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Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock

*Est. $63

Reviewed

July 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock

Best bicycle lock

Pros

Best at resisting attacks
Suitable for high-crime areas
One-year, $4,500 anti-theft warranty

Cons

Heavy
Second lock needed for wheels

Where to Buy

for $71.09

Our Analysis
Specs
204 Amazon Reviews

Experts agree that all bike locks can be broken, so the test of a good lock is whether it is time-consuming and difficult to hack. Reviewers say the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock is one of the best at repelling attacks -- it holds up longer than other U-locks in tests with hand and power tools. It comes with a $4,500 anti-theft warranty and three flat keys, one of which is lighted. Although it weighs close to 5 pounds, experts say the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock is a good choice if you live in a high-crime area. Reviewers also like its compact size (3.25 inches by 6 inches on the inside), which means less room for thieves to gain leverage, but it might be a little small for bikes with a beefy frame and thick wheels. If you don't want to carry around a second lock to secure the wheels, another option is the longer (though slightly less thick) Kryptonite New York STD U-lock (*Est. $60) , which many reviewers prefer over the Fahgettaboudit for its size.

We found the best comparative reviews of the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock at Slate.com and in Men's Journal magazine. Both articles are older, but each publication pits the lock against other popular bicycle locks, subjecting it to assaults from various power tools and lock pickers. BikeRadar.com (from the publisher of Cycling Plus magazine) also rates the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock after testing, giving it a near-perfect score. Amazon.com has a large number of overwhelmingly positive reviews for this lock, offering time-tested opinions from its owners.

Kryptonite New York Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket ( 4-Inch x 8-Inch)

from Amazon.com

New: $90.95 $69.45

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Kryptonite 997986 Black 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock

(204 reviews)
Buy new: $99.95 $71.09 38 Used from $64.75

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Men's Journal

The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock earns an Expert's Pick from Men's Journal magazine. Stan Horaczek enlists the help of a world-champion safecracker and various power tools to crack the tested locks, but the New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock holds up better than four other bike locks.

Review: Tested: Bike Locks, Stan Horaczek, June 16, 2009

2. Slate.com

Scott Elder evaluates nine American locks including chains, cables and U-locks after testing each one with a crowbar, bolt cutters, a hacksaw with three blades and hammer. The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock comes out on top.

Review: Avoiding the Bicycle Thief, Scott Elder, April 18, 2006

3. BikeRadar.com

BikeRadar.com gives the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock 4.5 out of 5 stars. Warren Rossiter calls it a "great lock" and says "we'd get one," but he does recommend using a supplementary cable lock.

Review: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini, Warren Rossiter, June 22, 2007

4. Amazon.com

Over 80 owners review the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock at Amazon.com, giving it an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. Most owners praise this lock for its toughness and generous insurance policy, but some say it's small for thick frames and suggest using it with a second lock for the wheels. Some who admire its strength still complain of its weight.

Review: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. New York Magazine

Scott Ward at New York magazine recommends the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock for commuters. Ward likes that the U-lock is lighter than chain locks and easily portable, but he thinks it is easier to break than a chain.

Review: Lock It Up, Scott Ward, July 20, 2008

6. The New York Times

Based on the observations of Brad Quartuccio, editor of Urban Velo, this review and slide show says the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock would take "forever to hacksaw through."

Review: Physical Culture – Gear Test, Locks, Stephen Krcmar, Aug. 2, 2007

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Kryptonite New York Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket ( 4-Inch x 8-Inch)

from Amazon.com

New: $90.95 $69.45