Review of Kryptonite Evolutionï¿½ Series 4 Standard Bike U-Lock

Kryptonite Evolutionï¿½ Series 4 Standard Bike U-Lock - 999348
By: Kryptonite Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 11
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Solid Lock

On: 2008-09-16

Dont spend good money on a bicycle and lock it up with the cheapest lock that you can find. Spend the cash on a good lock, like this one here. This is a very solid and sturdy U-Lock that can take a good deal of abuse without breaking. The entire U portion has a rubberized cover over it so your bike does not get damaged. The key is also a new design, not the old cylindrical key that could be opened with a Bic pen in a few seconds. There is even a key that has an LED built into it so you can see the keyhole in the dark. Kryptonite also has a lifetime key replacement system so youre never stuck without backups. Also consider the Kryptonite New York series as those are slightly more secure than the Evo series, but dont get me wrong, no one will be taking your bike without expending considerable effort and time if you properly lock up with one of these. Great lock overall, although the mount leaves something to be desired. If you plan on mounting this lock on your frame make sure there is enough room somewhere in the frame triangle for it. My Giant Cypress does not have room to frame mount it, so check first if this is critical for you. Otherwise throw it in your backpack and go.

so far excellent

On: 2008-09-08

Im really liking this lock, I feel safe when I use it. Locking up my bike is a big thing, Ive put a lot of work into my bike and someone just stealing it would really suck. I trust this lock to do what I bought it to do. I fits through both my frame and my front tire and I can also get it through a buddies frame too (not in addition to the front tire though). I dont think anyone has tried to bust it, but I can imagine that theyre going to have some trouble with that one.

Ironic Semi-endorsement

On: 2008-08-23

For such a sturdy, heavy-duty, ridiculously strong u-lock, the key used to operate this thing is ridiculously flimsy.

The key snapped off IN THE LOCK the first time I tried to unlock my bike from a rack. >=(

Five minutes with a hacksaw only managed to scratch the steel. Seeing that I had to call in the heavy artillery, I got an angle grinder with a diamond blade. After about 20 minutes of 120 dBA flying sparks, I successfully extricated the bike.

I give the lock 5 stars, but the key rates a big, fat 0.

Heavy, Solid Lock

On: 2008-08-08

This is a nice lock, but contrary to the specs it does not weigh 2.35 pounds. If you pick it up its pretty obvious that this listed weight isnt right. I weighed it on my kitchen scale and it came in at 3.3 pounds, so I dont know where that 2.35 came from. That scale is pretty accurate.

It should also be noted that the theft reimbursement warranty is also only for one bike for one year, whereas OnGuards is for three years.

Its still a solid lock and better than what a lot of people use. I dont regret buying it, but dont buy it because you think its lighter or has a better warranty than the alternative.

Quality Bike Lock

On: 2008-05-19

attachment that connects it to your bike is hard to get on... but i decided to just hang it around my seat, so its not a big deal. Definitely a quality lock tho, never had any problems fitting it around fences, signs or parking meters. And it seems VERY secure.

Heavy, but worth the weight

On: 2008-02-08

This lock is a beast, but you can throw it on your bike and feel safe about it. I lock my bike up a lot in downtown DC, so I wanted a serious lock to protect my lovely bike. It has a good sized U-bolt which allows you to lock up to just about anything that is fixed to the ground as well as through one of your wheels. The lighted key is really nice for getting into your lock in the dark. I personally dont use the bike mount, so I cant really comment on that.

Remember, no lock is full proof. If a bike thief really wants your bike and has enough time alone with it, he will get your bike. That being said, there is only one lock with a higher security rating than this one. Locks are a deterrent, and with this lock a bike thief is most likely going to move onto an easier target.

Heavy, but it works!

On: 2008-01-07

Its a lot heavier than what I thought. Weve not used it yet but when we go out of town for rides it will certainly come in handy. I do trust it and thats what counts.

Solid Lock

On: 2007-12-28

This is a solid lock that doesnt add so much weight and inconvenience that you will begrudge the security it provides. As other reviewers have said, it fits well around all sorts of bike stands but still fits reasonably well on a bike or backpack. Though they do emphasize the ease of mounting these locks on your bike, remember that you will sacrifice the water bottle holders if you do that (most likely). Also, the insurance requires that you jump through several hoops (before the bike is stolen, mind you). If you dont think that you are going to have your bike appraised and fill out the paperwork, then dont factor the insurance into your purchasing decision.

