List Price: $61.95
Sale Price: $47.99
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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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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 1-2 tumblers less 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)
.... and it's not for a beach cruiser because the opening is to small. I have to use the cable to lock my GF bike to mine or else she would have to go lock-less.
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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.
Honest reviews on Kryptonite Evolution Mini Bike U-Lock
The Evolution Mini is a good buy for the price. It it solid enough to provide ample security without the dead weight of the New York Lock. The quality control seems to vary on the keying mechanism, and it is sometimes difficult to engage the unlock mechanism. I've used another copy of this lock, which didn't have the same issue.I have also found out some information that is relevant to those who are interested in having multiple Kryptonite locks that are keyed alike. After purchasing this lock, and contacting Kryptonite to purchase a second lock keyed alike with my key-code, I was told that this can only be done if you purchase the locks together. You cannot order additional locks keyed alike to existing purchases.
To buy these locks or other Evolution locks keyed alike, you must purchase them directly from Kryptonite. Unfortunately they charge full retail, which is up to 50% more than what Amazon charges, with an additional $5 fee per EACH keyed alike lock. Not a very good deal for a mild convenience.
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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.
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