Commuting - Not so new biker, new stories!!!

I've been frequenting this forum since May as a lurker.

I got a new job and had to move and get a bike to get back and forth to work. After many days of research and double triple checking I went with the Schwinn Avenue Hybrid from Walmart. $229 +tax out the door. Comfy ride to work, I only ride on the road so no off-roading. I put about 3 months of 9 to 20 miles per day riding on it.

Needless to say, it was stolen yesterday (covered by renters insurance). I am glad I didn't get the new tires and clipless pedals for it. I lost the chain, light kit (I work midnight to 9am), and bike in the investment. I plan to replace it with the exact same model as the ride was always smooth.

I didn't have the serial number for the bike and that sux, but now I know to record that info. I still have my original receipt. I'm not sure about any deductible, but even so the bike is worth more than my yearly renter's insurance premium.

In my time, I had no falls, a few close calls, and 3 flats. I learned about presta valves and tire sizes, etc. Went from a complete newb to a semi-newb.

Anyways, I'm here and this is a great place to learn so much about cycling.

Sorry to hear about your bike being stolen, but you bring up a good point that recording the bikes serial number in such an event occurs. This would help identify if police were able to recover it. I have the Schwinn Aluminum Comp all-terrain bike that I purchased to enjoy riding with my kids, but I've been bitten with the bug and now want to start commuting the 7 miles to work by bike. I've outfitted mine with lights, speedometer, panniers, etc.

After getting your new bike before investing in tires and clipless pedals, be sure to get a good lock to secure your bike.
Good luck and be safe.

Sorry to hear about your bike being stolen, but you bring up a good point that recording the bikes serial number in such an event occurs. This would help identify if police were able to recover it. I have the Schwinn Aluminum Comp all-terrain bike that I purchased to enjoy riding with my kids, but I've been bitten with the bug and now want to start commuting the 7 miles to work by bike. I've outfitted mine with lights, speedometer, panniers, etc.

After getting your new bike before investing in tires and clipless pedals, be sure to get a good lock to secure your bike.
Good luck and be safe.

Yes I plan to. It was cut off the chain in my apartment complex locked below the stairs where we are required to leave them. Needless to say, I am keeping it in my apartment or on my second floor balcony from now on. My co-worker told me about a Kryptonite lock that I am looking into. I'm getting a new bike tomorrow and recording serial number immediately.

Yes I plan to. It was cut off the chain in my apartment complex locked below the stairs where we are required to leave them. Needless to say, I am keeping it in my apartment or on my second floor balcony from now on. My co-worker told me about a Kryptonite lock that I am looking into. I'm getting a new bike tomorrow and recording serial number immediately.

Yeah, to hell with what your apartment management says, keep it out of areas where all the other bikes are supposed to be locked up. I live in a fairly high-end complex and bikes are always stolen from the underground garages (not to mention cars -- three in just two days) all the time.

About a month ago, there was a rash of bike thefts where one was actually taken off of a 4th story balcony. The thieves accessed the unit by climbing down from the roof. They got his/her bike and then proceeded to rob the apartment itself since the patio door was left unlocked. It sucks (and I really don't have the space), but just keep it indoors if at all possible.

Your community probably also offers bicycle registration -- you give them your serial # and a couple of dollars and they give you a license to attach to your frame. Around where I live, they range from $0 to $4 and then at least the local police will have the bike in a database if it gets recovered.

About <mumble> years ago, when I was at college, my bike was stolen during the second week of classes (despite a U-Lock) and I claimed it on insurance and whatever and then 6 months later, the police called me to say that they recovered my bicycle. Out of thirty some bikes, mine was the only one licensed, so I was the only owner to get his baby back. :)