Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Hunting

Someone stole my son's bike from the school's bike lockup while he was home for his winter break. Do I get him another bike, or pack my AR and hunt down the thieves?

Find them. Kill them. They are scum and should be exterminated from the gene pool.

Seriously though, in my mind, there is nothing lower than a bike thief. That being said, I doubt you're going to get the bike back. Might as well start looking for a replacement.

It was a Giant that I got him in 2003, hardly a desirable bike today. Not sure what to replace it with.

Depends on why he stole the bike. If he is some lazy crack-head, then yes, take care of him, but with ammo being expensive just use a baseball bat.

If someone stole it to sell and feed his family, then let it go, he needed it more than you do.

Depends on why he stole the bike. If he is some lazy crack-head, then yes, take care of him, but with ammo being expensive just use a baseball bat.

If someone stole it to sell and feed his family, then let it go, he needed it more than you do.

I'm willing to spend 40 cents to not get my hands too dirty. And I don't care if someone stole it to feed his family, he's still a piece of shiite. My son is working very hard, and relying on grants, scholarships, and employment at the school to cover his $100k+ tuition and board. His bike was his only transportation.

Maybe you should find and kill whoever it is that decides tution should have to cost that much instead of the poor "crack head" who was probably just ****ed over by a capitalist society that makes people like you fear poor street criminals instead of the scumbag bankers who steal millions a year.

Maybe you should find and kill whoever it is that decides tution should have to cost that much instead of the poor "crack head" who was probably just ****ed over by a capitalist society that makes people like you fear poor street criminals instead of the scumbag bankers who steal millions a year.

Tuition is reasonable considering he's an out of state student in a specialty program.

Are we talking per year? Anyways, I was really just making a point about how easy it is to blame to "crack head" street criminal when really there are a lot bigger more severe problems. While it sucks, its no reason to want to "exterminate" a group of people because they have a terrible addiction that they can't support. Just sayin'. But seriously, **** a bike theif.

If someone stole it to sell and feed his family, then let it go, he needed it more than you do.

yea, i can't agree with that. There's so much stuff u can do to feed ur family that doesn't involve another person's misery. Go work at Mc.D's or the gas station or something.

Yep, getting a job is that easy. I have a friend who is an intelligent white guy who has applied to a ton of places in my college town trying to find a job just about anywhere and he didn't get and replies. Now, how easy is it do you think for someone with a bad drug habit to not only break that habit, but find a job. It isn't so ****ing easy as some spoiled ass people who have everything handed to them try to make it out to be.

No defense for junkies or thieves, sorry.

No school costs 100,000. I am an out of state student at highly ranked private school (hooray for scholarships!) and it still only costs about 50,000. Just saying. No need to exaggerate now.

No school costs 100,000. I am an out of state student at highly ranked private school (hooray for scholarships!) and it still only costs about 50,000. Just saying. No need to exaggerate now.

My math must be wrong then. What's $27k for four years?

My math must be wrong then. What's $27k for four years?

Hey now, no need to be snarky. You never specified if it was per year so I assumed you were talking per year. My mistake.

Hey now, no need to be snarky. You never specified if it was per year so I assumed you were talking per year. My mistake.

It's all good. So far, he's managed to cover all but about $700 of his first semester. And he's living car-free. I'm just a bit proud of him.

I've long been an advocate for semi-expendable school bikes.

It's all good. So far, he's managed to cover all but about $700 of his first semester. And he's living car-free. I'm just a bit proud of him.

Ahh, car free. That's the way to go. I plan to be car free all my life (I've yet to own one).

Kudos to him on his schooling and dedication and undoubtedly hard work.

And back on topic, he should report the the bike stolen at the very least and start looking on craigslist for a new bike (it's winter and people are getting rid of stuff). How much are you looking to spend? Is he into fixed/ss? What type of riding?

Ahh, car free. That's the way to go. I plan to be car free all my life (I've yet to own one).

Kudos to him on his schooling and dedication and undoubtedly hard work.

And back on topic, he should report the the bike stolen at the very least and start looking on craigslist for a new bike (it's winter and people are getting rid of stuff). How much are you looking to spend? Is he into fixed/ss? What type of riding?

