Happy New Year!

So, it's the end of the year....a time for reflection and looking ahead, right? Ok, I can do that...

2007 was a big one here at Kryptonite. We started a transformation of our brand, which was quite time consuming, but fairly successful. We tripped up a few places - the new stickers weren't such a big hit. Street stencils? What were we thinking there? Total bust. But, the posters were received very well (who doesn't like penguins?!). The outdoor campaign with billboards and ads were good.

Being involved with the bicycle valet programs was fantastic! We also loved placing bike racks in cities around the country. We hope that both of these programs assisted, and will continue to assist, cyclists in these cities.

2007 was also the year that we caught up with the rest of the world and totally revamped our website. It seems like a hundred years ago that I was cramming to get copy and photos to our agency so we could put up the site in just over 6 weeks. I'm not kidding....soup to nuts in just over 6 weeks. I never want to do that again! Don't get me wrong, creating a new site from scratch is a blast! Doing it in 6 weeks is a complete stretch. We had a few growing pains in the beginning and we are still adding to the site, but all in all we love it and hope you do, too.

Then there was this blog. It's still not what I want it to be, but it's an evolving process. I think it's a good start. Thanks to everyone who has given us feedback and supported this effort. Personally, I'm quite thankful to you all. And to those who shared their Unbreakable Bonds, thank you. We couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share their stories.

The products in 2007 were pretty darn cool, too. How about that oval crossbar on the Evolution series 4? Sweet, huh?! And then there was the complete cable redesign. Yikes! That was a lot of work, but so worth it.

Team Kryptonite grew by one this year when Nicole Hoffman signed on with us. And Jody Perewitz became an 'unofficial' Team Kryptonite member. Both represented us well at events and races and even blogged their thoughts here when their schedules allowed.

Our internal team grew, too, with the addition of our regional managers. We're happy to have them aboard!

There was much more, but hey, these are just the highlights.

So...2008...what will that bring? So much stuff, I can't even tell you....ok, I can tell you some, both professional and personal.

Products - yup, there will be new products. First up are some products for the motorcycle market that dealers will see at the Dealer Expo show in February. That's right around the corner, which means we need to kick some butt with a few things to get that all worked out in time. But, we will. We work well under pressure.

There will also be some upgrades to a few products that will be hitting sooner rather than later. Big and bad, I promise you!

We're also in the process of working on something that will dazzle you. That won't be until later in the year, but I'll keep you posted as we move along with that project.

Marketing - it isn't official yet, but there will be some major news to announce probably in the next month between us and.....ok, I can't tell you that, but it will be big. Huge. You'll know as soon as the ink is dry on the contract. I'm so excited, but I can't say just yet because, well the ink hasn't even hit the paper yet. We're working on it. You will be the first to know, of course.

We are also looking to support bike valet programs again this year and place bike racks in some more cities. We are already working on getting this program together and have identified cities that we'd like to work with on this. As soon as we know more we'll let you know.

The website will continue to evolve. Soon (January, I think) we'll add some new functionality to the site which will be very different for us. We'll also have some new folks telling their stories on the front pages - I'm working on that right now. I'm going to try to keep up with the website changes a little more frequently this year, too.

As I mentioned, the blog has had a good start, but I'm not totally happy with it. Life happens and I've slacked on getting some more Unbreakable Bonds stories, but I've got a few folks that I'm going to have do this at the beginning of the year...and if you want to share your story, please send me an email! Share your story, c'mon this is a partnership here....I give...you give...c'mon..share.

What else would I change? Having more people from here contribute. Aren't you sick of me yet? Seriously. There will be more participation from the sales team and some other folks here. Really. There will. You'll also hear from Team Kryptonite some more.

Speaking of Team Kryptonite...we'll officially be adding a new member in the new year. That should give you a hint as to who it is. And, we'll be starting some new programs with two of the Team Kryptonite members. I can't wait to share all the details with you soon (February).

Oh, and there will be weddings....at least two that we'll share with you in the new year (one maybe very, very soon).

We've got a few other things up our sleeve for the new year, too, but I'm still working out a few of them. One I'm so psyched about I'll be telling you before I've got it all done, I'm sure. I won't be able to contain myself. It's not quite on par as the partnership deal I mentioned, but it will be cool (I hope).

