insert clever quip about ubiquity here
some idiot figured out how to open a lock with a bic pen. i describe him as an idiot not because he figured out how to do this, but because he made a video of how to do it and posted it on the net.
wired article about Chris Brennan, idiot
this has been a known flaw with the “u” style of lock for some time, but as it was a little known flaw it was no big deal. now any bike thief with a pen is going to be out all night stealing bikes – thanks to the instructional video.
Brennan thinks he is doing a public good by exposing the flaw in these locks. if everyone who owned one of these locks could be warned, or contacted, and replacement locks were being offered there might be some public benefit in his message. as it stands, there is no good solution, and buying a replacement lock may not be feasible for some bike riders. The “New York” series bike lock runs over $100 per lock.
the only thing chris has done with his video is write himself into the history books as a dolt. i love my bike, and i’ve spent many hours sitting in my office building fretting about whether or not my trusty two-wheeler will still be locked up after work.
now, thanks to chris, i have one more reason to worry.
update: Chris is actually a rather nice fellow
Categories: bike / |
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