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Kryptonite KryptoLok Review

A surprisingly difficult to cut U-lock that's an upgrade on its predecessor but continues to have annoying keyway and lackluster mount
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Kryptonite KryptoLok Review
Credit: Luke Hollomon
Price:  $71 List
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Manufacturer:   Kryptonite
By Luke Hollomon ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 8, 2023
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 23
  • Security - 40% 7.0
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 6.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 7.0
  • Versatility - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

We've been consistently impressed by the security-to-price ratio of Kryptonite locks, and the Kryptolok is no exception. Kryptonite updated its previous version of the Kryptolok with a new type of steel shackle and improved locking mechanism, and it continues to be a winner in our books. The long steel shackle makes it easy to lock just about anywhere while making it pretty difficult to cut. You won't be popping this lock open with a hammer or bolt cutters. It took over a minute of noisy cutting with our angle grinder to get one side of the lock loose. The key design continues to be a bit of a pain, as you have to get it set just right in order to unlock it, and the shackle can be a bit sticky in the lock. Even with these annoyances, we think it's a Best Buy due to its combination of versatility and security. See how it measures up versus competitors in our article on the top bike locks.
REASONS TO BUY
Quite secure
Long shackle makes it versatile
Lighter than most
REASONS TO AVOID
Annoying keyway
Average mount
Tough to transport
Editors Note: This review was updated in April 2024 to reflect testing of the updated version of the Kryptonite Kryptolok and add in new video and data on time to defeat.

Compare to Similar Products

 
kryptonite kryptolok
Awards Best Buy Award
Best U-lock on a Budget
Best Buy Award
Best Chain Lock on a Budget
Top Pick Award
Best Low Security Lightweight Lock
Top Pick Award
Best Cable Lock
 
Price $53.19 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$70 List
$62.49 at Amazon
$17.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$20.00 List
$19.99 at Amazon
$13.39 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Above average security in a large, versatile lock that's let down a bit by difficult to use key and annoying mountCan fit any bike and rack and is remarkably secure though tough to ferry around townAmong the lightweight, low-security options, this lock is a steal and one of our favoritesA low level of security, but well designed and available in lengths up to 25 feet, make it versatile and nice to useNot a bad cable lock that's lightweight and well made, but suffers from lack of versatility due to small size
Rating Categories Kryptonite KryptoLok Abus Ivera 7210 ABUS Chain Lock 120... DockLocks Anti-Thef... Kryptonite KryptoFl...
Security (40%)
7.0
6.0
2.5
1.5
1.5
Ease of Transport (25%)
6.0
5.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Ease of Use (20%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Versatility (15%)
7.0
8.0
4.0
8.0
6.0
Specs Kryptonite KryptoLok Abus Ivera 7210 ABUS Chain Lock 120... DockLocks Anti-Thef... Kryptonite KryptoFl...
Type U-Lock + cable Chain Chain Combo cable Combo Cable
Time to Defeat Lock 20 seconds 12 seconds 3 seconds 1 second 1 second
Measured Weight 2.5 lbs 2.8 lbs 0.5 lbs 0.7 lbs 0.6 lbs
Locking Dimension U-lock: 4" x 9", cable 5' 33.7 circumference 43" circumference 60" circumference 60" circumference
Primary Materials/Thickness 12.7mm hardened steel 7mm hardened steel square chain 4mm hardened steel 10mm steel cable 8mm coiled steel
Included Keys 2 keys 2 keys N/A N/A N/A
Defeated by Tin Snips No No Yes, requires two cuts to defeat Yes Yes
Defeated by Hammer No No No No No
Defeated by Hacksaw No No No Yes, easily Yes, easily
Defeated by 36" Bolt Cutters No No Yes, but not very easily. Requires two cuts Yes, easily Yes, easily
Number of Angle Grinder Cuts to Defeat Lock 2 cuts 2 cuts 2 cuts 1 cut 1 cut

Our Analysis and Test Results

Kryptonite is a well-known name in the bike lock industry, and for a good reason, their locks are consistently among the strongest. Kryptonite gives the Kryptonite Kryptolok a “six” rating out of ten on its internal scale, which means it's designed for medium-risk situations, the same as its predecessor. So before rushing to the store to buy this model of U-lock, assess the situation in which you're looking to secure your bike. The Kryptolok, if used as intended, is a great way to secure your inexpensive commuter in a medium-risk situation. If you ask for more, chances are you'll need a beefier lock.

