Kryptonite offers free upgrades for easily picked bike locks
By Peter Rojas 
posted Sep 19th 2004 1:55PM
posted Sep 19th 2004 1:55PM
We won't get into the whole thing about whether or not they simply ignored the problem for years, but since it's pretty clear now that all it takes is a Bic pen and a little bit of elbow grease to pop open their locks, Kryptonite is responding to the media hailstorm and offering a free worldwide upgrade program for anyone who bought an Evolution lock, KryptoLok lock, New York Chain, New York Noose, Evolution Disc Lock, KryptoDisco or DFS Disc Lock in the last two years (if you've had it for more than two years you qualify for a "sizeable rebate"). You have to have either registered your key number, sign up for their anti-theft program, or have proof of purchase to qualify for the offer.
You need to add "@public?tn=home_home" to the end of the link. Or people could just go to http://www.kryptonitelock.com/ and click Enter; the offer is right on the main page.
Who registers their bike lock? So, what they are saying, if I don't have proof of purchase, I didn't sign up for the anti-theft program, or register my serial number from the lock, I am not entitled?
is if you register the key, which is proof of ownership, you get an upgrade.
I hope their anti-theft program is for the bike you plan to secure with the lock, and not for the lock itself. It would be quite strange to have an anti-theft program for the lock...
So let me get this right ...
I go to the grocery store with my Bic, pick someone's bike lock, steal the lock and the bike, and then I can get it upgraded to an unpickable version for free?!
If you have one of their locks you can go to their site and using a number on the lock's key, register your lock. By doing that you are now allowed an upgrade or 'sizeable rebate'. Another option is you sign up for the anti-theft program (which no doubt requires proof of your ownership of one of their locks, and possibly a small fee). And, last option is you show them your reciept. Makes sense. And don't even bother asking silly questions like "I hope their anti-theft program is for the bike you plan to secure with the lock, and not for the lock itself." ^^ I think you can logic that one out yourself.
"I go to the grocery store with my Bic, pick someone's bike lock, steal the lock and the bike, and then I can get it upgraded to an unpickable version for free?!"
I guess, as long as you can steal proof of purchase and the keys while you're at it.
Combination Bike Cable Locks are also easy to pick.
(see representative photo)
http://www.nasadist.com/TRI-4119_80w.jpg
Simply tension the lock cable (using your foot works) and turn the difficult tumbler til it 'locks' then pick the next tightest etc.
I've done several, just for fun.
I wonder if they'll buy me a new bike since their "High Security Lock" failed to keep my bike "locked" up.
$50 Kryptonite Lock
$2500 Bike
$0.23 Bic Pen
.....
Priceless....I mean...uhhh