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Zero_Enigma
11-22-07, 03:07 PM
Ok, I'd like input from the locals here on the shops around the GTA and which shops are questionable with possible stolen parts and such? Someone told me something about a UncleJacob to be beware of as the guy buys stolen stuff. Just wondering what shops are shady and which are good. Who to avoid and such.
Thanks in advance.
Edit: Did a little checking and it seems Uncle Jacob buys lots of used bikes.
sweep242
11-23-07, 08:13 PM
Not sure if the guy/shop is still around but the place on Queen Street W near Trinity Bellwoods with all crap over the front. Guys name is Igor. Avoid if he in fact is still in business. I’ve lived in TO for a while they are the only two
I can think of.
Ok, I'd like input from the locals here on the shops around the GTA and which shops are questionable with possible stolen parts and such? Someone told me something about a UncleJacob to be beware of as the guy buys stolen stuff. Just wondering what shops are shady and which are good. Who to avoid and such.
Thanks in advance.
Edit: Did a little checking and it seems Uncle Jacob buys lots of used bikes.
Weird timing...I was speaking with Jacob about an hour ago...
Yes, I've seen a few stolen bikes recovered at his place and yes, he buys and sells many used bikes, however, over the last few years he's moved into new bikes and has the rights to sell Louis Garneau, CCM, Raleigh, Cadillac, and many more...he's currently negotiating with Giant and Specialized, but several stores in the area sell these...he also sells new Shimano and Sram componnets.
He had a bike store on Yonge selling only new bikes this past summer, but the location sucked.
So here's the dilemma...he buys used bikes, makes sure that he records the seller's ID, waits for two weeks for the police check, and then he puts them up for sale.
Now Toronto has a web based bike registry, and all owners should know to record the serial numbers of their bikes...when stolen, the police will check the registry and recover wherever possible. Jacob would not lose his money if he could verify that the bikes were stolen.
So, just a long way of saying that it's a two way street, and if bike owners took some responsibility to secure and register their bikes, it would be impossible to buy or sell a stolen bike in Toronto
Igor has been closed this year, but is still active around Toronto (he's my neighbour)..but there are dozens of used bike stores in Toronto, and I'm sure that many of their bikes are stolen...however, they would be out of business if the owners took ownership of securing them.