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Knog had this prototype solid state u-lock on display, creating a mechanically keyless, pick-proof locking mechanism for bikes similar to those in high end automobiles. The artfully designed lock is expected to go for roughly $150 when it reaches market and utilizes a solid state (think RAM or USB thumb drive memory) “key” to unlock the dual engaging lock core. 
No batteries are involved in the operation, and the lock itself is made of the same hardened steel of quality u-locks to resist cutting and prying. Also of note from Knog were a couple of new tools like this folding crescent wrench and pliers and this compact multitool featuring allen keys, spoke wrenches, a chain tool and a 15mm wrench amongst a few other tricks.
this is the stuff i like to see – real and useful innovation
Id like to see this lock take some serious real world abuse before I get confidence in it. Is there any fail safe manual override? Im just wondering what happens if it does break internally after locking leaving your bike locked to the rack and unable to open again. Keyed locks are simple and people know how to get through them but they cant not work if used correctly.
What a beautiful design! The orange rubber (I’m guessing) trim looks great and looks functional! I agree with Carter. Any cutting edge technology needs a real proving ground not to mention time to come down in price before I seriously consider it.
Carter: Just like bike thieves, use a battery powered grinder? I mean, it’s not like anyone is going to stop you…
I’m writing this halfway through 2011 and the Knog website is just now promising that the Strongman will be available online in November 2011.
My first guess is that they did some actual testing and didn’t get very good results… although that didn’t stop them from releasing their other model colo[u]rful plastic-covered cable locks with the supposed tough core. I just finished watching a YouTube video where the guy took a standard 3/8-inch braided steel cable and – using a brand new pair of chinese-made cutters – proceeded to cut through the steel cable in ten seconds. Then, with that benchmark established, he used the same cutters (now presumably dulled a little by the cable) to cut through the blue Knog lock in SIX seconds. Three or four seconds for the outer silicone cover and the woven steel, and a couple more seconds to worry the tough inner cord and there it was, no longer a lock, just an expensive piece of plastic with a bit of metal inside.
I could see those locks being of some value if it took a standard, cheap bolt-cutter of the length that thieves conceal down one pant-leg, maybe a full minute to work through. SIX seconds, though, is not any kind of deterrent.
Could the cool-looking Knog Strongman with its fancy unlocking mechanism (with the risk that other people have highlighted) be $150-worth of better? I’ll wait for some reviewers who give it a real-life workout and hit it with some standard bike-thief tactics.
Meanwhile, my yellow-and-black Kryptonite New York lock weighs four pounds, is ugly with my red bike, and its cheap-shit plastic mounting bracket broke in the first week (so now I bungee the lock to the pannier-rack), but the lock is rugged and hard to defeat. Oh well. Coolness will have to wait.
Ride on, y’all.