Road Cycling - Ever had your bike vandalized?

Anyone ever had some part stolen? I ride to my college campus (University of Texas @ Austin) and I worry about that b/c I ride with aero rims which to my eyes makes my bike stand out more. And bike thefts in the area are high. So I purchased a Kryptonite New York lock. That thing is HEAVY...riding uphill with it is no fun at all...but I guess its worth it to keep my bike safe?

Do you guys think I should just lock my lock to the racks (i usually always park in one spot)...so that I dont have to lug that thing home uphill?

LOL

Besides that I never had anything stolen from my bike...my computer or rear light :p

For gods sake man, suck it up; that lock can't weigh more than four or five pounds. If that is burdening you down such that you just can't stand it, sell your bike and get a moped. Consider it training such as batters do when they swing with extra heavy bats. On the first road ride without the lock, you'll fly.

The only part I ever had stolen off my bike was a handlebar mirror by a St. Louis, Missouri cop. I watched him do it from the window of the cafe where I was eating lunch. Considering the mirror cost about US$5.00 and he had a gun, I just continued eating my soup.

Paul

Originally posted by OregonBound
For gods sake man, suck it up; that lock can't weigh more than four or five pounds. If that is burdening you down such that you just can't stand it, sell your bike and get a moped. Consider it training such as batters do when they swing with extra heavy bats. On the first road ride without the lock, you'll fly.

The only part I ever had stolen off my bike was a handlebar mirror by a St. Louis, Missouri cop. I watched him do it from the window of the cafe where I was eating lunch. Considering the mirror cost about US$5.00 and he had a gun, I just continued eating my soup.

Paul
damn man ... don't let him get away with that. that's wrong!

College campuses are hotbeds for bikes to be stolen. I know people who had bikes that were 20 years old stolen. Many of the thefts were in the middle of the day while someone was at class. I also have seen plenty of bikes missing all sorts of components.

Never leave your bike unlocked outside. It will be gone.

Never leave any easily removed part of your bike unlocked outside. It will be gone.

If you have lots of roommates or parties in your apartment, leave your bike locked or it will be gone. You never know when someone will decide a drunk ride at midnight would be a lot of fun.

If you have a nice bike, you might want to consider getting a cheap commuter to ride back and forth.

Originally posted by OregonBound
For gods sake man, suck it up; that lock can't weigh more than four or five pounds. If that is burdening you down such that you just can't stand it, sell your bike and get a moped. Consider it training such as batters do when they swing with extra heavy bats. On the first road ride without the lock, you'll fly.

The only part I ever had stolen off my bike was a handlebar mirror by a St. Louis, Missouri cop. I watched him do it from the window of the cafe where I was eating lunch. Considering the mirror cost about US$5.00 and he had a gun, I just continued eating my soup.

Paul

You're right...it weighs about 6 lbs... why don't you try riding with a backpack full of books + the NY chain, and get back to me. I am a noob rider so hills kill me as is, and having additional weight totally throws me off...

I just weighed my backpack and its an additional 22.5 lbs with only 2 books...sometimes i take 3... :(



I apologize I'm not up to your status yet my friend.

The lock is actually pretty damn heavy. Having it in your backpack along with books and binders truly is a burden. Especially in Austin with its hills. Not so much in the sense that it burns the legs, but it kills the back to have so much crap on top while you ride.

The poster is asking if he should leave his CHAIN there, locked up to the bikerack. That way he doesnt have to carry it to and from school.

I suggested he do this, but for whatever reason, he is afraid his chain will get stolen.

As for parts being stolen off the bike...I've had my seat pack and light on my bike, and those were never jacked. I think I left my frame pump on there a few times too.

Originally posted by Antz

I just weighed my backpack and its an additional 22.5 lbs with only 2 books...sometimes i take 3... :(


If at all possible, leave the text books at home. High School students take texts to class ;)

I think I took my books for the first few days of uni then said "screw that" and from then on carried a covered clipboard pad thing with 50 sheets of paper and maybe a lab manual or two.

Do your homework at home at night and you'll never need the texts at school. I dunno what program you're in but I spent 4 years writing too fast to even glance at a text during a lecture.

School is definitely a reason for a second bike. You need a beater for that purpose. It helps if (in my case) it's a less than pretty euro frame, covered in scratches and dirt. Funny that bike had lots of Dura-Ace and Ultegra on it (my beaters were always nice bikes under the surface of dirt) and it was never touched.

I found the trick to keeping my bike safe was to always ride a road bike. Thieves here only care about MTBs. The only time my bike was messed with in 5 years of school was the first month I had a Syncros MTB seatpost on my road bike. It was useless to the thief since the post was cut to road length. Even the saddle wasn't too expensive but have you ever got a saddle to the point where it fits your butt like it was created for you?

Sniff... I miss that saddle.

I'd like to apologize about having two topics in one thread...kinda confusing...

But yeah, I'm onto the non basic courses where u need to bring books...sucks :(

Originally posted by Antz

But yeah, I'm onto the non basic courses where u need to bring books...sucks :(

Just curious... what are you taking?

