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 On: 2009-02-10
The Evolution Mini is definitely a great lock. Its small, well built and is one of the highest rated bike locks on the market. It weighs about 2 lbs which isnt bad considering its high rating of protection. The Evolution Mini can fit in your back pocket but be weary of the "E-Z Mounting Bracket". Its cheap and of questionable quality. Dont be surprised if the mounting bracket snaps in two or swings around when you hit a bump. (I dont use the mounting bracket because its so crappy.)
I like the fact that the Evolution Mini wont let you take the key out without it being properly locked. This feature is actually invaluable. You know for a fact that the lock is indeed locked tight the second you pull out the key. No second guessing or having to tug on the lock to make sure its fully secured. Very nice.
Note: The keyhole can be a bit finicky if you dont insert the key all the way and properly. Just take your time and dont force it or you might break off the key.
The Evolution Mini is smaller than the average U-lock. This is an advantage in that the less space left open, the harder it is to use the empty space for cutting tools and leverage attacks. The only downside is that you can only fit your bike frame and one wheel when securing the bike to a bike rack/object. This leaves the other wheel vulnerable to theft if you dont take further precautions like using a bolt or pit lock instead of a quick release for that unlocked wheel or using a second lock or a cable. Oh, and in some situations, your options to lock the bike up might be limited due to the Minis small size.
Another feature I like is the sliding keyhole cover. It protects the keyhole and the locks innards from dust, dirt, ice, snow and anything else that could spell trouble for the keyhole.
The Evolution Mini only comes with 3 keys, one of which has a blue LED to help you find the keyhole in dark situations. I would have preferred 5 keys but Kryptonite does offer two FREE replacement keys if you register your lock online and submit a key replacement form which can be done online as well.
If you live in NYC then you can kiss any anti-theft claim/protection bye-bye! NYC is the only place on the planet that Kryptonite wont stand by its products which is really pathetic so dont even consider the theft protection as a reason to purchase this lock if you live in NYC. Kryptonite wants to force you to purchase the most expensive, and the most heavy, Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit lock which weighs easily 5-6 lbs.! Not nice, Kyrptonite!
I would have happily given the Evolution Mini 5 stars had it not been for the cheap mounting bracket and Kryptonite not standing by its anti-theft protection in NYC. (Shame on Kryptonite for such a poor mounting solution and not standing by its product in NYC!!!)
Overall, I would highly recommend this lock to anyone looking for some of the best bike lock security available to date.
On: 2008-11-16
This lock does the trick on so many levels. Its strong. Its durable. Its too small for a thief to get any good leverage on should they try to break it. Its small enough to fit snuggly in my back pocket, but just big enough to secure my bike to something 95% of the time (those other times, i just have to hunt out another location that fits).
This lock is more secure and more convenient to carry than any of the other locks Ive owned. I highly recommend it.
I only took of a star because the keys seem a bit flimsy and i dont like how the keyhole slides around. Its annoying sometimes to have to position the key just so and wiggle it around a few times before I can get the keyhole to engage/disengage right. But this is a minor quibble.
If I lost my lock, I wouldnt have a seconds look at the other locks on the market. Id just buy another one of these and get back on the street.
 On: 2008-11-14
I initially bought this lock to serve as my primary lock. However, I later bought the Kryptonite noose lock b/c of its ability to accomodate larger object (i.e. building pillars). That is not to say the evo is not a good lock - I actually really like it. I keep my noose lock at school and bring my evo with me everywhere else. Along with a cable, the evo will protect my bike from most thieves.
Ryan
On: 2008-11-02
Small, easy to use, really hard to break lock. The only problem is... it is small, so it might not fit around everything you want. But that is the nature of the beast. I bring around a cable lock wherever i go, just in case. If you are on a school campus like I am where bike parking is provided, it is fine though. It fits around city poles and other things as well. Another downer: all the fixed gear riders at my school stick them in their back pockets to look cool. -___-
On: 2008-10-24
This lock is great in two major ways. Its tough one of the toughest, if not the toughest, lock out there for the price and small enough to carry in your back pocket or a small bag. This lock is much more secure than my old lock that was twice the size, which was prone to leveraging attacks.
