Kryptonite New York Standard vs Via Velo Elite - Bike Lock Teardown Testing

In this video, we attempt to destroy the Kryptonite New York Standard and the Via Velo Elite to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of either lock.
BikeLockWiki is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Via Velo Elite - Launching Summer 2024
Kryptonite New York STD - geni.us/dhwu0F [Amazon Link]
We worked with Via Velo to produce this content. We had full control of production and testing, and all of the views expressed in this video come from months of first-hand experience with the products featured.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on our testing and are always looking for ways to improve the quality of the content we produce. Leave us a comment below if you have any feedback/ideas and we'll get back to you!
As promised here are the specs for the four lock models featured in the video:
Via Velo Elite:
Weight - 1.36kg (3lb)
Internal Dimensions - 115mm x 233mm
Kryptonite New York STD:
Weight - 1.84kg (4.06lb)
Internal Dimensions - 101mm x 207mm
For more bicycle security information, check out bikelockwiki.com and level-up your bike security skills before it's too late!
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:09 - Drop Test
0:34 - Torsion Test
1:13 - Hammer Test
1:41 - 42" Bolt Cutter Test
2:30 - Angle Grinder Test
4:06 - Characteristics & Features
10:14 - Summary

[@cdbtheclaw]

I really love the way you test the locks in your videos!
It would be really interesting if you could compare the Kryptonite Evolution Integrated Chain with the Abus Grabit CityChain or something comparable.

[@bikelockwiki]

This is the closest we have at the moment :)
th-cam.com/video/IkN9dtokfgE/w-d-xo.html
Stay tuned for more!

[@deemybutt]

Thankyou for your hard work, much appreciated!

[@SchutzvorFahrraddiebstahl]

I really like how you consider such things as seen at 2:46 and tests different methods, some of which are often forgotten or overseen. :)
6:25 I also have the same thought and its a bit sad, because ART rated it with 4/5 stars, while similar strong u-locks with sold secure pedal cycle diamond have 3/5 stars for example the Abus Granit 540!

[@bikelockwiki]

Thanks for your feedback, are there any other test methods you’d like to see?

[@SchutzvorFahrraddiebstahl]

@@bikelockwiki No, not really, you already have a good testing kit and methods. :)

[@aidenb8890]

cheers for these videos, theyre very helpful.
do you intend on testing/comparing the abus ultimate 420 at all?

[@bikelockwiki]

We have it ready to test, but have a few other videos in the pipeline. Did you have any questions about the 420? I may be able to help :)

[@nuttysquirrel8816]

Use 2 Krytonite locks and only make brief stops at convenience stores and gas stations, not grocery shopping. If it's possible park in the line of sight. If there's a shady character with battery powered angle grinder hanging around, just go to a different store.

[@hgec]

I think it's a shame you didn't answer some important questions. For example, how hard and resistant is the metal against a saw? What is the metal thickness of the body? What is the internal mechanism and is it made of plastic? These are important questions to understand the quality of the product.

[@bikelockwiki]

Thanks for the feedback, all noted and will add the requested details to answer these questions tomorrow.
Against a hack saw, not much would happen to either of these locks. We’ve conducted HSS tests in many of our videos, but most case hardened locks will resist, and it makes for relatively boring content so in this video I tried to some different test methods.
Adding hardness measurements is something we plan on doing, but currently we don’t have the funding to afford a tabletop Rockwell hardness tester.
I’ll add internal mech measurements tomorrow.
Thanks again for watching, and for your critique, I continuously try to improve quality, helpfulness and entertainment value of our videos.

[@hgec]

@@bikelockwiki Thanks for taking it in stride. This is of course constructive criticism, not personal. I talked about the saw test as a test for the level of hardness and quality of the metal. Good to hear that you are interested in looking into this more in depth in the future. The thing is that in Chinese locks sometimes cheap, weak and thin metal is used for different parts of the lock, and this is something you need to know. Appreciate your content and input.

[@hgec]

@@bikelockwiki Sometimes the cylinder is not of good quality, which will create problems. Drilling can also be a problem.

[@bikelockwiki]

Yep, after working in the industry for many years I understand all of the above, and yes some locking mechanisms are weaker than others.
However drilling out a cylinder is not a popular method of attack, but we do include this in some of our videos.
The Elite is a Sold Secure Diamond rated lock, and is a similar build to the OnGuard Pitbull, a very reliable lock.

[@ryanreeves70]

Please look into the skunklok carbon.

[@bikelockwiki]

Video on the way, stay tuned.

[@michaelkulman7095]

That lock literally stinks! ;)

[@bikelockwiki]

@@michaelkulman7095 Hahaha, true for the original lock! But the carbon doesn't use the vomit-inducing compound.