He had it registered with the school, and he reported it. He just needs a bike to get around campus, but not fixed. I'm thinking either an inexpensive BD bike, or maybe a folder. I don't want to spend too much, since it seems like anything shiny will get stolen. His bike was seven years old, had no grips, and his cats had destroyed the seat. Some prize.

I know someone who's lower than bike thieves. I've had my Gretsch Brian Setzer Hot Rod stolen. It was in perfect condition in its hardshell case. It was stolen with my friend's 1972 Martin D-28. I would rather have had my bike stolen than either of our guitars out of our practice space. If I ever find out who did it I will slam their hands in a car door over and over.

I say you find out who stole your son's bike, take it back from them, and make sure they never do it again. How you do that is up to you.

Yep, getting a job is that easy. I have a friend who is an intelligent white guy who has applied to a ton of places in my college town trying to find a job just about anywhere and he didn't get and replies. Now, how easy is it do you think for someone with a bad drug habit to not only break that habit, but find a job.

I'm sorry that the economy in its current state is ****ty and a lot of people are out of jobs. Still that doesn't give anyone the right to profit from other people's miseries. So if u think:



If someone stole it to sell and feed his family, then let it go, he needed it more than you do.

is correct, then I'll assume that when ur own bike gets stolen u'll just shrug it off and say "ah well, someone probably needed it more than i do anyway."


It isn't so ****ing easy as some spoiled ass people who have everything handed to them try to make it out to be.
Again, i wasn't implying that finding a job is easy, I'm suggesting to find a way to profit that doesn't involve hurting others. I am lucky to have my job. But it doesn't give u the right to think or let alone say that just because I have a job I'm some spoiled brat who had everything handed to me.

to the OP:
Sorry for ur son's bike. I would agree to look into a cheap BD bike or a 2nd hand bike in case his bike is never found.

In no way am I saying that getting stuff stolen is OK. It really sucks. And pisses a person off.

But.....

I'd say just forget about it. Is a bike really worth getting mad over if its an early 00's giant? No man. If it was a Paramount or a fixie that you both had worked on and built then it would be worth taking time trying to track it down.
Come on Guys and Gals, do we really need to go crazy?

No, just get another bike from CL or Ebay. Also, if he's in a larger city search for a used bike store and go pick up a nice, used, rebuilt bike for $100 and call it a day.

Its different if he is like me, where 100 bucks is a lot because of "student status," but it's still all relative. Why don't we take a look at the relative cost. A car needs gas, parking permits, insurance, licenses, titling, and other service costs with a yearly total to over thousands of dollars. So whats 100 bucks? And expense it to over 2 or 3 years or for 20 if its a nicer bike and he keeps. And if he keeps it for 20 years and you spent 100 dollars on it then it only cost you 5 dollars a year! That's almost Free.

just a thought. coming from a 21 yr old. in school and using a bike for transpo as well. living off of a campus job as well.

I know someone who's lower than bike thieves. I've had my Gretsch Brian Setzer Hot Rod stolen. It was in perfect condition in its hardshell case. It was stolen with my friend's 1972 Martin D-28. I would rather have had my bike stolen than either of our guitars out of our practice space. If I ever find out who did it I will slam their hands in a car door over and over.

I say you find out who stole your son's bike, take it back from them, and make sure they never do it again. How you do that is up to you.

Did you see Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels?


I'd say just forget about it. Is a bike really worth getting mad over if its an early 00's giant?

So you're going to shrug it off if someone steals your bike?

I know it stinks but take solace in that you are not alone and that it wasn't personal. Bike theft is common and just about everyone gets a bike or two stolen in their lifetime.

Sounds like that's not a good place to leave a bike for an extended period and that another place should be found for the new bike.

Another strategy would be to use an old beater bike at school.

This world could certainly use more compassion and understanding.

Personally, I never leave my bikes locked outside for extended periods of time. I will use them to and from class and whatnot, or around the city, but I will always take them into my room with me overnight.

Granted, I am a bit of a bike freak (as, I assume, are most on here).

Another strategy would be to use an old beater bike at school.

Older than a 2003 Giant that cost me about $200 back then?

Did you see Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels?


It's been a looong time.

It's been a looong time.

When he bashed the guys head against the car door for threatening his son. That's parenting.

