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Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock Review

Too big and heavy to transport, this lock is best left stationed at a bike rack where you regularly lock up for an extended time
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kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and New York Disc Lock
Credit: Kryptonite
Price:  $179 List
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Manufacturer:   Kryptonite
By Ross Robinson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jan 26, 2022
58
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 18
  • Security - 40% 9.0
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 1.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 3.0
  • Versatility - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

We knew the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock would be enormous and hefty when researching biking-related gear. When it arrived, we were shocked. This 5 feet long chain and mini yet sturdy disc lock weigh over 15 pounds in total. Wowza! As expected, this lock provides incredible security, durability, and versatile locking positions. For obvious reasons, it's the least portable model reviewed, so it's best to leave it at the bike rack you frequent where security concerns are high. Without a doubt, this lock is the most intimidating contender of best bike locks, and it's only suitable for folks who need this type of deterrent.
REASONS TO BUY
Large and versatile
Super burly
REASONS TO AVOID
Too heavy to transport regularly
Can be a pain to use
Editor's Note: We updated this gear review on January 25, 2022, to include additional details on whether or not we would purchase this bike lock and other options we would consider buying.

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Pros Large and versatile, super burlyWearable design, solid security, easy to useVery secure, mounts to bike, convenient size for locking upSecure, includes 5 keys, price is niceInexpensive, more secure than many in its price range, high quality
Cons Too heavy to transport regularly, can be a pain to useNot lightweight, uncomfortable with some backpacks, priceyHeavy, bulky to transportClunky mounting hardware, heavyLocking mechanism stuck a few times, lackluster frame mount
Bottom Line Too big and heavy to transport, this lock is best left stationed at a bike rack where you regularly lock up for an extended timeThe innovative design of this wearable chain lock increases this heavy lock's portability, which is great news for regular bike commutersOur favorite all-around bike lock for high-security needsThis lock provides great security and versatility at an affordable price, and while not our absolute favorite, it's pretty closeThis inexpensive U-lock offers versatility and security that is likely to fit the needs and budgets of many cyclists and commuters
Rating Categories Kryptonite New York... Hiplok Original: Su... Kryptonite New York... OnGuard Brute STD Kryptonite Kryptolo...
Security (40%)
9.0
6.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
Ease of Transport (25%)
1
8.0
4.0
3.0
5.0
Ease of Use (20%)
3.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Versatility (15%)
9.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
Specs Kryptonite New York... Hiplok Original: Su... Kryptonite New York... OnGuard Brute STD Kryptonite Kryptolo...
Measured weight (lbs) 15.1 lbs 4.3 lbs 4.5 lbs 3.6 lbs 3.2 lbs
Type of lock Chain with disc lock Wearable chain U-lock U-Lock U-Lock + cable
Primary materials/thickness 14mm 3T hardened manganese steel(chain); 15mm steel shackle (disc lock); nylon sleeve 8mm hardened steel chain, 600D polyester sleeve 16mm Hardened Steel 16.8mm hardened steel 12.7mm hardened steel; braided steel cable
Locking dimension 60" circumference (chain); 4" x 5" (disc lock) 33.5" circumference, 2" width 4" x 8" 7.5" x 10.5" U-lock: 4" x 9"; Cable: 4'
# of keys included 3 keys (one with HID light) 3 keys 3 keys (one with HID light) 5 keys 2 keys
Tin snips No No No No No
Hammer No No No No No
Hacksaw No No No No No
Bolt cutters, 36" No No No No No
Angle grinder Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Number of cuts to free lock 2 cuts 1 cut 2 cuts 2 cuts 2 cuts

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and New York Disc Lock consists of a 5-foot chain of 14 mm 3t hardened manganese steel with a nylon sleeve. A 15 mm steel shackle disc lock (coated in PVC) secures the chain.

