the problem started about a month ago. it seemed to coincide with me struggling to get the lock around the frame/wheel/ and pole one day. it wasnt really cold yet and until this happened it would take 5 or ten secs sometimes to get it open, jiggling the key etc. i bought a new lock and had it with me to switch out when this happened. so I was a day late.

some local cyclist repair, pedal for the people, is going to come out with an angle grinder. only 25 bucks compared to 80 for locksmith so if onguard gives me grief on the reimbursement it will be less painful. just a minor hassle overall, nothing major