Question: How is threatening to shoot people over stealing a bike different than threatening to run someone over because they're in your way?

It's not. he was venting...via the internet no less.

That really sucks about your son's bike Brian. Whoever stole it is already being pre-kicked in the ass by karma because they have ****ty enough life to have to steal a kid's bike in the first place.

Question: How is threatening to shoot people over stealing a bike different than threatening to run someone over because they're in your way?

The person that stole my son's bike has committed a crime. While I know that I can't actually shoot someone over that, I have zero sympathy for them. A motorist threatening to run into a cyclist is committing a crime as well, but in that case, the cyclist might actually be justified in using deadly force. That probably wasn't the answer you wanted, but your question was comparing apples to cranksets.

Sorry about your kid's bike. Sucks.

My recommendation: build him up a new one. You know your stuff, so why don't you just find a fixer-upper and make a weekend project out of getting it in shape? You could probably accomplish that w/ an old steel road bike for under $200.

I'm gonna pretend like I didn't hear you mention folder, btw...

Sorry about your kid's bike. Sucks.

My recommendation: build him up a new one. You know your stuff, so why don't you just find a fixer-upper and make a weekend project out of getting it in shape? You could probably accomplish that w/ an old steel road bike for under $200.

I'm gonna pretend like I didn't hear you mention folder, btw...

UPS wants about $80 to ship a bike to him. At that rate, I'll need to find one local to him, or have one shipped to him direct. Since he's in Colorado, something with fat tires like a mountain bike makes the most sense. I was thinking folders because they're not very popular with thieves, and it would be easier for him to store.

When he bashed the guys head against the car door for threatening his son. That's parenting.

Aaah. Never been a parent but I think I'd have some pretty violent reactions if I feel like someone was theatening any of my musical instruments. They are the closest thing I have to children.

Sounds like you should be shipping him an inexpensive 'cross bike and a couple of u-locks.

Aaah. Never been a parent but I think I'd have some pretty violent reactions if I feel like someone was theatening any of my musical instruments. They are the closest thing I have to children.

Sounds like you should be shipping him an inexpensive 'cross bike and a couple of u-locks.

I think he'd actually prefer a single speed MTB. No maintenance, and not worth a second look to crackheads.

The worst thing they've stolen from you isn't the bike, it's your peace of mind.

You can replace the bike but your son is never going to feel confident about leaving it anywhere.

The worst thing they've stolen from you isn't the bike, it's your peace of mind.

You can replace the bike but your son is never going to feel confident about leaving it anywhere.

Yeah, he got back to school only to find out one of his classes was canceled. So he was upset that he needs to find a replacement class so as not to lose his full time status. With school closed yesterday, and not much to do, he decided to go ride his bike. That only made things worse. And more than anything, I want to be there to help him right now. It was two years ago today that I spent my afternoon at the police range, running through SWAT shooting drills. I got a call that night that my dad had a heart attack, and rushed to the airport in the same clothes, still reeking of gunpowder. It's a wonder they let me on the plane. So this week's just not the best way to start the year.

The person that stole my son's bike has committed a crime. While I know that I can't actually shoot someone over that, I have zero sympathy for them. A motorist threatening to run into a cyclist is committing a crime as well, but in that case, the cyclist might actually be justified in using deadly force. That probably wasn't the answer you wanted, but your question was comparing apples to cranksets.

I don't see it as (and I like the comparison) apples to cranksets. It's a matter of human life being less valuable than a sense of entitlement, be it property or a road. Of course you are entitled to peace and security, both of your body and mind. It seems to me that you have lost your sense of security here, and there is no thief that can take that from you, and no lock or weapon that will provide it. Having zero sympathy for someone is a pretty lonely, disconnected state of being. I hardly think that a compassionate thought towards someone who is less fortunate than yourself would put you at any disadvantage. Quite the contrary, I find that to be an invaluable tool for me to relate my human experience towards others and keeping me more open and kind; and therein I find peace and security.

