Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket (4-Inch x 9-Inch)
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Description of Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket (4-Inch x 9-Inch)
- 14mm, hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle with double deadbolt design
- High security disc-style cylinder with more than a million key variations, 2 standard and 1 lighted key
- Reinforced anti-drill/pull cylinder with center key location and overhead cam locking mechanism
- $2,250 anti-theft protection
| Item Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lock Size | 4" x 9" |
| Bracket Incuded | yes |
Big city cyclists need big city protection, as would-be thieves aren't intimidated by flimsy cables or weak U-locks. That's why serious cyclists turn to Kryptonite for their security needs. The Evolution Series 4 U-lock is a cut above other bike locks, with a 14mm hardened Max-Performance steel shackle designed to resist both cutters and leverage attacks. Ideal for anyone who lives in moderate to high crime areas, the Series 4 received a 9 on the Kryptonite 1-12 lock comparison system, which ranks the varying levels of security offered by the company's product range. A lock that ranks 1 on the Kryptonite scale might work if you live in the burbs and have a Rottweiler parked next to your bike or motorcycle. A lock that ranks 12, however, is built for maximum deterrence. The Series 4 also offers such security-enhancing features as a double deadbolt locking mechanism for extensive holding power; a disc-style cylinder with more than one million key variations; a reinforced anti-drill/pull cylinder protection system; and a center key location with a dual overhead cam locking mechanism that defends against leverage attacks. The Series 4 is about more than just security, however, with a sliding dustcover that protects and extends cylinder life, anti-rattle bumpers that reduce noise during transport, and versatile EZ mount transportation bracket. And as a bonus, the lock comes with three keys, one of which is lighted with a high-intensity bulb that makes it easy to unlock the Series 4 after dark. The lock measures 4 by 9 inches.
The Legendary Durability of Kryptonite Locks
The first big test for Kryptonite locks came in 1972, when Kryptonite founder Michael Zane directed the Second Avenue Bicycle Shop in New York City to lock a three-speed bicycle to a signpost in Greenwich Village. Although thieves immediately stripped all of the bicycle's removable parts, the bicycle itself remained for 30 days and 30 nights. The publicity gave Kryptonite the boost it needed and forever changed the face of bicycle security. Twenty-two years later, Kryptonite returned to the streets of the Big Apple to test its latest innovation, the New York lock. In April 1994, the New York Post laid down the ultimate challenge: Could Kryptonite's New York lock last 48 hours on the toughest streets of New York? In a city where more than 100,000 bikes are stolen each year, Kryptonite and the Post locked a brand new, bright green Univega road bike worth $600 to a parking meter in the East Village--the Bermuda Triangle of New York bicycle thievery. For a full 48 hours, the bike remained locked on the corner of Avenue A and 11th Street. Zane and Neil McDaid, director of product development and design for Kryptonite, watched from around the corner as the bike came under every possible means of assault, stumping thieves at every turn. After 48 hours the bike remained intact except for the gear derailleur, which had been stripped off. The lock showed definite signs of abuse, but it had not failed. The New York lock had met the Post's challenge.
Not satisfied with the length of the test, Zane moved the bike to SoHo for another six days and, finally, uptown near the Lincoln Center. Even in these high-theft areas the properly locked bike lasted another three weeks before being pulled off the streets by Zane and McDaid. The Post also ran the New York lock through a battery of street tests using common bike theft tools: a 4-foot bolt cutter, a crowbar, and a hammer. The non-Kryptonite locks cracked in seconds, but all methods failed on the New York lock, even the monstrous bolt cutter, which was rendered useless with large dents in its jaws.
About Kryptonite
In the early 1970s, Michael Zane was a free-spirited, bearded kid with a VW van and a big idea for a new kind of lock. He traveled thousands of miles showing the unique U-shaped locking device and spreading his passion for bicycle security to bike dealers all around the country and forged lifetime relationships. The company soon expanded its product line to include power sports, hardware, and snow sports security. Through innovative product designs, cutting-edge marketing savvy, legendary customer service, and pure fanaticism for security, Kryptonite grew with a cult-like following.
In 2001, the company that was started in a VW van was purchased by industry giant Ingersoll Rand and became a flagship brand in the company's Security Technologies sector. Publications such as Bicycling, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and a host of others continued to tout Kryptonite products as the best on the market. The company's dedication to its customers is best represented by its actions during the fall of 2004, when it was discovered that the industry-standard tubular cylinder could be compromised, at times, with a household item. Kryptonite flew into action, created a voluntary lock exchange program, and replaced more than 400,000 locks in 21 countries for free. In essence, the company redesigned the equivalent of nine years worth of new products in just 10 short months. Kryptonite is the only company in the world that offered such a comprehensive plan to customers, taking its "legendary customer service" pledge to new heights.
Sports reviews of Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket (4-Inch x 9-Inch)
Customer Review: Solid Lock
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Don't 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 you're never stuck without backups. Also consider the Kryptonite New York series as those are slightly more secure than the Evo series, but don't 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.Customer Review: Great Lock, Best for the Price.
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
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. I'm 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 I'd 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 I've attempted.
Customer Review: Tough Lock, Works Great
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Well after being an idiot and locking my bike with a cable lock in the city of Chicago (2nd highest bike theft city as I later found out) my bike got stolen (of course). So rather than go to jail for killing the person that steals another bike from me, i decided on buying this lock as a new defense. Yes the lock is a bit heavy, but that is because it is SOLID and STURDY. The mounting bracket works fine if you tighten it correctly AND put the time in to ajust it, and is easy to install. As far as the keys go, I have no idea why people are crying. The keys I recieved were sturdy and were similar to a car key, not a flat easy to bend house key. The lock mechanism works smoothly as long as you put the key in gently, which you should do with all locks anyways. So no problems what so ever. I think people are just being babies. Also, the standard lock is plenty long enough to lock through your rear triange and back wheel and around a pole or bike rack, so if you are thinking about getting the longer lock, don't bother, this one is fine. I suggest getting the 4 foot Kryto cable lock for your front wheel just to be safe. Hope this helps!Customer Review: Larger than I expected
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
This lock was larger than I expected. I was considering getting the longer version of this lock, but I'm glad that I didn't.
The metallic piece on the side has a corresponding piece that attaches to the frame. I think the idea is that you can use the two pieces to carry the lock while it's not in use. I don't bother with them, I just let the lock hang through a bar beneath my seat and the middle of the frame.
The lock comes with 3 keys, and one of the keys has a blue LED light so you can use the lock at night. There's also a plastic cover that can slide over the keyhole to prevent dirt, etc. from getting inside.
I also tested this lock against a vulnerability I saw on YouTube. Apparently some of these locks allow you to use someone else's key. My fiancé and I both bought these locks, and I tried swapping the keys but the locks didn't open.
Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to test the theft-prevention capabilities of this lock, but I think just having my bike locked would deter a would-be thief to look elsewhere.
Customer Review: Very solid lock and very well made
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
No lock will prevent a determined thief from stealing your bike. The only thing locking does is buy time and therefore offer the deterrent to move onto easier targets. This is a good solid lock that can be used alone if you remove your front tire and then insert this lock through both tires, the frame, and a secure object. You would still need to take your seat/seatpost with you. The addition of a heavy cable (such as the Kryptonite 1007) or a good cable lock or even better a chain lock would allow you to keep the front tire on and still lock it to the frame (along with the seat).
This lock (and the above suggestions) should be sufficient for all but the most expensive bikes in the highest crime areas. A great value. BTW, I don't know if they have changed the keys that come with the lock, but the three I received all seem to be of decent quality (made much like other house/car keys) and have no problem operating the lock easily.