To get back to the basic question...I had several parts stolen off my bike during an MS ride. It was the first one I went on, and I lost my computer, seat bag with tools and maybe something else I can't remember now. All the bikes were in a fenced compound, normally used for school buses, and locked up. Fortunately the MS Society's insurance covered it all. Some of the bikes actually had frames sawn in half!

Since then, in addition to locking the bike, I take any easily removable parts such as computer, pump etc. with me when I have to leave it.

I know it's already been said, but those "U-Locks" weigh a TON! The big Kryptonite ones marketed for motorcycles are especially heavy. I'm no weany, but I NEVER carry locks or chains if I can help it...leave 'em on site...get several, one for home or the gym.

Another college tip...don't carry shoes if you can help it (very heavy and bulky)...I left a pair of Tevas locked up to the racks with my U-Lock, with the lot covered with a plastic bag....for a WHOLE SEMESTER. :D Nothing bad happened to them.

Don't carry a proper towel either...those 'Sports Chamois' are much lighter/more compact and are excellent for drying off if you can access a shower.

Also, I found a cheapo chain and padlock handy for locking up my helmet and front tyre to the bike frame or the racks....I used the U-Lock to secure the frame and rear wheel to the rack. Sounds complicated but is quicker/easier and means the bike is more stable being left 'fully assembled' with the front wheel still in....harder for idiots with old clunker bikes to knock yours over or push it to the side. You don't want to carry your helmet around with you all day either.

Also, a CO2 bottle tyre inflater can be a little tricky if you're not familiar with them, but is another worthwhile space and weight saver over a pump for commuting.

Finally, I must admit, after years of the above, I want a (another) motorcycle for commuting. I'm sorry, but I do. They're a bit more expensive tho....sigh.

They make a wheel lock thing. It replaces your quick release hub thing. It is a lock so you can't get the wheels off, but you can still use it like a quick release because the handle is the key. You just take the key with you to class! I hope that makes sense or somebody can elaborate on it because I can't find the words right now.

go get one of those wal mart specials and wrap the whole thing in duct tape. including the seat. guaranteed never to be comfortable, and never to get stolen. :D

aaaaa

Originally posted by Antz
I apologize I'm not up to your status yet my friend.

You suck. HAR!! :beer:

Originally posted by aerobat
To get back to the basic question...I had several parts stolen off my bike during an MS ride. It was the first one I went on, and I lost my computer, seat bag with tools and maybe something else I can't remember now. All the bikes were in a fenced compound, normally used for school buses, and locked up. Fortunately the MS Society's insurance covered it all. Some of the bikes actually had frames sawn in half!

Since then, in addition to locking the bike, I take any easily removable parts such as computer, pump etc. with me when I have to leave it.

Thats terrible! Wonder if it was fellow bikers? Canisestinvia and I were just discussing that most theives in college towns dont go for small time computers and tailights, but the entire bike. As for components he mentioned possibly being a "bikers code" not to steal from others LOL

Originally posted by F1_Fan
Just curious... what are you taking?

Currently taking a couple eco courses, a spanish course, and a marketing class.

Originally posted by asinus
You suck. HAR!! :beer:

Don't be bitter b/c you wont have spare rolfs to roll on for your race!

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FEAR MEEEEEEE

There is NO WAY I would leave a top flight bike on a college campus. There are plenty of students that know ALL the tricks to crack open the CV-Lock. They'll use anything from liquid nitrogen to 2 by 4 to break open the lock.

I also found out that kids in New York City steal the foot long steal clippers right off parked fire trucks and then go around stealing bikes by the truckloads. They can also rent them from a local hardware store for $25.00 dollars per day. Incredible.

Get yourself a cheap three speed or build one. They're not that hard to make or as someone said before, buy a $99.00 Walmart special.

As for the books, get yourself a soft plastic loose leaf folder and tear out only the chapters you need from the text book with a razor. Buy a three punch hole maker to make holes on those pages so you can put them into the folder.

Well, in spite of the fact that you're a student at the University of Texas, I'll give you some sage advice from experience gained during 4.5 years at the University of Oklahoma: Even a crap bike can get stuff stolen off of it, so don't put a nice one out there just begging for it. For a Longhorn, you're pretty bright to have though of the idea of leaving your lock where you lock the bike up. :) But I wouldn't take too much comfort from other's tales of road bikes not being messed with. It's entirely possible that you'll end up without wheels, etc. one day, and that will suck more than losing again to OU this year. Especially if you're like most college students and don't have the cash to replace parts. At best, you'll end up with a frame that's been bashed by the ignorant fools with crap bikes that you hear squeaking around campus. At worst, you'll replace some expensive parts that are missing from your bike. This advice is worth repeating yet again: get another bike for campus stuff. Look around for a used beater; Austin has to have a few with the college kids cruising in and out of there. Just get something cheap, spraypaint the frame and lock it up well. Like I said, even beaters get stuff stolen from them.

Sorry about busting your balls for being a Longhorn, but I don't have anyone around me that gives a rat's ass about college rivalries. Austin's a really cool town, actually.

