locking bike outside for job?
 

Im gonna get me a job within a mile or two of the place im staying at. Most likely they wont let me keep the bike inside.Im wanting to get a entry level job at something like mcdonalds.

What type of bike should I get for $100? I think im gonna buy off craigslist. Would people steal a $100 bike if I locked it up outside when im working?

My other bike is a $1000 cannondale touring bike but I wouldnt want to lock that up outside when im working.

For $100 you'll probably get a mountain bike and for one mile even knobby tires will work fine (or grab some nashbar specials at $10-15 each). Just add a Ulock + wire (for the front wheel) I think you should be all set. You could spend a little more and get a vintage road bike, but I don't see the benefit for a 1 mile commute.

What size of mountain bike should I get? Theres some trek mountain bikes on craigslist for $100. My cannondale touring bike says extralarge and im 6ft 2.

I agree with the poster above - you'd do better taking a friend with you who knows bikes and buying a quality used one from Craigslist. The size depends on your size.

If you have a Cannondale touring bike, why not use that? If you;re 6'2, I'd GUESS you'd want a diamond frame of about 60cm square on a conventional diamond frame, but I don't know how that equates to other frame types.

Any bike can get stolen, it's more about opportunity than quality. Most bike thieves don't know the difference anyway. I'd use a quality ubolt and cables for the wheels...google locking on youtube.

BTW - I worked at a Wendys when I was a teen and they DID let me store the bike in the back storage area. It can't hurt to ask. Of course then you have to worry about other employees taking it, or leaving the back door open.

My suggestion would be to take the Cannondale. Just make sure you have a proper lock or two and use them correctly. I agree with the others in the sentiment that most bike crimes are crimes of opportunity.

Plus if you are working at McDonalds there is usually a lot of traffic (both car and pedestrian) and most that I see have large windows to look out from. If the employees know it is your bike you don't need to worry as much. I always seem to see someone on break or doing something outside.

$ave your money!
WALK to work . . . it's only a mile!!!

+1

Many of the fast food workers in this area are using old MTBs, BMXs, and the occasional vintage road bike (or old Scwhinn). Typically locked out of the way but visible in front, or more often, by the back door to the restaurant. AFAIK, no one messes with them. Your bike is going to be sitting outside in all kinds of weather, and may get knocked into. Get a cheap MTB & lock and don't worry about it. Add light & taillight for when it gets dark. Save the 'dale for fun rides.

Eh, just walk. That shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes and riding your bike (once you figure in locking it up and stuff) won't save all that much time and will take a chunk out of that first paycheck or 2.

Yeah, one mile? walk.

But to agree with the other poster's - thieves are, by their very nature, not very smart. The wouldn't know the difference between a $1,000 Cannondale and $100 Huffy. My house was broken into and they stole $4,000 worth of electronics (TV, Stereo, PC, Wii, etc), but left my $4,000 road bike sitting there, untouched. They took my crap and left my crown jewel, untouched!

Yeah after reading this im gonna just ride my cannondale. I got a good lock.

TAKE the seat inside with you and /or the front wheel. nobody will steel it if they cant ride it (generally).

unless you are in nyc

If you live in a high bike theft city like NYC or Chicago you need a top quality expensive U-lock and chain. Especially since thieves might notice how often you park there. I have to disagree & say that not all thieves are stupid. Take proper precautions against bike theft.