Performance Comparison


kryptonite kryptolok - the kryptonite kryptolok is big enough to accommodate both wheels...
The Kryptonite Kryptolok is big enough to accommodate both wheels, frame, and rack on our commuter bike, which isn't true of all U-locks.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

Security


We admit we were skeptical about a more “budget-friendly” U-lock. We have been let down by other budget models. But after testing, we were pleasantly surprised by the Kryptonite Kryptolok performance, which offers more security than U-locks in a similar price range and even more than the predecessor on which it is based. This is due to the shackle, made of 13 mm (1/2") hardened steel. The steel truly is hard — it took significantly longer to cut through than other inexpensive U-locks, and the newer design took longer than the previous. Even locked in a vise, stabilizing the lock, it took us about 30 seconds to get through one side of the U, making it one of the tougher locks we tried. And 24" bolt cutters hardly made a dent.


What makes the Kryptolok stand out in this rating metric is Kryptonite's choice to use hardened steel not only on the U part of the lock but also in the shackle. In other U-locks at this price point, this is not the case, and it's really the shackle that is the weakest part of the lock, not the U. The Kryptolok thwarted attacks with noticeably more vigor than other locks at this price point, which in our opinion vastly improves its value. This lock also has a dual-locking mechanism, meaning a potential thief would need to make two separate cuts before defeating the lock — something generally reserved for high-end (and pricier) locks. The additional braided cable should not (and actually cannot) be used on its own. We like it to secure our saddle or front wheel if we don't remove it and lock it with the rear wheel. Beware that the cable can be defeated by just about any tool in a thief's arsenal.

If you're locking up in a small town or a medium-risk area (at a coffee shop or a heavily trafficked area), chances are this lock will suffice. Thieves are not likely to attempt to compromise a bike lock with an angle grinder — creating flying sparks and ear-shattering noise for well over a minute — in full view of the public. Like any lock, it's equally important to consider the context in which you're locking your bike and not focus solely on the lock itself. Also, consider what you're locking your bike to. A large road signpost took us over four minutes to cut through in testing. A small chain-link fence post took about 30 seconds. A lockup is only as strong as its weakest link, and the Kryptolok is certainly not a weak one.

The cable that's attached to the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard may be a good deterrent, but a thief with a pair of bolt cutters will make short work of it.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Ease of Transport


Full disclosure here: no U-lock is fun to carry around. They're heavy and clunky. However, some manufacturers, like Kryptonite, include a frame mount with the lock so you can carry it on your bike rather than in your bag. The included mount isn't the most straightforward to install, even with the enclosed instructions, but several online videos make installing this mount easy-peasy even on bikes without round tubes.


The quality of the mount itself is questionable. If you're commuting on the smooth pavement (like we did for the first week or so), it offers zero problems. Bumpy roads decreased our confidence, but we never lost the lock while in transit. It rattled a bit, but nothing substantial. As with all U-locks, if you're riding a small bike (< 50cm), chances are you're not going to be able to mount the lock, as the lock could be too big to fit in your frame.

The Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard frame mount functions, but it&#039;s...
The Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard frame mount functions, but it's not the best design ever.
As you can see, those with smaller bike frames face issues when...
As you can see, those with smaller bike frames face issues when trying to mount a U-lock onto their frame. The solution? Purchase an aftermarket bike mount (which could offer more flexibility) or strap the lock to your rear rack with bungee cords.