So, that's a lot of stuff...without really saying too much, right? I know, I know, I'm teasing a little bit, but some of the things aren't finalized yet and 1) I don't want to jinx anything, I'm superstitious that way and 2) we really can't say something about partnerships and such until they are signed.

However, I can tell you some things that I, personally, am hoping to accomplish in the new year.
- Lose weight. I watched several people here drop pounds like they were going out of style and then there was Susan Perewitz who made a fabulous transformation over the summer. Truly, they are all inspirational. Tomorrow, I start. We'll see how it goes.
- Chalk the roads again! It's been way too long since I chalked the road at a pro race. But, it's not a professional goal. This year, I have a personal reason to get to a race, chalk the road and cheer on my friend Tyler who will be back in the peloton where he belongs. When the schedule comes out I'll let y'all know which race I'll be at. I'd love to meet some of you on the roads.
- I WILL participate in more Spokesmen podcasts. I'm very thankful that my fellow Spokesmen have been so patient with me and my crazy schedule. I feel embarrassed to even say that I'm part of that group because I didn't make many of the episodes this year, but I've got a new headset, no shortage of opinions and I'm ready to go.
- I'll start blogging again over on my blog. I let that go when we started this blog, but I've always got a lot to say and not all of it is work related...my opinions have been bottling up now and it's the right time to start again for me personally. Don't know if I will have retained any interest there, but we'll see. I know that Masiguy has started to video blog (bravo!), but that's not something I'll get into (I have a face for podcasting and blogging!). So, yes, the new year will bring more Tidbits from me.
- I started contributing to the new Plog (Perewitz blog) this year, but only once. You'll see more from me there, too.
- Get a camera again. I lost mine at Interbike in Vegas and I've missed taking photos both for the blog and personally. I'm looking for a good sale and I'll pick one up. You'll start to see more photos here then...like sneak peeks of new products etc...
- And....I'll ride this year. Really ride my bike. Not just one little jaunt around the neighborhood. I'll get back on in the spring (c'mon it's snowing here and I'm not big into riding and freezing...I am a fair weather rider, get over it). You'll hear all about my trials and tribulations here about that, too.

So, that's it from here for now. Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your support this year. We all appreciate it more than you know.

From all of us...to all of you...happy, safe new year!

Kryptonite Mini Protects Bikes and.....

Got a message this weekend from my friend Chris. Said that he was out riding late Friday night - about 20mph through the streets of Boston. Something happened (didn't quite get that part) and he ended up sliding down the street on none other than his Evolution Mini that was in his back pocket. He didn't get a scratch on him, and his bike seemed fine, although his new jeans weren't as fortunate......

So, Chris is proof that, when used properly, the Kryptonite Mini protects your bike and your body. Although, I have to think landing on a steel lock must cause bruising, but....no road rash!

Do I even have to say "don't try this at home, folks"? Just don't. But, we are all happy that Chris is safe and sound...and it looks like the Mini is even still functional, doesn't look too bad considering.

Website Update

When our new website launched in April, I thought we'd be changing it all the time. That was my intention, but sometimes things get in the way and it isn't always easy. For example, I thought we'd change the stories on the front page every six weeks - it's been since April and we've only had 2 sets (I'm working on the third now). Not that Tim and Roland and the rest of the gang aren't great greeters, but I want to see this more fresh and new more often. Guess that's something to put on my New Year wish list, right?

Anyway, we have made a little change to the site this week, which is fun. We've added some more photos to our promo section from the events we've been a part of this year. You'll even see some Team Kryptonite members in there and a cute doggie. Check it out.

We do have some more things planned for the website shortly after the new year comes so stay tuned. You'll hear about it here first, of course.

Great sounds outside the office!

So, I'm sitting at my desk working on a presentation and I hear the unmistakable sound of a dirt bike. My first thought was, "Oh lucky person got a killer present yesterday!" And back to the presentation I went with a little grumble because, obviously, someone was having more fun with a present the day after Christmas than I was sitting here in the office.

Then, because things hit me a little slowly sometimes, I wondered where this person was riding said motorcycle...there is a driveway that goes around our building and on the other side of that is a hill with a steep drop off to the banks of a pond.

I don't have a window - good sized office, but no window. So, my curiosity was a good reason to get off my butt and go look outside.

