Kryptonite New York Noose 1275: The best chain lock?

The Kryptonite New York Noose 1275 [Amazon] is a highly secure, portable chain lock. Really, it’s at the very limit of what can be considered portable, (a lock that is practical to carry round every day).

But it uses a clever technique to achieve a high security to weight ratio while still being useful!

In this this review I’ll look at just how secure it is, how easy it is to carry around and whether it’s straightforward to use. And at the end of the review, I suggest some alternatives to consider if this isn’t the right lock for you.

How secure is the Kryptonite New York Noose?

With 12 mm thick, hardened manganese steel links, the New York Noose is a very tough chain. While theoretically it can be defeated by the very biggest, 42″ bolt cutters, it would take a skilful, heavy thief, using the ground for leverage.

And in reality, with the right locking technique you can make this almost impossible.

The Evolution Series 4 Disc Lock boasts a 14 mm MAX-Performance steel shackle which is significantly stronger than the steel used in Kryptonite’s older and cheaper locks. It’s also drill resistant, pull resistant and double bolted which means it would need to be cut twice to force it open.

This formidable level of protection is reflected in the lock’s security ratings. Kryptonite themselves give it 9/10 (High Security). Sold Secure rate it as Gold. And ART give it 4/5 stars.

Have no doubt, there are very few other bike locks that can match this level of security!

Is the Kryptonite New York Noose easy to carry?

Transporting a chain lock is relatively simple: just wrap it around your seat post, fasten it to your luggage rack or throw it in a bag. There are actually plenty of places to put a bike lock when you're riding.

And of course, the New York Noose is covered in a hardy nylon sheath which should protect your paintwork. Easy!

The problem with chain locks though, is their weight. They are significantly heavier than u-locks. And thick chains can be very, very heavy.

The New York Noose 1275 weighs 6.95 lb (3.15 kg), which is about the same as 8 cans of Coke. And while it’s far from the heaviest chain lock, it weighs more than the heaviest, most secure u-lock available today (the Kryptonite New York Lock M18-WL)!

And although the best place to transport a heavy item is probably around your seat post where it shouldn’t interfere with your centre of gravity, you will definitely still notice this weight if you carry it around every day.

In fact, I would say that the New York Noose 1275 is at the very limit of what can be practically carried around daily. If it was any heavier, you would need to use it as a stationary lock. Indeed, it’s probably the only chain with 12 mm links that can be realistically be classified as a portable lock.

And this is because it’s not very long. Measuring just 30″ (75 cm), it really is pretty short!

Now you might think that this would limit your locking opportunities. And of course to some degree you’d be right. The shorter the chain, the less places you will be able to use it. But the New York Noose uses a clever technique to make the most of it’s 30″...

Is the Kryptonite New York Noose easy to use?

The thing that distinguishes this lock from other chain locks is the “noose”. What’s the noose? Well, at one end of the chain is larger, circular link. And the other end of the chain can be passed through this circular link to create a noose.

The photo below illustrates this with the longer version of this lock, the New York Noose 1213 [Amazon].

Why is this so great? Well it means you can lock more stuff with less chain! With a normal locking method, both ends of the chain need to meet after passing around whatever you’re locking. So there’s always two lengths of chain between the immovable object and the bike.

With the noose method, one end tightens round the immovable object, and one end tightens round the bike, so there’s only one length of chain between the two. Which means less chain goes further!

Confused? Maybe a picture will help…

In fact, Kryptonite claim that this 2.5 ft noose chain will give you the same “in-use” length as a normal 3.5 ft chain. Which is fantastic! As I’ve said before, chain locks are really heavy, so anything that allows you to lock more stuff with less chain is very, very welcome.

Of course there’s nothing to stop you using the New York Noose just like a normal chain lock. This system just gives you lots more options, which is exactly what you want from a bike lock!

The lock comes with 3 keys, one of which has a light to help you out in the dark. And it’s also eligible for Kryptonite’s fantastic Key Safe Program, which allows you to register your keys online, so that you can easily get replacements should you ever loose them.

