Review on 🔒 Kryptonite Evolution U-Lock - 11-14mm Shackle Width with FlexFrame-U Mount by Eric Ramen

I bought this lock when I first got my e-bike and came back after 4 years to write a review and was shocked to see all the 1 star reviews Seeing reviews with people who didn't seem to understand: a) the limitations of ANY U-lock (like the fact that it's rigid so not suitable for things like power poles) b) how to pick the lock (tip: You push the key all the way through) and turn it ) c) All bike locks are daunting. If you've parked your bike in a dodgy spot, or if someone *really* wants your bike, no amount of lock is going to stop an angle grinder. At least this will be a pain in the ass. With that in mind, here are the brief pros and cons of this lock after 4 years of use and 6000km of commuting on my bike. I didn't babysit it, I scattered it and used it as a lock. It's been in the back of my rack all the time and I've locked it up in some pretty shabby spots to keep it running, through heavy rain, sleet, and at night. Keys and locking system still run as smooth as butter after 4 years and are worn, but physically in order. ADVANTAGES: + Reliable security. It is heavy and powerful and a great deterrent. I came back to see the obvious scratches as people tried to pick the lock, pry it open with some sort of saw and generally try to bend it (which left marks on my frame). I still have my bike after 4 years. I think other reviews have made the mistake of either parking their bikes away from other bikes (there's always a good chance it's easier to ride next to you) or expecting it to blowtorch stop and last forever. Locks are a deterrent! + Durability. I've been cycling my bike on and off under a tarp and in the open rain for weeks. I also live near the sea, so I have a bit more corrosion (for context, I went through two chains on my bike). No problem with any part of the lock including the key/locking system. + Length - No, does not wrap around telephone poles like a folding lock. But as long as you can get it, this is a great size and length for most poles, bike racks, and metal fences. This can be annoying considering it's not a folding/cable lock, but then again U-locks are more secure than the old ones. CONS: - Fierce - this lock is a choke. It's beefy and the frame mount sucks so it should live on my C-pillar. To be honest it doesn't bother me as I prefer security but it has to be said. - It's a U-lock, which means it's rigid and can't wrap around or through objects. Personally, I ride around town where there are lots of bike racks, metal fences or narrow posts for me to lock up. If you don't have this luxury, you can use a chain or folding lock. The key system was awkward when first used: I remember when I first got this lock, I accidentally grabbed the lock when trying to open it. Turns out it's very easy to pick the lock halfway if you don't put the key all the way in *before* you turn it. After a few months I got used to it and had NONE of the durability issues I've seen in others over the last 4 years. I always closed the keyhole and put the key all the way in before turning. No problem but it was a slight bend - unbreakable - All the 1 star photos and reviews I see are of people having their locks carved with an angle grinder or a very very determined thief and a hacksaw. Nothing will stop a determined thief. The usual logic is to try and park in a very crowded, well-lit area, preferably next to some other bikes with worse locks that are easier to steal. Thieves are adventurous, so if a good bike has a crappy lock near you that takes less time to steal, they'll take it. I understand that people are angry because their bikes are being stolen and so am I. But that's not the lock's fault - if you want a virtually indestructible lock, get a NYC Kryptonite lock and carry an extra ton of metal, or buy a frame lock and some U-locks. I just park somewhere sane, strapped to some metal and with a frame lock on my bike. I had several attempts on the bike, but none came close to cracking it. Remember kids, angle grinders aren't flimsy or quiet. But if you park in a place where nobody is around you, it will.