REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight and compact
No keys required
Easy to transport
REASONS TO AVOID
Not very secure
Cable twists are awkward
Kryptonite KryptoFlex 1218 Combo Lock Review
All the things that make this lock easy to transport and use also make it low security
Credit: Kryptonite
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Our Verdict
The KryptoFlex 1218 Combo Lock is a cable lock, and therefore is lightweight and portable. It even comes with a bracket to mount this lock on your bike frame. Its 6-foot length allows for versatile lockups on even the most awkward immovable structures. Its use is limited, though, by its low level of security. The factors that make this lock easy to transport also contribute to its lack of effectiveness as a theft deterrent. It succumbs to virtually any hand-powered cutting tool. As such, this model is best considered a supplement to a heavier-duty chain or U-lock, as a minimal deterrent in areas of low crime, or when securing your wheels where you'll keep an eye on them.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The KryptoFlex 1218 is a six-foot cable combination lock made by the well-known brand Kryptonite. This lightweight (1.7 lbs) cable lock is an easy-to-use theft deterrent that allows you to lock up your entire bike, wheels and all. It costs $27.50.
Performance Comparison
The KryptoFlex cable does fit into bike jerseys, but isn't recommended for long rides due to the weighing down of the pockets.
Credit: Ben Riley
Security
Kryptonite gives the KryptoFlex 1218 a security rating of 2 out of 10. We managed to cut through the KryptoFlex with a pair of cheap bolt cutters in about 2 seconds. Handheld wire snips could break through in 5 seconds. We smashed the locking mechanism apart in about 20 seconds with a hammer.
One snip with the bolt cutters is all it took to cut the nice Univega touring bike free. (Don't worry, we returned it!)
Credit: Ben Riley
Ease of Transportation
The KryptoFlex 1218 comes with the Kryptonite's Transit FlexFrame-C transportation system, which is a mounting bracket that you install on your bike frame or seat post. The FlexFrame C is easy to install, but its materials (plastic body with a fabric webbing strap) lead one to wonder how long the bracket will hold up. We also found that larger diameter frames (some mountain bikes) were too big to install the FlexFrame-C. Most frames will work, however, and the spline (the male part of the bracket located on the lock itself) is adjustable, giving you lots of options on where to put the lock while you are riding.
The Flex Frame-C mounting bracket can be put a variety of places on the bike frame. Right below the seat post is a convenient spot.
Credit: Rylee Sweeney
Burlier locks like the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock or the ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 also have mounting brackets to carry your bike on your frame while riding. This lock is small and light enough to throw in your bag or wrap around the seat post if you want to opt out of the bracket. We also tried to fit in the back pocket of a bike jersey but found it uncomfortable on a long ride.
Ease of Use
A four-digit combo that is re-settable seals the “easy to remember” deal - no keys to misplace. The KryptoFlex is straightforward to use: dial in the combo, unlock and place around your bike, then re-lock. Compared to the Akita 8041, we liked the Akita's less twisty design when considering the extra moments of having to unwind the KryptoFlex before threading through your bike. The twists do make the KryptoFlex into a more compact lock to carry, however, and allow you to wrap it around your seat post. The Akita also won points in this category with its large combo dials that made it easier to manipulate than the KryptoFlex.
The KryptoFlex's 6' length make it easy to secure any and all parts of your bike. The locking mechanism is too big to fit through some saddle stays, but worked on others.
Credit: Rylee Sweeney
Versatility
Kryptonite's instructions were to remove your front tire and then lock up both wheels and frame in a bike sandwich of sorts, but we found that the 6-foot cable was long enough to fit around the frame and wheels without issue. We first thought that removing the front wheel was an unnecessary hassle, but then tried to determine if this position was more theft-resistant. After pondering this question for cable, chain, and U-Locks, we concluded that both positions offer little security when using a cable lock.
A bike with its front tire removed and locked with the rear tire and frame, as per Kryptonite KryptoFlex 1218 Cable Lock instructions.
Credit: Rylee Sweeney
Value
Priced low and easy to find online or at a variety of retail shops, the KryptoFlex is a reasonable buy for those of us not needing a fortress of security (that also add five pounds of extra steel!) around our bikes. OnGuard's Akita 8041 runs a bit less and has some notable differences in usability and weight. However, both of these locks earned the lowest scores in security, so if you're looking for real peace of mind when locking up your bike, invest in a more secure deterrent. Kryptonite sells all of their locks with lifetime warranties, but you won't find Kryptonite or any lock manufacturer willing to offer theft protection on cable locks.
Ben showing us how he broke the KryptoFlex lock with a hammer. It took less than a minute.
Credit: Rylee Sweeney
Conclusion
The KryptoFlex 1218 is an easy to use and easy to transport combination cable lock in a style that works well for people that live in rural areas or are locking their bike up for a hot second while training. We don't recommend this lock or any cable lock for those living in a city.
Wrap the cable around your frame for a quick errand. The KryptoFlex holds its shape well and can also be twisted around the seat post or handlebars.
Credit: Rylee Sweeney
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Rylee Sweeney
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