Sammyboy

I had banana seat bikes as a kid, and now, all grown up, I wanted one again. I had an old mountain bike, and thought I'd stick a sissy bar, banana seat, and a set of ape hangers on it. Well, to get the really big ape hangers cost money, and probably, all in, I spent close to $100 on parts. They all got moved around over several tired old mountain bikes, til I got one up that I was happy with. In the meantime, I'd located a set of stem shifters, so I could run the derailleurs with the big bars (24").

Anyhow, last weekend, I got it all built up, after a year of messing around, and rode it for the first time. I'd built my son a chopper too - extended front forks and a banana seat on a BMX - and we were definitely too cool for school, comments everywhere we went, people offering to buy the bikes. Mine needed a little more adjustment, and probably a new chain, so I put it in my locked and gated back garden, waiting for this weekend, when I could do the work. And then, some bugger climber over the fence, and stole it. That pisses me right off. Lots of people saw this bike, and were envious. I hoped it might inspire some to build their own cool bikes. Instead, it inspired someone to steal mine. Bastards.

DavidLee

That really sucks, I'm sorry to see someone had be so common to do that to you. There is an upside to having such a unique bike stolen in that it may be easier to find. I'd post some "stolen" signs with a complete description of the bike around your area, hopefully it will turn up.

Best of luck to you.

Knudsen

bummer

Artkansas 

Yeah, it pays to advertise, especially with a unique bike like that. The buffoon has to have shown it to someone. Climbing over the fence like that speaks of bike lust. Hope you have a photo of it to show people.

古強者死神

You have already called the police and reported it right?

outside of that some banners as listed above may help.

I am iffy about leaving my bike in the shed in the back yard but I have two dogs so that really helps.

next time sit up on your roof with a rifle and shoot the guy.

tolfan

all that time and money and you didnt buy a lock? out side is out side even in your back yard. expect the worst from the general public and you will never be disapointed.

kemmer

1. I have too many bikes to lock them all up.
2. A $40 lock on a $100 dollar bike in a locked back yard doesn't make much sense to me either.
3. I would rather have a bike stolen every once in a while (the sub $100 ones anyway) than have to lock them all up every time I ride one.
4. I keep anything expensive in the house.

Still having a bike stolen hurts. I still have fond memories of my Schwinn Varsity that was stolen a few years ago.

Sammyboy

I do have a lock, and I should've locked it. From now on, all that's living out the back are beater MTB's I'm doing up for friends. They were free, and anyone who can be arsed to lift one over the locked gate probably deserves it. I just thought it was safe back there.

Dr.Deltron

+1 !

The sign on my garage says "Protected by Smith & Wesson" & "The stuff in here is NOT worth your LIFE!"

and I'm talkin' S&W 629! Because I can hit what I'm aimin' at!!! Sooo, would be thieves can MAKE MY DAY!

and in case I'm away, the 12 gauge is rigged to the door! My friends and neighbors know NOT to try and borrow my lawnmower without calling first!!!

'Been ripped off once before...and that's ONCE TOO OFTEN!

and keep your eyes open, the chump that jacked your bike probably lives nearby!

EnigManiac

I don't mean to be critical, but a bike is not $100.00 when it means way more than the money you actually spent on it. If it was a beater bike that you had no special attachment to, I could see you maybe refering to it as a $100.00 bike and being only mildly miffed if someone swiped it. Clearly, by posting here about the theft, it meant alot more to you than a mere hundred bucks. I'm really sorry to hear it was stolen as a result. It sounds like it was a sweet ride and that you're going to really miss it.

I have a collection of bikes too, all of them unusual, unique and all very dear to me, but I also have a collection of locks, not quite as many as my bikes, mind you. If I happen to have a bike outside (because I run out of room in the garage and basement), no fewer than two locks get put on and that's even when the bike is in my secured back yard. You know what? I still worry about them until I can get them safely inside.

Hope you get it back. And if you catch the guy, give him a left hook from me.

AverageCommuter

+1

Because I've been mad enough to want to do something like that myself

-1000

Because everyone who's ever tried that trick has done some serious time when someone gets shot. In every state in the US it is only legal to use lethal force to protect a life, not your stuff. Best of luck though. I hope for your sake that thing never goes off.

Dr.Deltron

Operative phrase being "rigged TO the door", not AT the door!
I figure the loss of some sheetrock is better than the hassle you mention. I'm guessing any would-be thief will beat a hasty retreat upon hearing that BLAST!

+1001 ?!

geo8rge

Sadly theft prevention is part of any bicycle project. When storing bikes outside you might pop off the pedals, if you have an electric air pump let the air out of the tires.