Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-lock Review

In 2026, I still think the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard is the best budget-priced, standard sized, mid-security lock available today.

And in this hands-on review of the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard, I’ll tell you why.

I'll look at how secure it is, how easy it is to carry and use, the optional anti-theft protection, and what alternatives are available.

How secure is the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-lock?

Although the hardened steel used in the Kryptolok isn’t as high quality as that used in more expensive Kryptonite locks, the 12.7 mm shackle will repel all but the biggest bolt cutters.

Especially if you use a locking technique that keeps it as far from the ground as possible. I like to pass it through the rear wheel and the seat stays, which positions it high enough that a thief won't be able to use the floor for leverage with even the biggest, 42" bolt cutters.

The reinforced, hardened crossbar is pretty heavy-duty and won’t be defeated by hammers or other brute force attacks. And the high-security disk-style cylinder is both pick- and drill-resistant.

On this updated Kryptolok, the shackle now locks into the crossbar on both sides. This protects it from leverage attacks and means it would need to be cut twice to make a gap that's big enough to get it off your bike. 

It also comes with a 4-foot-long, 10 mm thick cable, which can help secure your wheels or seat. Bear in mind though: this cable can be cut through in seconds and really offers zero practical security.

In terms of security ratings, Kryptonite themselves give it an in-house score of 6/10, which they define as “moderate”. Of the independent lock testers, Sold Secure give it a Gold rating while ART give it 2 stars (out of 5).

All in all, the Kryptolok is a mid-security lock. It’s not a lock for expensive bikes in high risk areas. But for lower-risk areas, more modest bikes, and short stops, it should offer more than enough protection.

And you can massively increase the security that this lock provides by using the proper locking technique.

Keep it as far from the floor as possible, and try to fill the inside of the lock with as many bike parts as possible, and you will make it very difficult to defeat with anything but an angle grinder!

Is the Kryptonite Kryptolok U-lock Standard easy to carry?

At 2.85 lb (1.29 kg) the Kryptolok isn't the lightest of the budget priced u-locks, but it’s not super heavy. You could carry it in a bag on your back without too much discomfort. But a decent frame mount would be better.

Unfortunately, the Transit Flex Frame Bracket that comes with the Kryptolok is not very popular. There are generally four complaints about this bracket…

Firstly, it is difficult to attach to the bike frame. Secondly, once attached, it doesn’t stay secure and slips down. Thirdly, it doesn’t hold the lock tightly enough. And fourthly, it is difficult to get the lock on and off the mount.

Now some of these issues could be to do with people not installing it properly. Such problems can be alleviated by following one of the many online installation videos.

And since it’s a universal bracket, some of the issues could be to do with specific bike frames. They won’t necessarily affect you.

And don’t forget, there are other ways to carry your u-lock. You can put it in a bag, attach it to your luggage rack, thread it through the seat rails, or put it in a bike basket.

Personally, I didn’t have any problems with the frame mount. I followed the instructions in this video and found installing the mount simple and straightforward. And while I was using it, the mount didn’t slip down and the lock didn’t work loose. Now, I was using it on a reasonably smooth commute. So it wasn’t subjected to too much stress!

But if you are dependent on a frame mount, it needs to be reliable, and there are just too many bad reviews of this bracket to ignore. So should this issue stop you buying this lock?

No, that would be a shame. And since you get the same bracket with all Kryptonite u-locks, it would also exclude all the other great locks from Kryptonite.

My advice is this: if you like the lock, buy it and try the included frame bracket. If it doesn’t work for you, look at some of the third-party frame brackets.

Is the Kryptolok Standard U-lock easy to use?

You get two keys with the Kryptolok, which is not as many as with some other u-locks. However, the Kryptolok comes with Kryptonite's Safe Key Program.

Under this scheme, if you register your keys through their website, should you then loose them, Kryptonite will send you replacements.

Kryptolok has replaced their trademarked “Bent Foot” shackle design, which used to make the lock so easy to fasten around your bike, with a regular shackle that is the same on both sides.

While the newer version of the shackle (which has the same design as the shackles on the vast majority of other bike locks) might make it slightly more fiddly to get the lock around your bike, it also makes it much more secure.

So the old bent foot design is definitely not to be mourned!

This version of the Kryptolok comes with a 4 ft long, 10 mm thick cable. And while I’ve already mentioned that this offers no practical security, I’ll also add that these cables are never easy to use!

