Freebird: probably not if you use a quality u-lock. I'd recommend a Krypto Mini-Evo, haven't heard of anyone losing a bike to that lock. Leave your bike unlocked on your front porch, locked with a cable, or in the same bike rack every day for awhile, and there's a large possibility it could... also, never lock your bike at the Portland Rock Gym. Ever.

MIN: I run 80 gear inches or 49x16 and I don't have a problem. Some of the larger / steeper hills I'm out of the saddle and standing to pedal up them, but I LOVE this ratio for coming back down, it's an absolute blast. I'd recommend 70-80 for a good all-around town gear inch, unless you really like spinning, than go lower. Spinning/lower ratios have a time and place for me, and that time is the winter.