First, get a cheaper pair of rims for commutes. Fancy aero rims will DEFINTELY make your bike a target. U-lock are great, but a thief REALLY opn top of things can break them quickly. Keep your bike from drawing attention if you can. I know a enw pair of rims is $$, but it'll be worth it if you don't have to buy a new bike. Also, see if the Police have a registration program so at least you'll get it back if stolen...

The best thing would probably be to get an mtb for the commute and save the roadie for dedicated riding.

As for the weight, I know it's hard, but OregonBound has a point. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger and you WILL fly the first time you ride w/o the lock and backpack :) As for leaving it locked in a certain place, sounds like a plan to me. I did that and it worked for a full year until someone hit the parking meter pole, knocking the meter off and someone absconded w/ the lock! Ah well :P

They make a wheel lock thing I had a set like that in college, but the key was just a 3mm alan wrench. not very secure in hindsight ;)

non basic courses where u need to bring books After Week 2 in college, I stopped taking books to class, including all through grad school. Just take furious notes and look on with someone else if you need a book. Offer her a copy of your notes in exchange, especially if she's cute... ;)

Originally posted by CarlJStoneham
After Week 2 in college, I stopped taking books to class, including all through grad school.

Jeez... after 2 weeks I just stopped going to class ;) :beer:.

Seriously though, some good advice in this thread.

1. Different rims - make the bike blend in so it's not so much of a target
2. Leave the lock on site
3. Borrow a book if you really need it, or look at it as added training if you must take them with you
4. Do whatever you can to look good to cute chicks... :D

So you think the NY Lock still isnt enough to sway would be thieves?

I still have a good 6 months+ before that $2000 ins from the lock expires so I'm not too worried about it right now. I think I will leave the beastly lock on campus somewhere...

Thanks for the responses...

ImprezaDrvr: I have very little school pride so you're busting the wrong guys balls :beer:

Originally posted by Antz
So you think the NY Lock still isnt enough to sway would be thieves?


Swaying theives? It'll probably do that quite well.

Stopping your bike from being vandalized? Beasty lock or not, the rims are still going to make it stand out more than most other bikes there. You'll probably be fine if the bike is parked in a conspicuous area during normal hours, but you'll still run the risk of attracting a vandal who'll damage the bike and leave it locked up, just because it looks expensive.

Your call...

Make sure you read the fine print on the insurance and lock your bike up correctly... I think you have to file a police report, etc...

Anyone ever seen the sad sight of a U-lock attached to a front wheel and rack, sans the rest of the bike? I can't count the number of times I've seen it. I've also seen people lock their bikes by running a cable lock through one spoke and then attaching it to the rack. One snip of a spoke and it's gone.

Originally posted by CarlJStoneham
Just take furious notes and look on with someone else if you need a book. Offer her a copy of your notes in exchange, especially if she's cute... ;)

He stanks too much from the ride to school to be asking chicks to look off notes. hahhaha

But what if he has shaved legs and they've got a decent tan? (I actually got a girlfriend in college this way...)

Originally posted by canisestinvia
He stanks too much from the ride to school to be asking chicks to look off notes. hahhaha


You are right friend....I do have oduere problems after riding in texas weather!

I like to ride my little red bicycle to school. But then I take a shower in the gynamsimumsssnm locker room. To avoid the what's-that-smell?-I'll-be-moving-to-another-seat reaction from the fairer sex.

I've been riding my little red bicycle with little red aero wheels to and from school for about 2 or 2.5 or 3 years. I had no problems, except for one time I got a flat tire as I was going home, and it was dark and scared the boogie-man might steal my shoelaces.

Damn that hill...I saw u ride the bus...LIAR! U bus rider U!

Originally posted by Antz
You're right...it weighs about 6 lbs... why don't you try riding with a backpack full of books + the NY chain, and get back to me. I am a noob rider so hills kill me as is, and having additional weight totally throws me off...


Thats it? Try triple riding, with one person on the handlebars, one one the seat, and one on the pedals. Oh yeah, on a single track mountain bike trail, climing 1000 feet in elevation. I had to fine tune the front suspension fork for that one.

Why don't you get a beater bike and put a rack on the back to carry your stuff to school?

Beater bikes are definately the way to worry-free commuting. They needn't be crappy bikes, just look crap or unstylish. Fit a luggage rack and fenders, and the stealability quotient will fall. You can also haul those books and the lock with ease without injuring your back.
For wheel security, use solid axles and track nuts.
You dont even need to haul spare shoes if you use toe clips. You loose a smidgen in efficiency, but gain a whole lot in utility.
In my city with hundreds, probably thousands of cyclists, there are a mere handful who ride full-spec competition racing bikes for daily use.

Ive seen bikes where the wheels have been kicked in, the pedals and QRs stolen, the seatpost removed. Ive even seen a sus fork stolen, using just an allen key on an aheadset. The usual advice to park in full view of passers by may be sound, but on a Friday night in town, it is the drunk passers by who like to kick in wheels or let down tyres.