The first set will even come free! Read more about Kryptonite’s unmatched after sales service here.

The disc lock that comes with the New York Noose has a sliding dust cover to protect the mechanism from the worst of the street grime. However, be aware that these covers can also trap moisture inside the lock, which if it freezes, may well jam the mechanism.

But you can reduce the chance of a jammed bike lock happening with regular maintenance...

All bike locks need a little looking after now and again, especially if they are outside for long periods of time in cold and wet conditions. A good clean, and some lubrication of both the mechanism and the shackle will keep a good quality lock working smoothly for years.

Does the Kryptonite New York Noose include insurance?

The New York Noose is eligible for Kryptonite’s own Anti-Theft Protection which can pay out up to $3,500, £1,300 or €1,000 if your bike stolen as a result of this lock being defeated.

I talk about Anti-Theft Protection in much more detail in the Abus vs Kryptonite vs OnGuard page. But it’s worth mentioning here that the cover is not free, you need to register as soon as you buy the lock, and despite Kryptonite offering the best of these schemes, it’s still difficult to qualify for payment.

It’s much better to cover your bike under your normal household insurance or take on specialized bike insurance.

Kryptonite New York Noose 1275 Review Summary

I think the New York Noose 1275 is the most secure, portable chain lock available today. This is largely because, it’s the only 12 mm chain that’s short and light enough to be carried around daily.

A longer lock would be too heavy and unwieldy to use every day in the street. Whereas this lock is short enough and just about light enough to work well.

But make sure you check the weight and length. It’s still a very heavy, short chain. The noose system makes the most of the available length, but there will be occasions when you wished you had a little more.

And if you want the same level of protection from a lighter lock, you might be better off with a u-lock.

Having said that, chain locks can be simpler to transport than u-locks and they often give you more locking options. Indeed, one of the great things about this lock is it’s versatility...

You can use it as a secondary, stationary lock to secure your bike at home and then take it out if you need a little bit of extra security in the street. Or of course, you can use it every day as your main, portable lock.

However you use it, you can be very sure it will to provide fantastic protection for you bike. The security ratings speak for themselves. And it looks incredibly intimidating. The vast majority of thieves won’t even consider trying to steal a bike secured with this lock.

So, do check the weight and the length carefully. But if your looking for a chain lock that offers the very highest level of protection while still remaining both portable and practical this could well be the best bike lock for you!

Of course, if it’s not quite right for you, there are plenty of alternatives…

Alternatives to the Kryptonite New York Noose 1275

Whether you’re looking for something longer, lighter or cheaper, there are alternatives to the New York Noose. For me, none of them offer the same great balance of price, security and practicality as the New York Noose 1275, but please check them out anyway!

Looking for something longer?

With noose locks, the longer the chain, the greater the advantage over normal chains. And the 1213 gives you the same usable length as 65″ (165 cm) of normal chain! This is a massive difference and means you’re getting one of the most practical chain locks available today.

Unfortunately this also makes it much heavier. Weighing 10.55 lb (4.79 kg), that’s the same as 12.5 cans of Coke! So this is definitely not a portable lock.

But if you’re looking for a high security chain lock with the best usable length to weight ratio (and the 1275 is just too short), the New York Noose 1213 may be what you need.

Looking for something lighter?

And it’s also much heavier, coming in at a whopping 9.2 lb (4.17 kg), which is the same as 11 cans of Coke!

This is definitely not a portable chain. But it’s very secure. Neither Sold Secure or ART have rated the Beast but OnGuard give it a very impressive 95/100.

The prices vary but I have seen this lock cheaper than the New York Noose 1275. And of course you’re getting much more chain for your money as well!

So, if price is your main concern check out the OnGuard 8017 Beast, as it provides very high security and a very reasonable price!

If none of the chains feel right to you, don’t forget my simple, 3 step guide to choosing the best bike lock!

Kryptonite New York Noose 1275 Specs

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