After working with a number of professional bike messengers, Kryptonite unveiled their latest locks – the Messenger Collection. As some of the heaviest lock users around, most messengers are pretty familiar with what locks work out on the streets. Before the first focus group Kryptonite wasn’t really sure what to expect in the way of requests from the messengers, but after that first meeting it was clear that they had some great ideas that could be incorporated into the existing products.
The result is a new group of locks that not only make your bike more secure, but also make it easier to transport the locks to your destination. Building on their 30 year relationship with messengers all over the world, the latest products answer the three needs that were expressed to Kryptonite – flexibility/fit, durability, and a one lock solution.
See how Kryptonite hit the right combination after the break…
One of our favorites in the Messenger Collection is the new Messenger Mini +. In addition to a new wider and longer shackle for the Messenger Mini, the + version gets an additional wheel extender that greatly increases the utility of the standard U lock. Instead of having to take your front wheel off to lock it up, the wheel extender slips around it while the U lock is locked around the frame and the bike rack. The extender can also be used around the rear wheel, frame and front wheel (removed) to make it even easier to lock up the entire bike with a single lock.
The Messenger Mini itself has a new 11mm instead of 13mm shackle for lighter weight, but the shackle is just as strong thanks to new Max Performance steel. Durability of the lock core is also improved with the new Duocore cylinder which uses anti-rotation discs which will keep your key from breaking inside. Weight of the Mini is listed at 0.83 kg or 1.14kg for the Mini + and the locks will sell for $74.95 or $85.95 respectively.
Also in the line up is the new Chain & Moly which is more of an “old school chain lock.” Using a 4 sided chain, the lock includes a Moly style padlock with a hardened steel body which can be worn as a belt in the unlocked position. This makes it so you can get to your destination and lock it up in a snap. Using a 3’3″ long chain, the Chain & Moly comes in at 2.84 kgs and retails for $84.95.
The Messenger Collection isn’t limited to just locks as Kryptonite was showing their new Security WheelNutz. Basically a Kryptonite branded version of the IXOW Gravity nuts, the nuts can only be removed from the bike when it is turned upside down. That means if you lock your bike in a way that it can’t be flipped upside down, there is no way for someone to unbolt and steal your wheels. The design also means there are no specialty tools to remove your wheels when working on your bike.
Available in M9, M10, and 3/8″ thread, the WheelNutz are sold separately for $30.95 or with the Messenger Mini for $95.95.
All of the Messenger Collection will be available in December 2014 as well as the new Color Series for the Chain and Mini U locks. The Keeper 785 Chain Color series will retail for $35.35 and the KryptoLok series 2 Mini-7 kryptonitelock.com
