Quick Question
 

Hi, I am new to the forum. I mountain bike recreationally, nothing too serious. However I have a really important question that I need an answer to. I hope some of you can help me on this one. About a month ago, one of my housemates decided it would be a great idea to clean the house and put my mountain bike out on the front porch. He then left it there, being careless and irresponsible like always, and it was stolen during the afternoon / night. I had a Schwinn Moab 3 that I had purchased back in 2000. I was wondering what you guys think that bike would be worth now in 2005. There was nothing wrong with it at all. Gears, brakes no problems. I kept it in great condition. Some rust on some of the nuts on the bike, but other than that not big scratches or blemishes on the bike. Here is a link to the bike's specs. Let me know what you think, because I am PISSED, and what to be reimbursed for his utter stupidity.

http://www.epinions.com/bicycles_200...ay_~full_specs

Probably about 30% of what you paid tops. Thats if it is mint. If it was used, then you are looking at less.

I'm guessing about £200? (brand new)

dude, sorry to hear that. is your roommate offering to reimburse you?

He offered me his mountain bike which was a piece of crap, he never took care of it, and did not compare to mine at all. So I declined it. I also moved out, due to our lease being up. SO I am going to call him today and try to settle this once and for all. He said he would pay me some money, how much I do not know, however I am going to tell him I want $400. I know that is a little steep seeing as how it was 5 years old, but there is some extra money in there for a$$hole tax.

I like the idea of the a-hole tax. There should also be a tad bit for some idiot-careless tax, so I'd say bring it up to about $450. I also think you should give your old roomy a hassle about how you wouldn't need to get a new one and look around for a new one if he were more responsible...

If it were me, i would make him buy me a new bike. You are down 1 whole bike, not 30% of a bike.

I completely agree with both of you. However finding that bike is going to be hard. So I think ill just make him pay me whatever I see fit, and get another bike that I feel was equal to that one.

I'm betting that you will end up with your ex-roomie not giving you a dime. I base my opinion on nothing more than that attitude you seem to be going into it with. I could be wrong but so be it, that's what makes it my opinion I suppose. :)

I would agree with you with this point with anyone else except for my roommates. They screwed me in every way possible this year. Being 4 months late on their bills, breaking my $250 DVD player, hitting my car and scraping it up along the rear quarter panel, and now getting my Mountain Bike stolen. And up to this point I have never asked for compensation for their stupidity, but this time I want some reimbursement. And I refuse to be "polite" or "well mannered" about it, because that has gotten me no where with these guys.