Customer Reviews

Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 LS Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket (4-Inch x 11.5-Inch)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is big. And heavy. But definitely worth it. The long length is nice for awkward placement when looking to sturdy objects--long reach. The key action is smooth for locking and unlocking is smooth. There is a little key hole cover that can keep the area relatively clean and free of debris--- although I haven't left my bike and lock outside for a whole Seattle winter/spring season and I don't plan to do so.

I specifially purchased this lock for the insurance. Be sure to read the instructions on the box of the lock. This is where all the info is. Kryptonite has very vague information on their website about this which I believe they do for their own advantage. Basically their are several hoops to jump through to both register a bicycle and to file a claim. I suggest contacting Kryptonite directly if you have any questions. They quickly responded to my questions in about 1-2 days, as well as follow up questions.

Here are the basics to understand about their policy(again, you should confirm this with Kryptonite):
1) completed the Anti-theft Registration form that's included in the lock's instructions (this includes the lock key registration number)
2) the Kryptonite lock bill of sale (mine was a copy of the Amazon invoice/receipt)
3) an authorized bike shop receipt or appraisal for declared current value only--does not include accessories or tax
4) proof of bicycle registration with local authority (police,campus,etc)
5) and a check for $10 (2 years of coverage) or $15 (3 years). The 1st year is FREE. No more coverage after 3 years

NOTE: NY residents have a different policy/requirements: contact Kryptonite

For filing a claim, I don't know-- haven't been in that situation. I know you have to send Kryptonite the remnants of the failed lock. Probably a police report, too. I would personally add a bottle of my own tears.

Back to the lock-- yes, I recommend it to any friend. And don't leave your bike unattened without it. Unfortunately, if someone really wants to steal your bike and they have the equipmet to do so, you are SOL. Just be smart about where an when you lock your bike. This lock provides a little piece of mind.

I've been using this lock for a month now and my bike is always where I left it. I feel secure leaving it on the street for hours at night, and it's really great that it's so big, so I can lock two bikes together with no problem. The keys have stuck a couple times, but it's not really an issue.

There is no doubt that this is a solid lock. It weighs as much as an anchor, and with its dual-locking mechanism it is pretty much impossible to break open (though it has been done with those air guns that are used to kill cattle in slaughter houses). It has rubber all around on the outside and a dust-cover for the key hole. Basically, if you are familiar with Kryptonite lock construction this is pretty much like all the others.

It comes with a key that has a little LED in it, making it easy to unlock this at night, though it is rather bulky to keep around in one's pocket.

This lock will stop any thief in their tracks, but for something that is this heavy, you might as well purchase one of Kryptonite's New York locks, which are much more solid in construction (if that's possible), as is evidenced by Kryptonite's increased insurance policy for those locks. If you are on the fence between this one and a New York lock, price and features should be the only factor, because both Series 4 locks are the same size locks in the New York line are pretty much the same weight.

So like it looks great, its nice and hefty, but after sitting in my apartment for about 2-3 months I tried to unlock it to put on my bike. What happened... well what happened is the key got stuck in the lock; the key would rotate inside the lock, but would not come out. After trying to mess with it for about 2 minutes it came out, but only part of the key came out. That key has to be made out of plastic (or something) because it broke with out any heart ache. I cant believe what a crappy lock and key comes with this kit. STAY AWAY, unless you approve of poor craftsmanship, this lock is bunk. I wont be buying from this brand ever again.

lock became inconstant as far as opening and closing it--inside corroded--i would never lock my bike with this in an area where i did not have serious tools to remove it. took a while but customer service replaced it

Had a previous Series 4 LS and this one is even better. The dual-lock is awesome and you can really feal the sturdiness of the entire lock.

I bought thislock 3 months ago and it is now very difficult to open & lock when I am locking or unlocking my bike - the key will simply not turn in the lock!! - I fear it will break. This seems to be a common problem with these Kryptonite locks. The inside of the lock has rusted also - in just 3 months of outdoors use.

Not recommended as a purchase - there must be better locks which are easier to use & just as secure?

This lock is stout and would be difficult to cut but it has one fatal flaw, the tumblers inside the lock.

Today after I arrived at my destination I found that I could not unlock the lock. The key would not go all the way in and it would only turn half way. I was unable to lock up my bike. Thankfully this happened before I locked my bike. If this had happened after it would have been an even bigger debacle. I would have had to cut the lock.

Closer inspection of the lock found that one of the tumblers at the bottom had rotated out of alignment with the other tumblers. With some careful prodding using a pick I was able to get it back in to alignment and get the lock working again.

The fact that this happened once and could happen again is a deal breaker for me. If I can't lock my bike this is inconvenient to say the least. And if I can't unlock my bike this is a serious problem.

This lock is so heavy that I decided to return it. I do think it is a very well made product and would perform well for someone needing the added security that this monster provides.

When I spent the summer touring in 1970, everything I mounted to my bike had to be essential and light enough that I would be willing to carry it on my back. This lock fails on both counts. For my use, I don't need a lock this heavy and I would certainly never carry it on my back.

Unlike the classic Kryptonite locks, which took a barrel key in the end of the cross-bar, this lock uses a more traditional key that fits a little keyhole in the middle of the bar. I don't like this arrangement as much, as the key is clearly more fragile than the old style, and sand gets into the lock, something that never happened with the old design. There is a sliding plastic cover intended to keep the mechanism clean, but it slides open sometimes. The lock includes a shiny metal sleeve that popped off within a month or so. This does not seem to make the lock any less useful.

Despite these issues, the lock has worked well for a couple of years. I often have to lock up to scaffolding or other inconvenient posts, and having an extra-long lock makes this easier than it would otherwise be. I don't like using a frame mount, but the lock fits in my trunk bag (a Banjo Brothers Rack Top Bag), or in the back of the kids' trailer, so it's easy to carry.