Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain Lock Review

When your e-bike is worth more than $3,000, security calculus changes. Cheap U-locks become inadequate; mid-tier Kryptonite Mini-7s are reasonable; the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain (4.7 stars across 187 ratings) is the maximum-security option for high-theft cities. We've used one on a Specialized Turbo Vado for 18 months in Brooklyn.

TL;DR

The NY Fahgettaboudit Chain is the right lock for high-value e-bikes ($3,000+) in high-theft cities. 14mm hexagonal hardened steel links + 15mm shackle defeats most attack tools. Sold Secure Diamond rated (highest consumer rating). Heavy as expected — 11+ lbs — but if your bike is worth $3K-$10K, the chain is non-negotiable insurance.

Why It Matters for High-Value E-Bike Owners

The e-bike value pyramid:

• Sub-$1,500: Lectric, RadPower, Aventon — Sportneer / NDakter U-lock acceptable
• $1,500-$3,000: Mid-tier (Trek Verve+, Aventon Sinch.2) — Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7
• $3,000-$5,000: Premium (Specialized Turbo Vado, Trek Powerfly) — NY Fahgettaboudit
• $5,000+: Top-tier (Riese & Müller, premium cargo) — Fahgettaboudit + GPS tracker + insurance

In cities like NYC, Boston, SF, or Chicago, e-bike theft is opportunistic AND organized. The chain's Sold Secure Diamond rating means it resists both casual thieves with bolt cutters AND skilled criminals with battery cutoff tools (for several minutes minimum).

Key Specs

• Chain links: 14mm hexagonal hardened steel
• Shackle: 15mm New York-series disc lock
• Length: 100cm (39")
• Weight: ~10-12 lbs
• Cylinder: Disc detainer with anti-pick technology
• Rating: Sold Secure Diamond (highest consumer rating); Kryptonite security level 10/10
• Country of origin: USA

Pros

• Highest available security rating. Sold Secure Diamond is what insurers require for high-value claims.
• 14mm hexagonal links resist cutting. Hex shape prevents bolt-cutter jaws from gripping.
• 15mm shackle harder to defeat than 18mm round. Different geometry, harder leverage attack.
• Anti-pick disc detainer cylinder. Skilled lockpickers struggle.
• Made in USA. Kryptonite QC is consistent.
• Anti-theft protection program. Kryptonite offers up to $5,000 reimbursement if your bike is stolen while properly locked with their lock.

Cons

• Heavy. 10-12 lbs is real weight. You won't carry this on the bike — you'll lock it at the destination and bike with a smaller cable lock as backup.
• Expensive. ~$150-180 depending on retailer.
• Slower to use. Threading a heavy chain takes more time than a U-lock click.
• Bulky for storage. Won't fit a typical U-lock bracket.
• Overkill for low-value bikes. Don't buy this for a $1,500 e-bike — Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 is right tier.

Who It's For

• High-value e-bike owners ($3,000+) in any urban environment.
• Cargo e-bike owners (Riese & Müller, Tern GSD) where theft loss is catastrophic.
• Apartment-dweller commuters who lock at home base + work; chain stays at home.
• Insurance-policy holders where Sold Secure Diamond is required for theft coverage.
• Skip if your bike is sub-$2,500 (Mini-7 sufficient), if you commute and need to carry the lock (chain is too heavy), or if you only ever park in private garages.

Best Practices

• Lock through frame triangle, not just wheels
• Lock to fixed objects (concrete bollards, U-rail bike racks)
• Avoid chain-link fences (they cut more easily than the lock)
• Take photos of your bike + serial number for police reports
• Register the bike with Bike Index (free) for recovery if stolen
• Consider GPS tracker for bikes over $4,000

How It Compares

• vs Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 ($90): Mini-7 is mid-tier — Sold Secure Gold rated. Half the security; half the weight.
• vs Hiplok D1000 ($350): Hiplok D1000 is the new top-tier with diamond cutter resistance. Significant price premium.
• vs ABUS Granit Steel-O-Chain X-Plus 9809 (~$170): ABUS is European premium tier — comparable security.
• vs Sportneer or NDakter ($30): Different category. Cheap locks for cheap bikes; premium chains for premium bikes.

Bottom Line

The Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboudit Chain is the right maximum-security lock for high-value e-bikes in urban environments. Sold Secure Diamond rated, 14mm hexagonal links, anti-pick cylinder, made in USA. For $3,000+ e-bikes in cities, the $150-180 spend is sensible insurance. For sub-$2,500 bikes, this is overkill — buy Mini-7 instead.

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