DaveReading
Don't suffer fools gladly (must try harder!)
- Location
- Reading, obvs
Kryptonite sell most of their U-locks with a "Lifetime Limited Warranty", promising to replace a defective lock at any time if returned to them or their authorised distributor.
Has anyone ever succeeded in doing this?
I bought an Evolution Mini-7 about 18 months ago, and was very pleased with it until a few weeks ago when the key started to jam, making unlocking it a bit iffy. Apparently it's a known issue and it can usually be worked around by using a paperclip or small screwdriver to line up all the discs in the barrel before inserting the key (otherwise it may not go in all the way and then won't turn). Kryptonite also recommend lubing the lock with something like Finish Line.
That solution worked for a bit, but the lock gradually became more temperamental up to the point where I started to worry about locking my bike up and then not being able to unlock it. Well that time came today, though fortunately it happened as I was about to lock the bike, not unlock it. So now I have a lock sitting on the shelf that won't open for love nor money with any of the provided keys..
Amazon UK, from whom I bought the lock, laughed when I suggested that they could provide a warranty replacement. Madison (Kryptonite's UK distributor) didn't want to know unless I had a trade account. Last resort was Kryptonite in the US, where I duly filled out a fault report on their website and got an automated response that a ticket had been raised. Time will tell whether the "Lifetime Warranty" is worth the paper it's written on, in the meantime I'm lugging about my wife's Abus that's twice the size and weight (though probably more secure).
Failing that, any recommendations for a secure, compact lock ? I'm happy using something that will fit snugly through the rear triangle, inside the wheel and around a normal Sheffield-type rack.
Has anyone ever succeeded in doing this?
I bought an Evolution Mini-7 about 18 months ago, and was very pleased with it until a few weeks ago when the key started to jam, making unlocking it a bit iffy. Apparently it's a known issue and it can usually be worked around by using a paperclip or small screwdriver to line up all the discs in the barrel before inserting the key (otherwise it may not go in all the way and then won't turn). Kryptonite also recommend lubing the lock with something like Finish Line.
That solution worked for a bit, but the lock gradually became more temperamental up to the point where I started to worry about locking my bike up and then not being able to unlock it. Well that time came today, though fortunately it happened as I was about to lock the bike, not unlock it. So now I have a lock sitting on the shelf that won't open for love nor money with any of the provided keys..
Amazon UK, from whom I bought the lock, laughed when I suggested that they could provide a warranty replacement. Madison (Kryptonite's UK distributor) didn't want to know unless I had a trade account. Last resort was Kryptonite in the US, where I duly filled out a fault report on their website and got an automated response that a ticket had been raised. Time will tell whether the "Lifetime Warranty" is worth the paper it's written on, in the meantime I'm lugging about my wife's Abus that's twice the size and weight (though probably more secure).
Failing that, any recommendations for a secure, compact lock ? I'm happy using something that will fit snugly through the rear triangle, inside the wheel and around a normal Sheffield-type rack.
The lock has never been used outside, only used to lock bikes in the garage so not a a major issue, but i won't buy another Kryptonite. My other locks are Bulldog & older, never had a problem 
