Originally Posted by tarwheel

I commute on bikes that would cost $2,000-$4,000 to replace, but I lock them up with a heavy-duty U-lock and cable. My commute is 30+ miles round trip, and I ride to work about 4 days a week on average. For as much riding as I do commuting -- more than half of my total mileage -- I want to ride on a nice bike. I actually spent much less than the replacement value for my bikes because I bought most of the frames used and had them built up with parts from other bikes, or bought on sale or on-line for good prices.

In 6-1/2 years of commuting, I've never had a bike stolen or tampered with. However, one of my coworkers had his inexpensive bike stolen, using a cheap lightweight cable lock. Most thieves are opportunistic and will steal the bikes that are unlocked or secured with flimsy locks/cables that are easy to break or cut.