As far as bike locks go, they are all pretty much the same, especially among the U-lock style. The fact is, there are few differences that will stop a bike thief. ANY lock can be breached. Its just a matter of how easily.

Kryptonite believes their locks are built well, so well that they offer a $2000 guarantee (their policy in New York is slightly different, see their website for more info) if your bike gets stolen while locked with this lock. I wish I could comment on how easily it is to prove your bike was stolen and collect from them, but I can't. But the fact is that is a pretty good deal. Chances are if you bike costs more than $2000 you are smart enough to buy a New York lock which covers you for up to $3500, and if your bike costs more than $3500 you are smart enough NOT to lock it up anywhere but inside your house or place of work.

A little background
There are lots of ways of breaching a lock. You can place a car jack inside of it and jack it up until it simply breaks, you can pry some open you CAN hack through them, it takes a pretty long time, and I'm sure theres lots of other ways.

The Evo Mini
This lock is good because it is small. This prevents tools (car jacks, pry bars, etc) from being used to break it open. There is almost no defense against a hacksaw. And the fact is if you lock your bike to an aluminum meter post, it doesn't matter what kind of material your lock is made of, the meter is relatively easy to cut. Just some things to keep in mind.

Ease of use
This lock is easy to lock and unlock. Sometimes the dust cover gets in the way when locking and unlocking. You WILL be limited to what you can lock your bike to, since the Mini is smaller than most U locks.

Features:

Bent Foot
Kryptonite uses the 'bent' foot design. In this design the one end of the shackle (U part) of the lock is bent out. This bent part slides into the other part of the lock(crossbar). Other lock manufacturers might weld this 'foot' on, weakening the locks ability to resist pry attacks.

Lock Cylinder
Kryptonite also uses a 7 pin pick and drill resistant lock cylinder. Most lock manufacturers also use this type of cylinder. Krypto also uses a central location for their lock cylinder to further prevent pry attacks.

Dust Cover
This is a small piece of plastic that rotates over the lock cylinder to prevent particles from falling into it and jamming it.

Vinyl Coated
Again, most U locks offer this, good for weatherproofing the lock, and protecting your bikes finish.


I have owned two of these locks and couldn't be happier, mostly because my bikes never got stolen. Kryptonite is a great company. I used one lock so much that the lock cylinder no longer worked. Kryptonite was more than happy to give me a new lock, even without a receipt. Replacing keys is also easy.

The only complaint I can think of is that the lock cylinders tend to get rusty and require oiling if you use the lock a lot in the rain. Almost any other lock would have this problem.



Recommended: Yes