Yup, looks like a new Honda dirt bike racing around behind the building. The nut was doing wheelies around behind the building. Why "nut"? Not for doing the wheelies - that's kind of cool. I say "nut" because s/he was racing around on the frozen pond. And, I use the word "frozen" loosely. It was in the high 40s on Saturday and Sunday we had a driving rain storm. Wasn't that cold on Monday - chilly, but not cold, cold. Yesterday was, again, chilly, but not cold. So, when did this pond get frozen enough to hold a motorcycle and rider? Yikes! I hope we don't hear a splash anytime soon.

Do you think this person got a Kryptonite lock of some kind with the motorcycle? I hope so. Did you get a Kryptonite lock under the tree to keep your shiny new bike or motorcycle safe? Or a Justice League Padlock in your stocking?

Me? No locks under the tree for me...but then again, I think I know where I can get one in a hurry if I need to.

So...what did you get that will help you have action sports adventures in the new year? Do tell!

Merry Christmas

From all of us, to all of you...Merry Christmas. May today be spent with family and friends and include lots of giggles and surprises for each of you.

Santa on a Motorcycle

My friend Dean over at Motorcycle Product News sent this little fun greeting today. Thought all you motorcycle lovers would enjoy it. Those are some talented reindeer. I wonder if they have been spying on Travis Pastrana...ha! Enjoy!

What's Your Favorite Part?

Wow..it's been a few days, eh? You'd think that in December, when it's snowy and icy that we'd be slow. After all, most people only ride their bicycles and motorcycles in the good weather, right? But, that's just not the case.

We've got our big powersports trade show in February so planning is underway for that. Getting new products ready for their big debut, finalizing catalogs, getting travel arrangements set and, of course, the big drama of each show - what are we going to wear?! We'll obsess about that for weeks and then, no matter what, someone won't be happy. I think this year, it might be me....oh well...then again, I'm the one doing the ordering....we'll see.

So, the place is humming around here. There really is no 'down' season for us when I think of it. Maybe for a day in November? Yeah...that's it, one day in November. At least that's what it seems to be. January will be all the last minute details and then I'll hit 3 shows in February. I'm not kidding about that one...the Northeast Motorcycle Expo in Boston, then the Dealer Expo in Indy and then a distributor show in the UK.

I'm just thankful for the 4-day weekend we all get this weekend for the Christmas holiday. Of course, I'm not done wrapping, but I am done shopping so there is that. I know what I'm doing on Saturday....

So, enough of the bah-humbug work stuff. What's your favorite part of the holidays? Food? Family? Presents? I want to know...what's your favorite part?

Me? That's easy. It's always been about the holiday cards. I rush home every night, like a small child on Christmas morning, to see what present the mailperson has left me that day. And, yes, I consider every single card that I receive a present. A day in the middle of the season without any cards, is a very depressing day. I love hearing from my friends and family - seeing the cards they picked out, reading the little notes and seeing photos of their kids and animals. I love everything about it. Sometimes there are cards in there from people that you only hear from once a year and it is truly a present in an envelope. It's nice to know they are still out there and doing well.

Then there is that one magical card (or nowadays could be an email) from one person that you never expected. Someone you haven't heard from in years or a relative that usually doesn't send out cards. THAT is truly a special present in the mailbox/email box.

I know that cards are expensive and I know that, environmentally, they might not be the best thing (emails would be better, right?)....but they are traditional and something that add a little brightness into a cold winter season. For me, they are the absolute best part of the season - they have friends, family and good memories all wrapped into one small little envelope.

Boston.com today is showing some holiday cards from famous people and places. Check it out.

So...what is your favorite part of the season??

All Things Perewitz

I went down to visit our friends at Perewitz Cycle Fab yesterday. I spent a lot of time with Dave, Susan and Jody talking over some things for next year. Got to see Dee and catch up with her for a bit. Jaren was on her way out the door (I'll bet she was going holiday shopping with the days ticking). Of course I got to spend some quality time with my buds Cheech, Louie & Zipp, too. Zipp even decided to take a nap on my lap. I just love that dog.

Didn't see even one of the guys in the shop because they were busy, busy, busy! But, I did pick up a few things I thought I'd share...

Dave and Susan just returned from Ft. Lauderdale where they were enjoying some warm weather and partcipating in the Toys in the Sun Run. It's a HUGE event with over 30,000 people. Can you imagine?! It's billed as the world's largest toy run. I wouldn't doubt it. They even close down Route 95, which is the main route from Maine to Florida, for hours! That's something to see. As a matter of fact, I found a couple of photos, one of the riders and one of the spectators. I'm sure there are more photos and I'd love to see them so leave a link in the comments section!

