Reddit reviews Kryptonite Evolution 13mm U-Lock with FlexFrame-U Bracket

Hey OP. Friendly neighborhood lockpicker here. I pick locks as a hobby and keep up with the security of a lot of the locks that are released. I also recently got a ninebot and therefore wanted a U-lock for it as well. The kryptonite lock you suggested here is actually a good one. I'd avoid the master lock cuffs posted above, master locks are notoriously shit and those cuffs are actually one of the better ones from them, but they're still shit. And I'd never get the last one you posted, I've never even heard of it and you'd likely be paying $20 to get your scooter stolen. As a general rule of thumb, if you care about something, you should care about spending the money for a good lock for it. That being said, here's the lock I decided on for my scooter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZT8KZ1/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_laC3Db2XXBFF7. I'd suggest that one or one of the other similar ones in that line. The kryptonite one you posted is likely still good, but I know that kryptonite used plastic covers over the lock body of some of their bike locks that could be destroyed with a heat gun or blow torch to easily open the lock. The one I suggested is all metal. Good luck with your lock needs.

Bike thieves are the worst. I'm sorry, it's shitty.

Do yourself a favor and invest $40-50 in a kryptonite bike lock... check this one out on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-2079-Evolution-Bicycle-KryptoFlex/dp/B06XZT8KZ1/ref=sr_1_4?crid=4P5D9D1G4LYJ&keywords=kryptonite+bike+lock&qid=1566405464&s=gateway&sprefix=kryptonite%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-4

Lots of people don't know but Kryptonite offers a program that if you register your bike with them after buying a lock, they guarantee it's safety. And by that I mean they will offer a value $$ if your bike gets stolen and you can produce the cut lock back to them.

Worth looking into, don't trust purely cable locks especially a hardware store brand. You really get what you pay for.

Edit: Also, if you register your keys online and somehow lose both of the ones you get, they can send you new keys to get your bike back :)

I have the previous version of this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XZT8KZ1/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

If you buy "cheap", chances are that you're either buying something that's built to be a temporary toy or buying stolen (thus increasing demand for stolen bikes). What you need to do is ask, "Where can I get the cheapest price for an unstolen bike that will last me four years?"

The ASUCD Bike Barn's Aggie Bike Buy option is an incredibly good deal that few bike shops can match. https://asucd-bikebuy.ucdavis.edu/product-category/bikes/ The guy who runs the shop (Robert) is ultra-sensitive about the cost of bikes but since he and his team has to fix the bikes, he's always looking for the best value. An 8-speed Biria ($475) will be enough bike for most riders. Coupled with their 4-year unlimited labor plan ($175), you will have a bike that will work well for 4 years. (Just make sure to put the plan to use! If something doesn't feel or sound right, take your bike in for a check-up!)

But you also have to keep that bike secure, so you NEED to purchase at LEAST one great lock and at LEAST an supplemental cable. My favorite setup is the Kryptonite Evo4 standard size U-lock and cable. https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-2079-Evolution-Bicycle-KryptoFlex/dp/B06XZT8KZ1/ It comes with an anti-theft guarantee of $1,500 (as long as you register the lock, use it correctly, and file a police report if the bike is stolen)!

That's probably more money than you want to spend, right? $475+$175+$60 = $710 (plus tax). But that will get you:

A non-stolen bike you want to ride, will be rideable for 4+ years, and that will likely not be stolen (if you actually use the lock correctly). If you purchase a "cheap bike" (Walmart, Target, Costco, Big5, etc.), you'd be lucky if it lasts the year. And if your bike doesn't work, then you've just wasted your money.

I got this one which of course has gone down in price by like $10 since I ordered it two days ago.

I do the same thing at parks and forest roads. I don't have the budget, or want for hard locking panniers, so I just lock my gear to the bike.

I bring a small bike U lock that comes with a cable lock. The cable I put through everything I can, helmet, jacket arm, pant leg and loops on my soft panniers (I just stash my boots on the other side of the bike). The U-lock I put through the wheel to secure the bike. This is the one I use, but you can probably get a cheaper one

That's just the way people are .. people will steal whatever they can get your hands on.

Do you have the serial number of the bike? You might be able to go to the police and report the theft and hope someone gets back to you.