The bike on the left (above) is a 56 cm frame, and the lock fits easily using the Kryptonite mount that comes with the lock. However, mounted to the bike on the right — which is a 52 cm frame size — notice that the lock takes up space where a bottle would typically go. If you have another option for hydration, it's not the worst thing that could happen. Luckily, there are other methods of taking the Kryptolok with you: it can attach to a rack on the back of your bike, or you can easily stow it in a backpack. Another option is a third-party U-lock mount. But we only recommend buying this extra if you have already tried the Kryptonite frame mount and dislike it — it probably won't be an issue for most folks.

kryptonite kryptolok - an aftermarket mount offers a workable solution for mounting u-locks...
An aftermarket mount offers a workable solution for mounting U-locks on smaller frames.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

Mounting quips aside, the Kryptolok is one of the lighter U-lock models we tested, and for that, we gave it a bit of a boost. There's nothing worse than commuting with an extra four pounds, especially if your commute involves a climb! Note that the cable is best stowed in a bag for transport; there's no easy place to mount it.

Ease of Use


We docked points for the Krypotolok in this rating metric because the locking mechanism itself was clunky and, on a couple of occasions, it was sticky. We could understand this happening after months of use, but it seemed a bit ridiculous right out of the box. While we could always get the lock opened, it took us longer to use this lock than others included in this review. Once we added some lubricant, we didn't experience this issue anymore.


This lock works similarly to any other U-lock of its size. U-locks are not our favorite lock type to use frequently, but we generally are willing to forfeit a little ease of use for heightened security. We do appreciate that it has a slightly larger shackle than most U-locks we tested, making it easier to use in more situations. This is especially nice if the bike you're using doesn't have round tubes or is an awkward shape like the step-through eBike usually used by one of our testers.

kryptonite kryptolok - this step-through ebike can be difficult to lock due to its thick...
This step-through eBike can be difficult to lock due to its thick tubes and lack of a top tube, but the large shackle of the Kryptolok makes it much easier.
Credit: Henry Glick

Versatility


U-locks typically suffer a bit more than other locking mechanisms by their rigid design, which limits where you can lock your bike. The Kryptonite Kryptolok is not immune to this limitation. In other words, hope there are bike racks where you're bike commuting because the likelihood of finding something else that will work given the dimensions of the lock is slim.


However, of the U-locks, the Kryptolok performed pretty well. The shackle is a bit over 11" long and almost 5.5" wide, which offers enough space to accommodate a road frame, two tires, and a bike rack (most of the time.) If you're riding a mountain bike frame or wider tires, you might not be able to fit all that into the lock. The Kryptolok offered much more versatility than smaller U-locks (which limited what you could lock your bike to) while not being so big and bulky as to make carrying the lock a feat of remarkable strength.

kryptonite kryptolok - comparing the sizes of the hiplok d1000, the kryptonite new york...
Comparing the sizes of the Hiplok D1000, the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock, and the Kryptonite KryptoLok.
Credit: Luke Hollomon

Should You Buy the Kryptonite Kryptolok?


The Kryptonite Kryptolok is a great economical option to consider for tighter budgets and moderate risk. However, if you have a higher-end bike or the neighborhoods where you are commuting aren't the safest, there are beefier and more secure locks out there that will put up a bit more of a fight than this model can.

kryptonite kryptolok - the provided cable is great for securing your wheels or saddle and...
The provided cable is great for securing your wheels or saddle and must be used in conjunction with the U-lock, making this lock a great choice for bikes where removing the wheels is cumbersome.
Credit: Luke Hollomon

What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?


If you need more security than what this contender offers, consider looking into the Hiplok D1000. It's the most secure bike lock we've tested and a Top Pick for security. If you want a similarly secure lock that's more convenient to use though still tough to transport, check out the Editor's Choice Abus Ivera 7210. And for a unique lock that's pretty secure and easier to carry since you can use it as a belt, the Hiplok Original: Superbright may be the best lock for you.

Luke Hollomon