I don't see it as (and I like the comparison) apples to cranksets. It's a matter of human life being less valuable than a sense of entitlement, be it property or a road. Of course you are entitled to peace and security, both of your body and mind. It seems to me that you have lost your sense of security here, and there is no thief that can take that from you, and no lock or weapon that will provide it. Having zero sympathy for someone is a pretty lonely, disconnected state of being. I hardly think that a compassionate thought towards someone who is less fortunate than yourself would put you at any disadvantage. Quite the contrary, I find that to be an invaluable tool for me to relate my human experience towards others and keeping me more open and kind; and therein I find peace and security.

I appreciate the sentiment. Especially since I don't think that you and I were able to see eye to eye in the past. But there is no sense of entitlement here. It would be difficult to keep track of how many of my bikes got stolen over the years. My guess is probably about six. So it's nothing new to me, and not likely to affect my sense of security. But my son is the most easygoing kid. He rarely asks for anything, and rode the same bike for almost 7 years. When he came to visit me this summer, he was content to just hang out with me, doing all the stuff his mother wouldn't approve of - motorcycles, guns, fireworks, and alcohol. (Wow, that sounds totally irresponsible, but it wasn't) He asked for new grips for Christmas, that was it. I figured I would wait until he was back at school to send them. Yesterday, he asked if I sent them yet, and when I said not yet, he let me know that his bike got stolen. While it shouldn't be too hard to replace, I have to find one he likes, that thieves won't.

On that whole compassion/sympathy thing, I disagree. I don't think someone stole his bike to feed their family. Given the condition it was in, (no grips, torn seat) I doubt they even stole it to sell for drug money. And there's no way of knowing if they were less fortunate than my son. The point is that it was clearly not theirs to take, and they took it, knowing full well that it belonged to a college student. So I have no trouble having zero sympathy for that individual, whoever they are.

I agree that this bike probably wasn't stolen to feed a family. But the fact that a person is stealing is a sign that they are less fortunate, be it financially or spiritually. I feel bad for someone who doesn't cannot differentiate right and wrong. That's just how I have to think to get by, though. Holding a grudge and being self righteous just puts me at odds with the rest of the world.

If I really held a grudge (as opposed to venting) I probably wouldn't be posting in ss/fg...

Cheap Walmart/ Sam's Club throw away bike replacement? I'm pretty sure they come with factory built in theft deterrent.

I know it goes against everyone here's beliefs; but if thieves are gonna steal they might as well steal $hit. :lol:

Cheap Walmart/ Sam's Club throw away bike replacement? I'm pretty sure they come with factory built in theft deterrent.

I know it goes against everyone here's beliefs; but if thieves are gonna steal they might as well steal $hit. :lol:

I thought about that for three seconds. Even saw some cheap ones on his local CL. But I can't bring myself to do that to him.

Sucks about the bike. I hope it returns

If your son is in college DO NOT GET HIM A FOLDING BIKE. He might want to have sex in college. and he does not want to be "the folding bike kid"

Sucks about the bike. I hope it returns

If your son is in college DO NOT GET HIM A FOLDING BIKE. He might want to have sex in college. and he does not want to be "the folding bike kid"

He has a very cute girlfriend, and she would probably think a folding bike is cool. When he came to visit, he asked me to buy him three things - vodka for while he stayed with me, and condoms and warming lube for when he saw his girlfriend, before he went to school. Sometimes I think that maybe being able to talk about anything with him has its drawbacks.

My girlfriend and I sell goods at the local bookstore on consignment and on etsy.com.

I've never had a job yet. (18 years old)

My girlfriend and I sell goods at the local bookstore on consignment and on etsy.com.

I've never had a job yet. (18 years old)

I think he flipped burgers for a few weeks. The only other job he's had was uploading bikes and related products to a website for me. He was very overpaid for that work, but what can I say, he's my kid.

If I really held a grudge (as opposed to venting) I probably wouldn't be posting in ss/fg...

Yeah, you'd probably be posting in Safety & Advocacy.

There's always the chance that it was left locked up too long somewhere and the university took it. You might want to have him look into that.

Yeah, you'd probably be posting in Safety & Advocacy.

Well, I tried to sign up at tarck, but it seems my username is already taken.


There's always the chance that it was left locked up too long somewhere and the university took it. You might want to have him look into that.

Or not. As in zero chance. It was in the school's bicycle lockup area, with a couple hundred other bikes. What bothers me about that is that they probably have some security guy check on it regularly while school is in session, but not during the break.