I find these cables a pain to thread through the wheels and difficult to attach to the U-lock. And how am I meant to carry it about? Am I supposed to thread it through the u-lock while it's attached to the mount? If I do, it sticks out all over the place and gets in the way when I’m riding. I could put it in a bag, but it tends to unravel and take up lots of room. And what if I don’t have a bag?

For me, these cables are just not worth the effort, and in fact, really, I would consider buying this lock without the cable. There are plenty of better ways to protect your other wheel.

On the other hand, they are very popular, and I appreciate they're a cost-effective way to protect your other wheel.

People often complain about the locking mechanisms of u-locks stiffening up and becoming unusable over time. And while the Kryptolok has a rotating dust cover that will protect the locking cylinder from the worst of the weather, it’s not immune to this issue.

However, this is a problem that affects all u-locks and is more a case of poor maintenance and locking technique than a fault with the lock.

If you clean and lubricate your lock regularly and make sure you fully insert your key before you turn it, this problem can usually be avoided.

Unfortunately, for some people this just doesn’t seem to work, and in extreme cases the key may break off in the lock.

While this is obviously very bad, the good news is that should it happen to you, if you send Kryptonite the lock, the keys, and any bill you incur when removing the lock, then they will replace the lock and refund the locksmith bill!

Having said all this, I used the Kryptolok Standard as my day-to-day lock for over two years and never had this problem. The lock was left outside all day and night in all weathers, and I never cleaned or lubricated it, and yet it always performed perfectly!

Does the Kryptolok Standard U-lock include insurance?

The Kryptolok is eligible for coverage by Kryptonite's own Anti-Theft Program. If you register for this program and your bike is stolen as a result of your lock being broken, Kryptonite will pay you the lesser amount of either a) the cost of your bike or b) your insurance deductible.

The amount they are willing to pay has an upper limit depending on the security level of the lock. In the case of this lock, it is up to $1,750 or £1,000 or €1,500.

So if you register for the program and your bike gets stolen through this lock being broken, then Kryptonite will pay you up to $1,750 or £1,000 or €1,500. Sounds great, eh?

Well, it is, but Kryptonite imposes a lot of conditions that you need to be aware of and which in some cases may make a successful claim impossible.

First of all, you need to register for this program within 15 days of purchasing the lock. And it’s not free. In the case of this lock, it’s $34.99 for 1 year and $54.99 for 2 years (and the maximum coverage is 2 years).

Secondly, should your bike be stolen, in order to make a successful claim, you need to:

• report the theft to the police within 72 hours
• mail/email Kryptonite notice of the theft within 7 days
• immediately notify your insurance company, if you have insurance

And finally, within 90 days, you need to send Kryptonite:

• the broken lock as proof of its failure
• at least one key
• a copy of the police report
• a copy of the purchase receipt for the lock
• a copy of the purchase receipt for your bike or a signed and dated dealer valuation
• evidence you have notified your insurance company, if you have insurance

Failure to complete any of these steps will invalidate your claim. In practice the biggest problem for many people seems to be the requirement that you provide the broken lock.

Often when a bike is stolen, there is no sign of the compromised lock, but if you don’t provide it, you won’t get your money. However, if you are able to provide everything they ask for, then Kryptonite does pay out.

This sort of anti-theft protection is not an adequate replacement for either homeowners/renters insurance or specialized bike insurance though, both of which offer far more extensive and reliable cover!

Conclusion: Is the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-lock worth it?

The Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard is the classic u-lock.

It is strong enough to defeat most thieves without being too heavy or expensive. It’s easy to use. And it entitles you to Kryptonite's high level of customer service regarding lost or broken keys.

What’s more, as long as you’re able to fulfill the requirements, Kryptonite provide you with a decent level of financial reimbursement should your bike be stolen as a result of this lock being compromised.

However, this lock is breakable with hand tools. The bigger bolt cutters will be able to cut through the shackle if they can use the ground for leverage. And the frame mount should be much better than it is.

But overall this is a great budget u-lock. If you have a low-value bike or live in a low-theft area, then this could be the best bike lock for you.

If on the other hand, you have a bike that people covet, a bike that might turn the head of a serious bike thief, then you might want to look at a more secure, more expensive lock.

Alternatives to the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-lock

If the Kryptolok Standard is not quite what you’re looking for, then perhaps one of these alternatives will be more suitable…

Looking for something more secure?

And for me, the security boost more than makes up for the extra weight and the price difference.

So if your looking for a u-lock that’s the same size as the Kryptolok but offers a much higher level of protection, this is a very good choice. Check out my review of the Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Standard!

Looking for something cheaper?

You can also compare the specs to loads of other u-locks.

Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-lock Specs

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