Are you looking for a reliable lock to protect your bicycle? Try looking into Kryptonite locks. You may be wondering, “what is a kryptonite lock?” Well, it has nothing to do with the Man of Steel, but it is useful for locking your bicycle!
What is a Kryptonite Lock?
Kryptonite locks, generically known as a U-shaped bicycle lock, were originally manufactured by Ingersoll Rand in the 1970s as a bicycle lock. Previously, people used big bulky chains to tether their bicycles, but even those were easily broken by thieves who used regular bolt cutters. Kryptonite locks are U-shaped steel bars with a crossbar that cuts across the top of the “U” that can be removed to unlock the bicycle. These have proven to be extremely hard to remove using standard and widely available tools and unless the would-be thief had a disk grinder or a cutting torch, your bike is perfectly safe. They come in a variety of sizes and security levels, so you can find one that fits you and your bicycle’s needs. Getting a lock that’s too large for your bike can result in a less secure bike, so select the smallest model that fits your bike.
The downside to using a Kryptonite lock is that they’re quite heavy; a side effect of being very secure. Many people who ride their bike to work simply leave the lock on the bike rack at work to avoid having to carry it back and forth. Also, don’t buy a secondhand model that was made before 2004! Models that were made before 2004 had a tubular pin tumbler lock, which could be easily opened with an inexpensive BIC pen. Make sure that the Kryptonite lock you own was made after 2004, during which Kryptonite started using an I-shaft on their locks.
Additional Help
If you lost the key to your Kryptonite lock, then you should contact Kryptonite to ask for a replacement key. In the case that your lock is still attached to your bicycle and/or the bike rack, find a local locksmith immediately with TalkLocal to get your Kryptonite lock off!