I hear that not only did Dave participate but he was also in the front of the parade of motorcycles with none other than Aerosmith's main man, Steven Tyler. It seems Steven has put his name on a line of motorcycles now. Good deal. That Dave knows just about everyone doesn't he?

And then there is Miss Jody....as most people who have ever been to Perewitz Cycle Fab or seen them on the road know, Jody is very involved with the business end of things - marketing, apparel, shows, travel etc. etc. etc. What many people don't know is that Jody builds motorcycles, too. It's not something she does all the time, but she can and she does. Well, now more people are about to find out about this talent of hers (seriously, do you doubt that there is talent in her genes?!). Anyway...Jody and Sara Liberte announced this week that they are building a Bobber for a Cure. They are going to do this live during three different Northeast Motorcycle Expos this winter/spring - Boston, Hartford and Long Island. The press release has all the dates.

Now, not only will you be able to see them working on this motorcycle - building it and rebuilding it three times - but you'll be able to buy raffle tickets and possibly win it in the end. All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. That's very cool!

What else? Oh, I've started to write for Life at Perewitz, the "Plog" of Perewitz Cycle Fab. Since I was there last night, I'll have my second post soon so visit often and find out who is on Santa Susan's Naughty List! You might not believe who it is!

And, finally, the gang at Perewitz Cycle Fab want to wish you a happy hoilday season. Their holiday open house is this weekend from 11-4. Santa will even be there to see the kids. I'll be there in the afternoon for sure. All the details are on their website.

Cyclists Win Lottery in UK!

As we mentioned last month, the lottery system was giving away £50 million to an initiative that would change the way people live. The winner will be announced on live television in the UK, but both BikeBiz and BikeRadar are reporting that the winner is Sustrans Connect 2 project.

Bravo! Here's a little blurb about the project. Can't wait to watch the progress!


"Connect2 is a UK-wide project that aims to improve local travel in 79 communities by creating new walking and cycling routes for the local journeys we all make every day.

By building bridges and crossings over busy roads, rivers and railway lines, Connect2 will get people to the places they want to go. Each crossing will link to a network of walking and cycling routes, taking you to your schools, shops, work and green spaces. Connect2 will also bring people closer together, making journeys quicker and more convenient and leaving more time to spend with family and friends.

Around 6 million people live within a mile of a Connect2 project. Each one will change the lives of people of all ages – from cyclists and leisure walkers to commuters and schoolchildren, as well as elderly people and wheelchair users – everyone will have a better quality of life thanks to Connect2."

Hello Korea!

You can find Kryptonite security products in many different countries around the world - something like 50+ countries. That's a lot. But, we aren't in every country...yet. We're working on it!

Part of our expansion has taken us into Korea. We've just signed up two new distributors there - BikeMart is the one that is carrying some of our powersports products. Although I don't read Korean...don't speak it either...I just went to their site, found a blank box in the top right corner, assumed it was a search box, typed in "Kryptonite" and viola! There we were.

It's kind of fun to see "Kryptonite" translated to Korean. And, Evolution series 4 as well.

On the bicycle side, Bikesell has come on board. I thought their site would be even easier to navigate because they have some English words on the home page, but apparently not. I think the issue is that you need a password (their dealers have them, I'm sure) before you can view things. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it (could also have something to do with the above mentioned...I don't read Korean). I'm sure it is all me, by the way.

But, I did find this page where I can see the Evolution series 4 U-lock. Cool!

We are working on getting their info on our main website, but for now, if you are in Korea (and I know some of you readers are!) and interested in getting Kryptonite, go to one of these websites and they'll be able to help you out.

Welcome to the Kryptonite team, Bikemart and Bikesell! Glad to have you both on board.

MONTY Comic Strip

I don't read comic strips often now that Sparky has gone to heaven. But, my friend Eric still does and he sent this Monty strip to me today and I just cracked up!

The strip is by Jim Meddick and can be seen on www.comics.com. Now, I wonder....Jim, are you a cyclist by any chance? Thanks for the fun today!

Holiday Greetings!

Anonymous Office Elf

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or just Thanksgiving and New Year's, our sales team wants to wish you a happy holiday season in their own, special way. Please click on the below link and enjoy!


http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1199745371

East Coast Demo?

