Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock Review

The Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock features Kryptonite's top-of-the-line security technology. Our Editors' Choice winner is the ultimate bike lock for security and convenience. The "U" bar is made of hardened steel 16 mm in diameter, which locks into a crossbar with a dual locking mechanism. It costs $103 at full price.

Performance Comparison

Security

Kryptonite's New York Standard, New York Fahgettaboudit Mini, and Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock are rated to Gold in Sold Secure (an independent European lock testing organization that rates accepted products as Bronze, Silver or Gold). Kryptonite gives the Standard a 9 out of 10 security rating and the Fahgettaboudit models a 10 out of 10. When comparing the two U-locks, our security testing showed a minimal increase in security for the Fahgettaboudit Mini. The Standard took 43 seconds to cut through with a grinder, while the Fahgettaboudit Mini took 45 seconds. We don't think that a mere 2 seconds is quite enough to warrant two different security ratings.


The New York Standard is constructed with a burly dual locking mechanism in the crossbar, meaning that one cut through the "U" can't pull the "U" apart enough to get the bike frame out. This is one of a few compelling reasons to lock your bike through thick parts of your bike over thin spokes or even rear triangles. We struck the already cut "U" metal bars with a hammer to force the bars apart on this lock. Mid-level security U-locks (the OnGuard Bulldog DT, KryptoLok Series 2, and Cocoweb Armbar Combo) were kaput after one cut with the grinder. It also took longer to bust through the 16mm steel of the New York Standard.


There is a reason these locks were named for the notoriously most-likely-to-get-your-bike-stolen city in the world. If you live in a metropolitan area and expect to leave your bike on the street for more than a New York minute, this is an ideal lock. The Anti-Theft Protection policy offers financial compensation if your bike is stolen when locked properly with this model. This was a huge part of the reason we gave the Standard our Editors' Choice award. Be aware, though, that you must meet Kryptonite's somewhat stringent stipulations to cash in after an unfortunate theft. This lock is a powerful deterrent with a chance for compensation in worst-case scenarios.

Ease of Transport

Here, we come back to the dilemma of security vs. transportability. A more secure lock means more physical lock, and thus a heavier and bulkier transport. The Kryptonite New York Standard is pretty heavy, weighing a hair under 4 lbs, and also a beast of a lock to break into. To help this unavoidable problem, the Standard comes with a mounting bracket (the FlexFrame U Bracket) to attach that 4 lbs to the frame. Regarding U-lock mounts, though, the most secure bracket came with the ABUS Granit X-Plus.


Say you are riding a comfy towny bike and you want to buy a New York Standard to mount on the frame. The addition of the lock increases your bike's weight by 10 percent, not a super noticeable difference. If you took that same 4 lbs and put it in your backpack, your shoulders and lower back will likely notice after a few miles.

Similar logic was applied to the Hiplok Original: Superbright when we examined how its 4 lbs of steel were distributed evenly around the rider's waist. Although the wearability of the Hiplok is a very good idea, the New York Standard is a better fit if you want to transport a lock on your bike instead of around your hips. Ease of transport is where the Standard outshone the Fahgettaboudit Mini. Even though the Mini is more compact, it weighs more and has to be stowed in a bag or extraneous rack.

Ease of Use

The New York Standard scored similarly to the other U-locks in the usability department. Dual locking sides mean that you have to slide the crossbar evenly onto the "U" part of the lock, which can take a little fiddling. The Kryptonite Series 2 is a fine example of how the "bent foot" design is easier to lock up.


When comparing the size of the New York Standard to the KryptoLok Series 2, Bulldog DT, Cocoweb Armbar, and ABUS Granit, they are all about 4" by 9", a natural size to get around a wheel, your bike frame, and the object you are locking to. The Fahgettaboudit is a bit more time-consuming when locking up because of its smaller size.

Versatility

The Editors' Choice award goes to the best bike lock tested, and we thought that the versatility factor of the Standard was important fare to consider. While the Fahgettaboudit needs an additional lock to include both wheels, the New York Standard's 4" width and 8" length allows the lock to handle your frame, rear wheel, bike rack and detached front wheel to most bike racks.


If you want to cover all your bases, this lock is as good as they come. You will have trouble locking to awkward structures like trees and lampposts, though. If you need high security but don't lock to standard racks often, the Hiplok model is a better option. For the optimal combination of versatility and protection (but forget about portability), the Fahgettaboudit Chain is your lock.

Best Application

Although this lock could be an everyday lock for nearly anyone, its best use is in cities, suburbs and college towns. This also means anyone that is going to travel to cities with their bike in tow. Commuters and folks with expensive bikes will appreciate the security they feel every time they lock up.

Value

One of our testers recalls her first couple years in college when she had three bikes stolen. Two out of the three bikes were locked in her fenced backyard, but with cheap cable locks (the third was on her front porch while she put down a load of groceries in the kitchen). She added up the value of bikes and locks and found the combined price to be about 10x the amount of the New York Standard U-Lock, which costs $103. The amount of lock that you are getting for a hundred bucks is well worth it. Even if you don't own an expensive bike, the cost, and effort of replacing bike and lock after bike and lock pay for this one-time investment in quality.

Conclusion

Kryptonite's New York Standard U-Lock is a workhorse in the bike lock world. A thief most certainly needs power tools to get through the thick metal and burly locking mechanism. It is heavy in hand and initially on the wallet, but the quality of lock and design is worth it. The Standard won the Editors' Choice award with the idea that if you choose one lock the rest of your life, this is the one. We don't think you'll be disappointed.