Review of Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Bike U-Lock

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Bike U-Lock - 997986
By: Kryptonite Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 9
More Information

One Tough Lock (get two U-locks - one for each wheel)

On: 2008-06-25

IT IS HEAVY, BUT SOLID
When I first got this bike lock, I thought oh my goodness this is heavy. It is heavy but I have not found it heavy when riding for transport and commuting purposes. I feel it would be tough to cut through or to pick the lock.

It is heavy, so perhaps see if you can try weighing one up in your hand in a shop, before purchasing?

MUST USE CORRECT BIKE LOCKING TECHNIQUE
You MUST use correct bicycle locking technique or else I feel you will find this lock of no use to you. It is simply not long enough. If you don t use correct locking technique you will be disappointed, I feel.

Once you use correct locking technique, any thief will find it difficult to put a crowbar or other tool in the empty space (within the D shape), because there is very little room there. To give you some idea of how little room there is: even if my pedal has swung around to be between my bike and the pole, I cannot use this lock - it is not long enough to fit around the additional length - I have to swing the pedal around so that it is not there and then move my bike closer to the pole in order to be able to close the lock together.

To find out what correct locking technique is - search for "proper bicycle locking technique" or "correct bicycle locking technique" on the internet. Basically it involves putting the U-lock through the back wheel through the back triangle of the bike frame.

I read another reviewer write that you have to get creative to use this lock - you dont have to do this - you just have to use proper bike locking technique.

DO NOT USE CABLE LOCKS
I am not using cable locks any longer - do not use these - the thief that stole my bike wheels had time to cut my cable twice, but could not cut my u-lock and therefore did not steal the frame.

When you weigh up the purchase price of a lock, you need to factor in the hassle and time it would take to purchase a new bike or new bicycle wheels if they are stolen. Not only is there the replacement cost, there is the cost of having to choose one and move the remaining pieces away (by car/taxi), waiting for it to come in, etc.

SHORT LOCK
This lock will not go around the wheel and the frame and the pole. It will only go around the wheel and then the pole you are attaching it to. This is OK however if you are using correct bicycle technique. Using this technique with this lock also seems to prevent your bicycle from falling down when attached to a pole - how many of you have seen a bicycle on an angle or nearly on the ground because it is tied up loosely to a pole.

GET TWO U-LOCKS
Get another one to use for your front wheel to lock this - so have 2 in total. Otherwise they may steal the front wheel. It will not fit around the front wheel and the frame - but instead it fits around the wheel and the suspension bar thing (sorry dont know the name) just on top of the front wheel.

It is very thick and solid. I am impressed with it, but you must use correct locking technique.

Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit U-Bolt

On: 2008-03-18

Superb U-Bolt. This is ideal for high risk environments (mainly big cities). Though it is rather short compared to other U-Bolts, this one will ensure that your bike will not move (so long as it was attached to an anchored object). This is the toughest U-Bolt out there. To compensate for shortness, I use this in conjunction with a standard security cable to lock the tires. Be advised that increased security comes with added weight, as this lock weights 4.6 lbs. Other than that I would highly recommend this product to anyone with a bike (overkill is definitely better than a stolen bike).

Bulky but worth it

On: 2007-12-07

The lock is heavy, yes, but totally worth it. It is a lot brawnier than other locks around my college campus, which are mostly chain locks or less sturdy looking u-locks. I use it on combination with a factory rear-wheel lock on my Dutch bike and feel completely confident leaving my bike just about anywhere. Sometimes the smaller size requires some creativity in terms of where you park your bike, but Ive found this lock fits pretty snug around parking meter posts. I think this lock is totally worth the weight and the cost if youve got a nice bike that you dont want stolen.

best lock

On: 2007-10-12

this lock is the best u can get. its a tad bit still but the smaller it is, the better it is becacuse there is no leverage for the protential theif. it does weigh a bit but i guess that could be a good thing? think of it as trainning. when your biking around town with extra weight, it will get you stronger for those long trips where you would feel light as a feather without the lock. if you thik the lock is too heavey for you, just leave it at where you usually park, like at work or school. so when you get there it will be ready for you. just buy a cheaper cable lock to carry around because you most likely dont need a superior lock when parking at a coffee shop or the store. quick 30 mins wont get your bike stolen but overnight or 8 hr work hrs will get it stolen, especially if the thief knows that you park there everyday. i recommend this lock if you have an expensive bike or if you life in a high crime rate city. otherwise id buy the onguard bulldog mini. thats a very good lock for its price. perfect lock for moderate to low crime rates or cheap bikes. it only cost about 28 and it comes with a cable.

i recommend buying a cable for this lock because you can put it around your seat and front/rear tires. without the cable, the seat is unprotected(even if the seat uses an allen type screw, allen wrenches are very common) if a thief wants your seat (some cost around 150 not uncluding the carbon fiber seat column) they can just unscrew it. plus the front tire is a hassle to take off and put on .

buy this lock its that good

rated highest protection available

On: 2007-10-06

I read a detailed evaluation of bike locks from some european magazine, and this one rated highest in difficulty of sheer cracking. They had high-quality power saws and this took something like 10 minutes to saw through. The next highest rated, including the kryptonite chain and the toughest bulldog u-lock, both took 7 or 8 minutes to saw through. These expensive locks are made with higher-grade steel, which is why theyre so heavy. And yes, you need a cable or something to protect the wheels, this is just for the frame. If I remember right, this lock weighs between 4 and 5 pounds, and the kryptonite cable and mini lock weighs about 8 pounds.

Small - heavy - heavy - heavy

On: 2007-10-02

Be aware it just barely fits around the new New York City meter posts.

The lock looks fierce however... that is for sure.

Overall this lock is pretty useless. The width is actually less than the Kryptonite mini. My suggestion if you are going to keep this lock is to strip off the rubber and replace it with a layer of electrical tape, you will gain an extra 1/4 inch which will make it fit better.

You cannot lock the wheels with it (unless you have a very close coupled track bike without aero wheels), so it is really just for show if you are parking in a really awful place, you will still have to carry a couple of minis or a chain to lock the wheels. Most users would be much more happy with the NYC 3000.

I guess like the other reviewer I have buyers remorse, but I kind of knew what I was buying. I will keep it around.

Strong but not very functional

On: 2007-09-26

This lock is super heavy and thick. If I were a thief, Id definitely look elsewhere for an easier lock to break. However, it is very short lengthwise--good for security but not very functional in a city like downtown Chicago where I have to get creative when selecting a location to lock my bike. And its weight is very heavy in my opinion. If youre used to carrying a chain, this probably wouldnt bother you. Then again, if youre using a chain, you probably wouldnt buy this lock. I have a bit of buyers remorse and am considering selling this.

Beefy Lock

On: 2007-05-12

This is one beefy bad-boy! I feel pretty safe leaving my expensive road bike with this lock but it is a bit smaller than I initially suspected and I cant get the back wheel and the frame. Other than that its pretty heavy and the locking mechanism can be kinda fussy but thats a small price to pay i figure ...

Locktacular

On: 2007-03-09

I live on a large college campus and have had my bikes stolen before, but with this lock I havent had anyone even try to steal it. Its not as heavy as I thought it would be (a plus) and it is pretty small so it can fit in just about any larger pocket. It feels solid and looks strong too. I would definitely buy this lock again if ever need be.