Originally Posted by
adebrunner
I took a 1970s huffy sea pines 3 speed, unlocked, from behind a dumpster a few weeks ago. Both tires were flat but it was in otherwise great shape. I let it sit there for 24 hours and then took it under the assumption that someone was throwing it away, but didn't want to heave it into the dumpster. That bike was stolen off my porch about 2 weeks later. So, I guess that was karma if I did actually steal it, but I'm pretty sure it was garbage.
It is possible that someone previously stole the bike, and rode it around and then left it behind the dumpster when they flatted the tires. So when you see an abandoned bike it may not be abandoned by its rightful owner, but rather abandoned by the crackhead that stole it. In which case obviously the original owner isn't going to find it there so I would take it but maybe check with the police on the serial number?
At least in Toronto a 1970s 3 speed may be a very well loved commuter.