Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain Lock Review

The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is a mid-tie rchain lock designed for convenience and quick stops rather than maximum security. While its 7mm chain puts it in a very specific category between a flimsy cable lock and a heavy-duty urban U-lock, it has above-average versatility.

Security

The Keeper 785 carries a Sold Secure Bronze rating and a 5/10 on Kryptonite's scale. It's a massive upgrade over a cable lock, which can be cut in seconds. The Keeper isn't impervious to heavier tools, but it will require significantly more time/effort to breach. Compared to the Kryptonite Evolution Chain, with 10mm links, the Keeper's 7mm links can be cut much faster, but thieves will still need to cut both sides of the link to free the lock, which took us 14 seconds with an angle grinder.

Previous Next

This lock is slightly less secure than a standard U-lock because the 7mm manganese-hardened 4-sided chain links are smaller in diameter than those of most similarly priced U-locks. That said, U-locks are much easier to access with an angle grinder, and getting through the nylon cover and cutting both sides of a link are challenging. Another advantage of this style lock is that it can't be defeated by carjacking attacks, in which a pneumatic device is used to spread the lock until it reaches its breaking point.

Ease of Transport

Of all the chain locks we've tested, the Keeper 785 is amongst the lightest. At just 3.1 pounds, it doesn't feel unwelcome in a backpack or wrapped around your seatpost.

Previous Next

The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is in the Goldilocks zone of portability: it's beefy enough to discourage opportunists, yet light enough to vanish into a pannier or wrap around your seatpost without turning your bike into a lead sled.

Ease of Use

The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is the easy-peasy version of bike security, offering a refreshingly simple user experience thanks to its integrated lock head. Unlike traditional U-locks that require you to juggle a separate crossbar and shackle, this 33.5-inch chain allows you to simply loop it around your frame and an anchor point, then click it shut in one fluid motion.

Its flexible design is a massive win for city riders, as it easily wraps around chunky lamp posts or odd-shaped fences that would leave a rigid lock feeling useless. Plus, the high-quality nylon sleeve ensures that your bike's paint job remains pristine, while the weather-resistant cylinder keeps the key action smooth even after a rainy afternoon commute.

Versatility

The Kryptonite Keeper 785 offers a level of real-world versatility that U-locks simply can't match, primarily due to its flexible 33.5-inch chain construction. While a standard shackle often leaves you hunting for a perfectly sized bike rack, this 7mm manganese steel chain allows you to secure your ride to a much wider variety of anchors, from chunky lamp posts and fences to complex sign bundles. This flexibility makes it a go-anywhere companion for urban commuters who frequently find themselves in overcrowded parking areas where traditional racks are full. When you're back on the move, its supple design is easy to coil tightly around your seatpost or toss into a pannier, providing a hassle-free experience.

Should You Buy the Kryptonite Keeper 785?

The Kryptonite Keeper 785 Chain Lock likely keeps your bike more secure than most other locks on the bike rack, but it isn't foolproof. We found the lock to occupy a solid middle ground: excellent versatility at a nice price point, but not exceptional security, and somewhat bulky to carry. If you want to be able to lock to odd-shaped poles and structures, this is a pretty good lock.

What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?