First post, first bike!
 

Hello you bike fanatics. My first post here. I just got myself a Trek 3500 today as my first bike in 11 years. When I was 8, I had a really cheap bike, so I never knew anything about bikes until I recently did some research. I was interested in a hybrid/road bike, but for my commuting, I drive across a bridge and live too far away anyways. I just needed to get myself a good bike for a busy college campus with tons of different terrain, paths, and trails. I went to my local bike shop and test rode a few bikes and instantly fell in love with the 3500. It was a perfect price for my budget, $464 that's with tax. Technically, this is my first bike ever paid for and over $100, so I don't know the experience of a high end bike. Ultra comfy compared to some of the other Treks and road bikes my LBS offered, especially with the front suspension.

Here's a picture of my new prized possession :D
http://i.imgur.com/SC4ub.jpg

However, here's where I need help: I never maintained, or even knew parts of a bike when I was a kid. I now know a general knowledge of my bike, but I'm looking for ways to keep my bike safe on campus. I know I could have bought an ugly cheap beater bike, but I wanted something that I felt proud of riding and that I could do for recreation as well. So can anyone give me some anti-theft ideas? I took off the quick release for the seat, and just tightened some bolts on it so no one can just yank it off. I'm going to get a U-Lock FOR SURE! Maybe even a cable to go with it. What are some good brands and models that I can look into? Are there any other accessories I should look into? And also, how much of a difference would less-traction tires make up for speed? It already goes pretty quick for a mountain bike, but a little more wouldn't hurt. If anyone can answer any of these questions for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks guys!

It looks like a nice bike. Enjoy it by riding it a lot!

A U-lock and cable is recommended as an affordable locking strategy. Loop the U-lock through the frame and rear wheel, and then the cable through the front wheel. You should be able to pick up the combo for about $35 or a little more.

The most recommended accessory for a commuter bike is a rear rack. You can strap a backpack directly to it, use a milk crate, or spring for some panniers or trunk bag. A rear rack gives you a lot of versatility. I think Topeak racks give a good 'bang for the buck'.

Another thing people like on commuter bikes is fenders. They are definitely nice to have on wet roads or trails.

Thinner road tires are more efficient on pavement, no doubt about that. Depending on the length of your commute and the terrain, it's something you might want to look into for the future. For long rides every little bit of energy saved helps. If your commute is on the short side, in that case you can probably just wait for those tires to wear out before upgrading.

The more you ride your bike, the more you'll enjoy it. So ride often!

Edit: Almost forgot. If you ride at night you are also going to want some lights. Riding at night requires active lighting in addition to reflectors.

Welcome and enjoy your bike ! :thumb: yes a Ulock is a must, personally I have Kryptonite keeper which is not the best one but it does the job. The brutal truth is that there is no lock that will stop an experienced thief but they will definitely slow down the process. As far as maintenance look up vids on youtube and when you go to get your bike service dont be scared to ask question and always tip the mech, and make friend with him/her =). I would highly recommend tire liners which will help with puncture resistance. Also a very basic and essential tool is going to be your home floor pump. Oh yeah and watch this to learn how to lock up your baby ! tell us about your first commute !

Thanks guys, helps a lot! Is theft really that common? I have slight paranoia, so I always lock my stuff up. On a campus, is it THAT bad if properly locked up?

Also, I don't live in a HUGE town. I attend LSU, it's in Louisiana, so it's not super crowded like NYC

It all depends.. Bike thefts are a thing of opportunity. I have my lock right on my frame and there is no way that I can forget it. My friends bike got stolen a few months ago, because he figured "I am gonna be in and out of the store. I dont need to lock it up." So please lock it up and you will be fine =)

Bike theft is fairly common, but most bikes that are stolen are the result of an inadequate locking strategy. For example, locking your bike with a cable lock. All cable locks, even the 'armored kind', can be defeated in under a minute. They are fine if used in conjunction with Ulocks or hardened steel chains (the kind that weigh 10 lbs), but should never be used alone unless you are popping in to a fast food place or cafe, and can keep an eye on your bike from inside.

People that have bikes stolen often leave their bike locked overnight or for hours with a cable lock. That is a recipe for disaster. In general, the longer you leave your bike unattended, the more solid your lock-up strategy has to be.

