boston doesn't have that much of a problem with bike theft - get a u-lock (any kind will do in boston, really, but i like the krypto evolution minis), learn how to lock up your bike properly (there's thousands of threads on these forums about locking up), and you'll be fine. (EDIT: and if it's possible at all, keep your bike INSIDE at night! if you have an apartment, think of getting hooks on the wall to hang it up... if you live in a dorm, most dorm closets have room for a bike, and i've even heard of dudes getting rack raisers and keeping their bikes under their beds... letting your bike live outside is bike abuse!)

as for the bikes not bombs deal? what it comes down to is that you paid the going rate for what you're getting. you're not getting ripped off at all. however, you could do it for a lot cheaper on your own. that's all i was getting at... for my first conversion, i ended up spending a little less than 300 dollars, and i ended up with a really decent bike for the money because i did it myself, didn't mind shopping around for bargains, and was willing to wait for stuff. does that make sense?

happy shopping!