Last week, I read on the Bicycle Retailer site that Interbike is contemplating an East Coast Demo. For those outside the industry, Interbike is the bike trade show that is held every fall in Vegas. You've heard me talk about it enough here recently, but for any new readers, I like to clarify. But I digress...

Anyway, I didn't think much about this whole East Coast Demo until read it again today at Bike Europe (trade publication for..duh...Europe). Well, that got me to thinking and we all know that is a bad idea....

They are thinking of doing this demo time so that retailers on the East Coast that maybe can't make it to Interbike (it can be friggin' expensive) can have a chance to see the new bikes. Sounds good for the dealers for sure! They are even talking about having a consumer day. Imagine all the bike nuts that would line up to ride the brand spankin' new bikes that won't even be out until spring. I envision some riding buddies getting up early, making the trip down to Providence and spending a morning riding bikes like little kids on Christmas morning with a new bike. Cool image, huh? It will be a fun, fun, fun day for them. So far, so good...bring it on, right?

And then there are the industry companies in New England who will be pretty stoked to do a big event in their backyard. We don't have bikes for you to ride, but they talk about seminars and clinics and networking opportunities all of which we could possibly partake in. Getting to hang out with some dealers for the day is always a good time. And, we'd actually get to ride some bikes, too! We don't get to do that in the desert because it's always time to put up the booth and finalize last minute details before the doors of the trade show open. So, we'd get to be those kids in the candy store, too, for a couple of days.

Still....all good, right? Then I started to wonder about the bike companies. Not Seven Cycles or even IF (this is in their backyard, too). I started to think of Giant and KHS and Haro and Masi -- all located in Cali. They are all pretty drained after spending a week in Vegas - few days in the desert and a few days in the convention. This all on the heels of a pretty event-packed summer, I'd think. They'd have to almost go straight from Vegas to Rhode Island. Are they up for that? I know that the point of all this is to get your bike into the hands of the buyers - the more buyers that see your products, the more chance that they will like the product and buy it. I get that. Guess I just understand the fatigue side of it, too. And, let's not forget the expense. Maybe some of these companies have big, huge marketing budgets (I'm pretty sure a few have gigantic ones compared to ours), but maybe not. Shlepping multiple bikes and gear cross country isn't cheap.

And then I start to think....how many retailers don't go to Vegas from New England and the Mid-Atlantic States (because this would draw people from NY, NJ and PA, at least)? Would it be a lot of overlap? Some, I know, but most? Don't know. Or, would they choose not to go to Vegas next year just because of this opportunity and miss all the other companies that they'd want to see - small companies that can't afford to go to both - or even have the opportunity to be at both. Remember, you don't ride locks.....or bags....or lights....we can go and hang out and ride those shiny bikes, too, but would there be other spaces for us? Not really...ok, we can do a seminar, but would that show all the new products? Don't know - haven't thought that far yet, folks, just spinning thoughts here. And it's not about us, we're right here so we'll represent just fine, thanks...it's smaller companies that don't have those budgets to do Interbike and Providence - even to come and network.

Let's not forget Mother Nature...Oct 16th in New England? You could have that dirty four letter word...snow. No, I'm not a snow person - get over it - hate it. I certainly wouldn't want to be out in it for three days....although I know some people who would love to ride in those conditions.

I'm rambling. But, what do you think? Will New England dealers forego Interbike for Demo Time in Little Rhody? Will the big bike companies want to do both demo areas? Will they have the man/woman power and budgets to do both?

It's still all tentative and Interbike is sending, or has sent surveys, to dealers. We'll all know around Feb. 1st, which is the date to have exhibitor materials and pricing info by then. Interesting....let's hear what you think.

SNOW!

I knew it was coming....the weather folks have been predicting snow for days...but I wasn't prepared to look out my window last night and see the white stuff on the ground. I woke up with trepidation this morning - were the weather people right and it would be raining or would they be wrong (which is so often the case) and we have a blizzard outside?

They were right. Everything was covered in snow, but it was warm out and it was raining a little bit. We only had a couple of inches of snow, but it was all heavy and not something you'd want to shovel; that's back breaking, heavy snow.

I didn't see any bikes going by my house, but the yard and streets reminded me of this picture that I received recently.

That's our friend Jim Haraughty (left) out for a ride on Thanksgiving in Wisconsin. Looks cold, but they seem to be having a great time.

Be careful riding in the snow and bundle up!