Customer Reviews

Kryptonite Evolution Mini Bike U-Lock

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

The Evolution Mini is definitely a great lock. It's small, well built and is one of the highest rated bike locks on the market. It weighs about 2 lbs which isn't bad considering it's high rating of protection. The Evolution Mini can fit in your back pocket but be weary of the "E-Z Mounting Bracket". It's cheap and of questionable quality. Don't be surprised if the mounting bracket snaps in two or swings around when you hit a bump. (I don't use the mounting bracket because it's so crappy.)

I like the fact that the Evolution Mini won't 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 it's fully secured. Very nice.

Note: The keyhole can be a bit finicky if you don't insert the key all the way and properly. Just take your time and don't 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 don't 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 Mini's small size.

Another feature I like is the sliding keyhole cover. It protects the keyhole and the lock's 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 won't stand by it's products which is really pathetic so don't 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 it's anti-theft protection in NYC. (Shame on Kryptonite for such a poor mounting solution and not standing by it's product in NYC!!!)

Overall, I would highly recommend this lock to anyone looking for some of the best bike lock security available to date.

I downgraded to this lock from New York Fahgettaboutit Mini (NYF). The inside diameter is about the same size only slightly smaller, but less than half the weight!

Main reason for this choice of U Lock was for weight savings, mounting bracket, color, and small size. (it truly does fit anywhere)

Weight is almost not an issue no matter how you carry. Backpack, back Pocket, or Bracket are not a problem. The crushing weight of the NYF was unbearable. So hands down this is far nicer to ride around in.

I've read many reviews on how hard it is to get the lock out of the supplied bracket. I've been using this ulock daily in the bracket for 2 months. I have it mounted to my seat tube, and yet to experience a problem. It's been mounted so that I have about 3 inches of clearance from the top tube. When lifting the lock upwards it will gently bump into the top tube letting me quickly know the lock is free and ready to be removed. I've never pinched my fingers as some have claimed, or had to wrestle with the release of the bracket EVER. Maybe I got a newer designed bracket? Or maybe I'm not retarded and can use a ulock bracket correctly? The bracket is the main reason I got rid of my NYF (to large to have a bracket) and I LOVE IT, works as intended.

I hate to admit it but one of the most compelling reasons that I got this lock over the much cheaper and nearly identical ulock (series 2) was the bright orange color. I just love it, and it's been easier to spot my bike on the rack.

Using a commuter bike doesn't lend itself to being easily locked up by this ulock. But I knew that after using the NYF for a year. There are a few times I've had to be very creative on what I've locked the bike up to. But luckily there has always been something near by that has worked. If your concerned about wheels get a cable lock. I bought a 12mm cable lock to lock my GF bike to mine and it works just fine.

The BAD things I've noticed so far:

Bent foot design: I was spoiled with the NYF and able to lock it any way without looking (double bolt design). Now I have to make sure I get the bent foot into the right hole before locking up and leaving. This usually cost me and extra 2-6 seconds in lock up time, I'm sure it will speed up as I use it more.

Key: Poor design and not very strong, it looks to be using much less tumblers than the NYF so its even weaker key design! Never close to breaking it off yet, but if you don't take your time I can see how this would snap off on you. (TURN KEY SLOWLY and check for resistance!!!!)

Overall recommendations:

Looking for a small lightweight strong ulock that should last years this maybe the one for you. In all honesty if your on a budget just get the series 2 (gray lock) its basically the same. Series 2 has gray rubber, and is slightly longer (wont fit in your back pocket, so no hipster look). And after intense research found out it uses slightly softer metal. Takes 5 mins from cordless grinder to cut threw Evolution Mini, and 3.5 mins for series 2.

If they come out with a Evolution Mini with double bolt like the new Evolution 4 and NY line I will upgrade that's the only reason I would ever change ulocks because I hate this bent foot! (more of an annoyance then anything)

There is a serious flaw to these locks: the keys open multiple Kryptonite locks. I guess they were too cheap to manufacture unique key threads for each lock. After locking my bike up in a well lit area in front of a popular eatery, I returned 15 minutes later to find the lock still attached to bike hoop without my bike. Another reviewer mentioned this problem with Kryptonite locks in Amazon reviews. However, I didn't think much of it and regretfully purchased the Evolution Mini. Now I am out of a bike and stuck with a lock that too risky to use.

I suggest you purchase some other lock than the Kryptonite Evolution Mini.

This is my second Evo-Mini. I acquired a new bike and wanted to take advantage of the Anti-Theft Policy Krypto offers on a new lock (up to $2000 for the Evo Mini, be sure to read the fine print). Though functionally the same, Krypto has made some improvements/changes to the lock since they sent me a replacement following the Bic pen debacle of 2004. Namely, the cross bar is a bit bigger and shaped differently on the key side, and (this is a good one) the keys are redesigned so that they hang more like normal keys on a key chain-they used to have a large oval section which was roughly perpendicular to the blade of the key, now the oval section is smaller and positioned parallel to the blade.

As a side note, though this purchase was predicated largely on the Krypto Anti-Theft Policy, the best policy is to make your locked bike look too difficult, time consuming, etc to a would-be thief. To those ends, I plan on using this lock in tandem with a New York Noose chain.

This is the best U-lock out there bar none. It's 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 won't easily fit through a wheel and a frame and something else, and cables are a pain

The size is perfect and it's just enough to keep your bike from disappearing when your in the record store.

I don't have much to add beyond what others have said, but for those trying to find a product weight, it's 898g + 65g for the bracket (1.98lbs, 2.12lbs total). See the photo I uploaded.

Basically, you're looking at only a couple pounds of weight to carry this thing around, which is much less than larger locks.

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 you're just running into somewhere quick and don't mind just locking the frame up.

Wow, this lock is just amazing. It is small, portable and mega tough. As for the mounting bracket, I have absolutley no problem with it. I don't know why some reviewers here are claiming that the mounting bracket is cheap. Mine is perfectly well constructed and it is serving its purpose beautifully. Absolutely everything about this lock is well crafted, including the mounting bracket. I carry it on my bike everywhere I go, and nobody dares tamper with this small but powerful anti-theft device. I have been able to use it pretty much anywhere I want, so its small size is not really an issue at all. I did a lot of research on bike locks before buying this one, and I am super satisfied with every aspect of this Kryptonite Evolution Mini Lock. I would recommend this to anybody that cares about the security of their bicycle, and furthermore, I would happily buy this lock again with no regrets!