Bike Lock
best bike lock - It is very important to keep your bike safe when you are not using and the best way to do this is to lock it up with a bike lock. If you are going to use a bike lock then you want to be sure to get a bike lock that will fit your needs. It is important to know how to choose a bike lock as you do not want to get one that will easily come apart. You want one that will be durable as well as long lasting.
You will find that bike locks come in a variety of types and prices. You can expect to spend about 10% of the value of the bicycle for the bike lock. So how do you know which one is right for you? Below is a breakdown of the different types of bike locks that youwill find on the market today. It is usually best to invest in at least 2 bike locks so that you have a backup one in the event that your bike lock gets damaged or breaks. This way you have a backup one in a pinch.
Chain Lock
Chain locks are great for those areas that have a higher crime rate. They are hard to break or cut through. You will need to have a padlock to use with a chain, just be sure to invest in a durable one that will be the same quality as the chain.
U-Lock
You will find that this is one of the most popular choices for bike locks. With this type of bike lock, it can lessen the chances of a thief trying to get your bike as there is little to no room for a thief to get a crowbar in there to pry the bike loose.
O-Lock: This is a newer design that more and more people are starting to use. They are built to fit certain parts of the bike which make it nearly impossible for a thief to get your bike.
Cable: These are seen on a great deal of bikes but can be easier for a thief to get the lock loose. If you are going to use this type of lock then you should use it in conjunction with another type of lock.
Club for Bikes: These came from the every popular Car Club and they are known as the Bike Blub. IT works by locking the wheel tightly in place that they the bike cannot be moved.
Cuff Locks: This type of lock is just as it sounds: a cuff that locks quickly and easily. You can use these locks to attach your bike to a pole.
Regardless of the type of lock you decide to get, you need to be sure that you take good care of it so that it will last you for years to come. If you must lock your bike up, do so in a well lit area so that it is harder for thieves to run off with your bike.