The £21.59 Knog Kabana lock, which comes in 6 different colours, is Knog’s take on the bike lock. As this is a company that specialises in doing things slightly differently, let’s start with what’s different from your typical bike lock.
What’s different?
Apart from the choice of cute different colours, the Knog Kabana will not scratch your frame thanks to the silicone cover. This is a nice advantage to have over exposed steel chains.
The locking mechanism felt easier to use that other locks I’ve tested. The spring key lock means you twist the key and the lock flings open. Then, after threading it around one of your wheels and frame you snap it shut, without needing to use the key again. This is a nice touch and makes the locking process less of a hassle.
I also like what Knog have done with the key. Not only do you get three keys, which is great for when you inevitably lose one, but you also get a wrist coil which is great for carrying around your lock keys.
The Knog Kabana is also incredibly light compared to most locks. Although, that comes at a strong sacrifice in security.
Don’t leave your bike down a dark alley
The Kabana bike lock has been self-rated by Knog as 50 out of 100 on the security scale. Or, as it says on the packaging, “Dark Alley” safe. Unfortunately, a dark alley is the last place I’d leave my bike secured only with this lock. A measly 10mm steel cable is all that is separating your bike from the hands of a thief. Videos on YouTube already prove the lock can be cut through in 6 seconds. Not cool!
In comparison, the Granit Steel O Flex, which is twice the price, has 25mm of steel cable making it a much tougher challenge for thieves.
This makes the Knog Kabana only suitable as a secondary lock, complemented by a more solid Kryptonite or similar.
Lock bike mount coming soon
Once I got over the disappointment of the lack of security the lock provides, I had another disappointment to contend with. Knog hadn’t thought through any clever mounting mechanism. Although, according Knog’s Australian website a mount is available. Perhaps this has yet to filter to the UK.
Knog Kabana Review
As long as you accept that the Knog Kabana is only useful as a secondary lock then there’s a lot to love here. The cool colours, the easy locking mechanism, light design and the fact the lock won’t scratch your frame. It would have been nice to see Knog step up the security a little but no doubt this would burden the price and the weight.
The Knog Kabana is available from Amazon for just £21.59 or if you like paying more for things then Chain Reaction Cycles have it for £24.99.
The next model up is the Knog Kransky. It costs £35.99 and includes a larger 88cm locking diameter. It also uses slightly thicker steel.
What’s good
- Appealing design in different colours
- Light
- Won’t scratch your frame
- Nice touch to include a wrist coil
What’s bad
- Not very strong security – can be used solely as a secondary lock
- Still waiting on the bike mount
Update: Knog have recently updated their scale for this lock to “Pawn Shop” still a 5/10
See also:
It is a really lovely lock, I use mine when stopping briefly at the supermarket on the way home – however the lock mechanism is now a bit stiff after 6 months of use
Looks amazing, I want one now. Shame it’s not very secure but I’ll definitely be purchasing one of these as a secondary lock.
A green one would go with my new green Bike Glow!
Abus, among others produce a ‘self-locking’ cable lock which snap shut just like this Knog Kabanana. The Abus 1900/55 costs just £3.05 from St John Street Cycles and has 7mm cable. Draw-back ? It only comes in black (if that can be considered a draw-back). The 650/65 is £6.12 and has an 8mm cable. I’m sure all of these , including the Knog can be cut in 6 seconds or less. They’re all pretty hopeless really. G/F’s bike was stolen when she used one of these style locks. Now uses a Kryptonite D-Lock.
Crap soft keys. Overpriced junk. My key snapped in the lock. Cheers!
Oh dear Peter – you should definitely contact the manufacturer to get your money back.
Buy an Abus. Don’t waste your $$ on this overpriced toy crap.
Update Dec-2018 – By public demand, Knog no longer offers these POS locks for sale on website.