Great lock, itll last a lifetime.
On: 2008-10-07
The size is amazing. It literally does fit in your back pocket. I was also looking at the OnGuard Mini but I like the Kryptonites bent foot design better.
On: 2008-10-06
This is the one and only bike lock I will ever own. Hands down best on the market...the overall choice of bike couriers in San Fran..which is who recommended it to me.
Buy it.
On: 2008-09-28
1. Strong, well built lock
2. Relatively light
3. Fits in pocket or in belt loop
4. Good price
 On: 2008-04-29
Krypotnite will not stand by their product; they had a recall on their last model after a class action suit, and I have two of these now worthless paper weights. We have friends who have lost their bicycles because of Kryptonites negligence.
On: 2008-04-24
very easy portable lock. fits easily in a back pocket or bag. the only drawbacks are its limitations as far as fitting around wider posts. also, generally wont fit around most things when trying to lock your frame and front wheel at the same time. i mostly use it as a secondary lock for securing my back wheel to the frame with a larger u-lock locking the front wheel and frame to a post. definitely useful if youre just running into somewhere quick and dont mind just locking the frame up.
On: 2008-01-05
This is the best U-lock out there bar none. Its the lightest, strongest, best functioning lock around. The mount leaves something to be desired, but you can always be a hipster and use your back pocket (as pictured apparently). If you need a 15 pound chain, why even lock it up outside? Your components, or fork or handlebars could be stolen. Get a beater bike for the city and keep your joy riding bike inside and not for commuting!
One other tip: use locking skewers for your wheels; this lock wont easily fit through a wheel and a frame and something else, and cables are a pain
On: 2007-11-25
This lock wont do everything, but what it does do it will do incredibly well. Its a small lock, but what little is locked by it is not coming off anytime soon because of the lock itself. If you lock the rear tire within the bike frame to something, youve just effectively made the rear tire and frame as secure as it can ever get to anything. This leaves your front tire exposed, of course, but you can get a cable run through it if you really want to.
There is always the tension between how clunky something is and how effective it is, but honestly, I dont think it gets much safer than this. Chains have weak points, cables are easily cut, and bigger U-locks dont really do anything except allow you to tie your bicycle to more things, which isnt a problem as long as theres a rack around. The insurance is nice, too.
On: 2007-11-24
This lock wont do everything, but what it does do it will do incredibly well. Its a small lock, but what little is locked by it is not coming off anytime soon because of the lock itself. If you lock the rear tire within the bike frame to something, youve just effectively made the rear tire and frame as secure as it can ever get to anything. This leaves your front tire exposed, of course, but you can get a cable run through it if you really want to.
There is always the tension between how clunky something is and how effective it is, but honestly, I dont think it gets much safer than this. Chains have weak points, cables are easily cut, and bigger U-locks dont really do anything except allow you to tie your bicycle to more things, which isnt a problem as long as theres a rack around. The insurance is nice, too.
On: 2007-06-08
The size is perfect and its just enough to keep your bike from disappearing when your in the record store.
On: 2007-06-07
The size is perfect and its just enough to keep your bike from disappearing when your in the record store.
On: 2007-05-21
I bought the Mini U-Lock after using many different locks including a high end Kyrpotonite NYC chain lock. While the chain may offer more protection having a lock that weighs half as much as my bike, and requires a bag to carry it simply is not practical. The Kryptonite Evolution-Mini U-Lock, fits easily in my back jean pocket.
90% of the time, when riding in NYC I need a lock to keep my bike safe while I stop at a restaurant to have a cup of coffee or a meal. Usually I can even see my bike, so I need something strong and light. I ride a fixie so I use the U-Lock with a cable through the front wheel. Total weight is very small.
Would I trust the Kryptonite Evolution-Mini U-Lock to leave my bike while I went to a movie? Depends on the bike and where it is locked. I have done it. The Mini is not easy to get off, but of course it can be more easily attacked than the Kryptonite New York locks. But all the tests I have read show it is not an easy lock to remove because it is so small the there is no "bite" for tools. As far as the keys, same as it bigger brothers.
I really like the lock.
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