Review on 🔒 Highly Secure Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 U-Lock with 4-Foot KryptoFlex Double Loop Cable for Bicycles by Steven Ferguson

*If you live in New York, stop reading this review and buy the heaviest chain you can find or try the Kryptonite Faghettaboudit. If not, read on. After my last bike was stolen with a cheap cable lock, I realized I had to make some changes if I wanted to protect my new bike. I did a lot of research on bike locks and decided kryptonite was the only way. With the best name in bike locks and customer support, all I had to do was decide what protection I needed. If you like me and are trying to figure out what best suits your needs, consider the following: Cable locks: just don't do it. Anyone with wire cutters can cut through any cable lock in minutes. No need for power tools. Unless you live in a virtually theft-free zone, don't take chances. U-locks are popular for their sturdy construction, and the mounting brackets that come with almost every U-lock make it perfect for commuter bikes. U-locks come in several typical sizes: 4x9, 3.25x7, and 4x11.5. The smaller the lock, the more reliably it is protected against external attacks. The longer it is, the easier it is to attach to bike racks or difficult to route past bike racks. Larger locks can also lock multiple bikes. Chain locks are notoriously the most difficult bike locking options (with the possible exception of Faghettaboudit) and offer the flexibility (pun intended) to secure larger or odd-shaped items. . With a chain, you're not limited to bike racks or railings; You can attach them to trees or telephone poles, and also secure multiple bikes together. The main disadvantage is that chain locks are significantly heavier than any other solution; The lightest chains are comparable to the strongest U-locks. Chain locks also need to be carried around or attached to your bike frame while riding. I made my decision based on the following criteria: **I live on a college campus, so I will always have a bike rack or fence.** *I often go on long (20-50 miles) bike rides, so my lock needs it be light. **I won't always have a backpack and don't want to worry about scuffing or scraping the bike frame with a lock. **Theft rate is high here so my lock must be intimidating.**Kryptonite offers theft insurance with their locks. I kept my proof of purchase so I can protect my $2500 bike if the lock ever fails. The Evolution Mini-7 was the best compromise for all my needs. This is one of the smallest U-locks but has a strong 13mm shackle. The lock is lighter than any chain lock I could find and attaches easily to my frame. The rubberized hanger won't scratch my bike or freeze my hands in the cold, and I haven't had any issues with sticky glass. The fact that it comes with a 4ft cable is good because I can run the cable through my front wheel if I ever get stuck for an extended period of time. Finally, with this lock, Kryptonite offers a $2,000 anti-theft insurance package. My bike cost more than a new one, but I could never sell it for more than $1,000 used. Should my bike ever be stolen, the insurance will protect me. In short, the Evolution Mini is lightweight, durable, portable and insured.