Great Lock

On: 2007-12-23

This is a somewhat heavy lock, but I live in a relatively high-crime area so Id rather carry around an extra pound than have my bike stolen. This lock might be overkill in a smaller city, but for protecting your bike in a larger city this lock is perfect.

If weight is of high concern if might be better to invest in some locking axles and buy a smaller lock just to lock the frame; however if youre considering buying the smaller version of this lock be advised that it is not much lighter, as the weight comes mostly from the locking mechanism and not the U-shaped bar.

Great Lock

On: 2007-12-22

This is a somewhat heavy lock, but I live in a relatively high-crime area so Id rather carry around an extra pound than have my bike stolen. This lock might be overkill in a smaller city, but for protecting your bike in a larger city this lock is perfect.

If weight is of high concern if might be better to invest in some locking axles and buy a smaller lock just to lock the frame; however if youre considering buying the smaller version of this lock be advised that it is not much lighter, as the weight comes mostly from the locking mechanism and not the U-shaped bar.

Great Lock, Best for the Price.

On: 2007-09-21

When I purchased this lock, I actually bought two. I just moved to Chicago, with my girlfriend, and she needed a new lock. She had the older/cylinder(barrel) key kryptonite that you can open with a Bic Pen. I only had a flex lock, and my bike was stolen within the first month we moved here. I have bought a new bike, and Two locks. Im now using this lock, in combination with the Bell MaxGuard Heavy-Duty Cable(12mm). I carry all this extra weight, because Chicago is 2nd in the nation(next to New York) for bike thefts. It works great alone, but I feel safe with the flex cable combined. There was another Kryptonite Evolution with a flex cable, but the cable was only 10mm.

If you are buying this for the insurance purposes, then Id suggest looking at the fine print before hand.

The only other Kryptonite lock that is supposed to be tougher than this, would be the Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboudit U-Lock. It was $75 though, and this one was only $42. People wrote that they have problems trying to fit everything with the Fahagettaboudit lock. This one fits both heavy tread tires, my frame, and almost every post/bike stand that Ive attempted.

This is an very well made Bicycle Lock

On: 2007-05-11

Gladly, I have no evidence that the Kryptonite Evolution STD Bike Lock has actually thwarted any potential thieves. However, it certainly looks as if it would make a thief choose a different target. Holding the unit in the locked position, one cannot feel any play, or hear rattling from the joints. The key and lock mechanism have worked smoothly every time. The key only releases when in the locked position. Because it always turns smoothly when locking I feel the chance of bending or breaking the key is effectively eliminated. By the way the key come with a small flash light built in to it. I have been grateful for the keys light on several occasions. The STD sized Evolution lock has allowed proper locking in situations where a smaller lock might not have worked. The mounting bracket connects easily to your bike either inside the frame or on your seat post. I like that you can feel and hear your lock "click" into the mounting bracket. However, even when securely mounted the bracket allows the lock to sway side to side when riding which constitutes a minor annoyance. My experience with this lock would warrant a rating of 4.75 stars.

This is an very well made Bicycle Lock

On: 2007-05-10

Gladly, I have no evidence that the Kryptonite Evolution STD Bike Lock has actually thwarted any potential thieves. However, it certainly looks as if it would make a thief choose a different target. Holding the unit in the locked position, one cannot feel any play, or hear rattling from the joints. The key and lock mechanism have worked smoothly every time. The key only releases when in the locked position. Because it always turns smoothly when locking I feel the chance of bending or breaking the key is effectively eliminated. By the way the key come with a small flash light built in to it. I have been grateful for the keys light on several occasions. The STD sized Evolution lock has allowed proper locking in situations where a smaller lock might not have worked. The mounting bracket connects easily to your bike either inside the frame or on your seat post. I like that you can feel and hear your lock "click" into the mounting bracket. However, even when securely mounted the bracket allows the lock to sway side to side when riding which constitutes a minor annoyance. My experience with this lock would warrant a rating of 4.75 stars.