Performance Comparison


kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - the fahgettaboudit chain provides enough length and flexibility to...
The Fahgettaboudit chain provides enough length and flexibility to lock up both wheels with the frame without removing the front one.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Security


This lock is a serious theft deterrent; just looking at it is intimidating. Sold Secure (an independent lock rating agency) gave it a high rating of "Gold" for bicycles and motorcycles. It also receives a rating of Category 3 from Thatcham Quality Assured, a motor insurers' automotive research center in the UK. Kryptonite themselves gave it a perfect 10/10 security score, unmatched by any other lock reviewed. On paper and in hand, it's a beast.

kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - power tools are necessary to break this lock.
Power tools are necessary to break this lock.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

In our lab of destruction, this lock fared at the top of the group. Hand tools were useless against this big guy, and it took roughly 45 seconds for us to get through the hardened steel to cut the lock. After one cut, this lock opened up 1/2 an inch. If you lock up responsibly, this means it takes two cuts of an angle grinder to compromise the Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock. If that doesn't convince you of this model's security, Kryptonite offers a generous theft protection program with the purchase of this lock. If this is important to you, register as soon as you buy this lock.

kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - this lock needs one cut and plenty of hammering or two cuts to...
This lock needs one cut and plenty of hammering or two cuts to remove it from most bike racks.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Transport


The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and New York Disc Lock is as cumbersome to carry as it is to say. It's not the toss-in-your-backpack-and-go type. It's intended to remain in one location, such as the bike rack outside your apartment building or office. For testing sake, we rode around town with this model in our backpacks, and we felt all 15+ lbs of it. Uffda.

kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - our testers tried various methods of transporting this monstrous...
Our testers tried various methods of transporting this monstrous chain lock, but we didn't like any of them.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

If you must ride with this lock in tow, our best solution was to wrap it around the handlebars, which puts a lot of weight on the front wheel and slows you down, but if you need to move it a few miles, this is the best way to carry it (unless you have a basket or panniers installed on your bike). We would not be thrilled to ride over five miles with it attached in this manner, though, and do not recommend transporting the lock habitually.

kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - it's possible to transport this lock, but it seriously affects the...
It's possible to transport this lock, but it seriously affects the handling and increases the weight.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Use


Due to its size and heft, this is the toughest and slowest lock in our review to use. Be warned; this lock can chip paint off your bike as you feed the chain around the frame. Carelessness might even result in a dent in the frame, and we were sure to avoid the chain resting entirely on thin spokes when locking it up. Our testers appreciated that top-shelf security means heavy-duty materials, but we were often frustrated when using this lock.

kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - the significant weight of this lock makes securing it a cumbersome...
The significant weight of this lock makes securing it a cumbersome chore.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock comes with three keys, and one of them has a handy integrated HID light. Kryptonite includes this lock in their Key Safe Program, which means you're eligible for a one-time, free-of-charge replacement pair of keys over the lifespan of this bike lock. We dig that.

kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - use the sliding dust cover to prolong the integrity of the locking...
Use the sliding dust cover to prolong the integrity of the locking mechanism.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Versatility


The chain of this lock is five feet long, which is long enough to snake through both wheels and the frame without needing to remove anything. Due to its thickness, we couldn't fit it through any saddle stays or use it to lock up our panniers. This heavy chain is functional beyond your biking gear, too, as we used it to lock up dirt bikes outside a watering hole, as well as to secure items in our garage overnight.

kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit chain and disc lock bike lock review - our experts reviewed these two chain locks; the hiplok (left)...
Our experts reviewed these two chain locks; the Hiplok (left) features 8 mm thick links, and the Fahgettaboudit Chain (right) has thicker 14 mm links.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Should You Buy the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock?


The Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock isn't for the faint of heart; it's as burly as bike locks get. It's not practical for running errands or moving from point A to B to C. But, if you meet this criterion: you need ultimate top-security, you're okay with your bike potentially experiencing some wear and tear from the chain, and you can leave this bike lock at your destination, then we think this contender could be a fit. Just remember, if you need to move or carry it, lift with your legs, not your back.

What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?


The most manageable high-security model to carry is the ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock, which weighs less than three and a half pounds and mounts on the frame.

Otherwise, if you're a daily commuter who needs solid security, we suggest the Hiplok Original: Superbright (a wearable option!) or the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock.

Transporting this lock is a true pain, but it offers the best...
Transporting this lock is a true pain, but it offers the best combination of security and versatility for folks who don't need to move it around the city.
This lock is beefy and intimidating in ways this reviewer only...
This lock is beefy and intimidating in ways this reviewer only dreams for himself.

Ross Robinson
 

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