The only bike I've had stolen was probably worth $5 at best, if they had asked for it, I would have given it to them. And it LOOKED like it was worth $5, too. So painting over logos, etc., may or may not accomplish anything there.


On our randonneuring rides, generally, in small towns, we leave bikes unlocked at convenience stores and don't have a problem. But there's a first time for everything, too. Seems like I have heard of one of our local riders having a bike stolen way back when, and I've heard of one whose tandem was thrown in the street and damaged, although not actually stolen. One rule of thumb for me: If people are leaving $30,000 pickups in the parking lot unattended with the engine running, your bike is likely to be okay there. Otherwise, a cable lock will keep the random hobo or teen from hopping on it and riding off.


On the prank videos- no idea if those are real or not. Suffice it to say, a LOT of pranks have the potential to backfire, and hiding around a corner and hollering "Boo!" at people could very well get you shot, especially with strangers. So whether real or not, not too prudent.