Unfortunately this might be one of those times where you learn a lesson and move on since bike theft is pretty common in Waterloo (just do a quick google search and you'll find multiple instances of this happening)

Some tips for next time:

make sure to buy a decent U-Lock with a cable it's going to be bulky and expensive but worth it since thieves go for the easiest bike they can get their hands on. That means any bike locked with a cable lock can easily be cut in a matter of seconds with a pair of decent bolt cutters without much work. While we're on that point make sure to lock your bike securely. People generally recommend the Sheldon Brown Bike Lock method since it locks the frame and back wheel to the post making it more difficult to cut.

Second is to never let your bike unattended overnight especially if it is a public area like the garage of 333 Lester. Even if the building has a controlled entry secured bike room its always best to keep it in your own suite.


Yes it does suck having it stolen, you might have some luck if you browse kijiji/craiglist/fb buy and sell forums and see if you can find a bike that looks like that. Then if possible meet up in a secure location (police station) and examine the bike serial number/identifying features. Just know that a lot of the time it is very difficult to trace down theives and you might just have to take the loss.

Monsieur Cycles. You'll get an affordable and good-looking tank. Then, wire it to the national database (here), get yourself a robust U-lock and you'll be fine. Your initial budget (400€) will do for the ensemble.

>Is 1 U-lock and a cable enough

This can heavily depend on the brand. No lock/chain/cable will 100% protect your bike, the goal is to either make it too much work, too much time, (edit: too obvious in public,) or not worth the time. You should be asking yourself how much is your bike worth and how much are you willing to invest in protecting it, both money wise but also time wise (how long do you want to spend locking and unlocking your bike every time you park?)

Edit: This would be my general recommendation if you have a bike worth protecting but are still on a budget, here's a video of a locksmith breaking it down

Edit 2: For comparison this is a lock that would make thieves' mouths water, you could break it surrounded by a hundred people without even looking like youre stealing a bike

I personally grabbed an ES2 and then got a used battery kit for $75 from eBay (I mostly care about the torque, not the range; but the battery I got ended up being in good condition)

I use this lock: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XZT8KZ1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm moving to Waterloo though, and will be close to a University. I was thinking maybe this: https://www.amazon.ca/Kryptonite-Evolution-Mini-7-Bicycle-KryptoFlex/dp/B06XZT8KZ1

"ANTI THEFT PROTECTION
BICYCLE $2,500 USD"

My bikes are in my front hall. The number of bikes i hear of stolen off peoples porches, basements, yard, etc, makes me feel like this is the only safe place.

I have this, am I good? https://smile.amazon.com/Kryptonite-2079-Evolution-Bicycle-KryptoFlex/dp/B06XZT8KZ1

Rev $1600

Helmet - $42
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0091PBOL4?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

Phone mount - $17.00
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B078L18FTZ?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

Pump - $28.50
https://www.amazon.com/BV-Ergonomic-Automatically-Reversible-Schrader/dp/B0085OUN1O/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=bv+bike+pump&qid=1566320951&s=gateway&sprefix=bv+bike+&sr=8-3

Lock - $50
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XZT8KZ1?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

This is turning into some real money for something I really don’t need.

I would avoid riding at dark but I could see myself doing it a few times a month.

Basically this MEC helmet should keep me safe ? https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5057-509/Skyway-Cycling-Helmet

Will probably go for a lock like this : Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock with 4' KryptoFlex Double Loop Bike Cable https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XZT8KZ1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XHjyDbWH7ECF7

Should be good?

I thankfully already have a bell so don’t have to buy one of those. Also got myself a mini tire pump.

This is a pretty low price for the Kryptonite 2079 New-U Evolution Mini-7 Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock w/ 4’ KryptoFlex Double Loop Bike Cable ($47.08)

I figured as much, just wanted to highlight that "military grade" is more of a marketing gimmick than an actual indicator of quality. /u/JustTehFactsJack posted a good looking guide though for lock recommendations

Specifically mentions "military grade": https://www.amazon.com/Lumintrail-Combination-Illumination-Components-Resistant/dp/B01BZC4QHE

No mention of "military grade": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZT8KZ1

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Edit: Ok then, buy your "military grade" locks if you want ¯\_(ツ)_/¯