Originally Posted by bragi

This is going to sound a bit snobby, but here it is: You have a $250 bike, which, in your situation, is a very good choice. If you secure it with a good U-lock, lock it to something really solid, and don't leave it locked up outside overnight, you're probably going to be okay. Opportunistic thieves will go after bikes that are poorly locked, or not locked at all, and more professionally-minded thieves won't bother with yours because it's not worth enough.