If you have the cash, then you can buy something like 'Pitlock skewers', which are very secure when used in combination with a Ulock and weigh almost nothing. The only downside is cost, and the fact that you lose your 'quick release' skewers. The latter is generally not an issue for non-racers.

Wherever you are, don't leave your bike locked outside overnight and lock it properly at other times. As stated above, bike theft is about opportunity. If your bike is tough to steal, they'll move on to an easier one. By not leaving it outside overnight and locking it well at other times, you've eliminated a lot of opportunity for thieves.

Well maybe I'm overreacting. I plan on using it in pretty much only daylight around my campus. I'm thinking about getting a large U-lock for the back wheel and frame, and a mini lock for the front wheel and frame. Is this a good idea or are there simpler options? :)

Looks like a lot of bike for that price!
For commuting you will want to lose those tires and get some decent slicks. The improved roll on pavement will be very obvious.
As soon as you are totally at home on the bike I would go for some toe clips or clipless pedals/shoes too.

That sounds like a good option. It might be easier to get a good u lock and a cable, but either way you should be OK.

That will work fine. The only issue is that you will be carrying 2 Ulocks, and Ulocks are not the lightest things in the world. If that's not an issue, then it will work just fine. Weight savings is the reason why a lot of people use a Ulock + cable combination. It's a bit less secure, but still pretty good and saves you from having to carry an additional Ulock.

Simpler? Anti-theft skewers and a Ulock. You don't have to worry about locking your wheels. Just put the Ulock around any part of your frame and secure to the bike rack and you're done.

What are some good skewers that aren't too expensive? I like that idea about having anti-theft bolts. Sorry for all the questions guys! Haha

It's worth losing the quick release option for the added security/simplicity. The anti-lock skewers take the place of the cablelock. A good Krytonite u-lock is worth it's weight in gold. The main thing is to make your bike as difficult to steal as possible so that potential thieves will take a pass on yours and move on to easier prey.

If you get an under-saddle toolbag make sure it has a quick-release mechanism. Don't leave anything on your bike. Make sure your pump fits into your toolbag. Topeak makes a mini that's really small. And never leave your bike unattended all night. Make room for it in your dorm room. Even if it's on the 4th floor. Learn how to do the 'trekker carry' and walk up those flights of stairs w/your bike. It'll help build your leg strength for your off-road rides. :p

Not trying to make you paranoid, but bike thievery on college campuses is rampant. You've got a really nice bike and I think any of us posting here are offering the benefit of their perspective/experience in hopes you still have it when you graduate. :thumb:

This '2-part set' from Pinhead will lock your wheels:
http://www.amazon.com/Pinhead-Bicycl...3470261&sr=8-2

They also have more expensive sets that lock your wheels, saddle, and headset. Those are probably overkill, but a saddle leash from bikeregistry.com is a good deal for $3:
http://www.bikeregistry.com/estore/p...868044f05f500c

If you do end up ordering the saddle leash, then spend an extra dollar for the decals. That will make your bike easier to identify and recover in case it's ever stolen. You can also upload photos of your bike to that same website so that you have documented evidence that your bike is actually yours in case a thief claims that he bought it used or something when confronted after putting it up on craigslist or selling to a pawnshop.

Hi, I am new, too! I'm also on a college campus. Good to meet you.

My bike isn't one that people would generally "want" to steal. But I still lock it up, of course! There are a lot of really good ideas on this thread and it's been good for me to have tips on how to prevent theft of things on my bike. I use the bike rack plus milk crate idea in order to carry my things to school. My bike looks completely homely on the bike rack with its huge milk crate on the back...but I figure that it is just protective camouflage, because thieves will not want to mess with a bike with a huge milk crate on the back! The milk crate is kept on the rack by use of strategically placed bungee cords. Yes, very high tech here!!

I like having the milk crate, though, because it lets me put a lot of gear in it and tie it down with bungees. I always seem to have tons of stuff.

Try, if possible, to park your bike in a high-traffic area. I don't know if it sounds counter-intuitive, but thieves hate to be watched. They would rather be in a dark corner somewhere sawing away at your lock than be in front of a building with everyone watching. If your school's bike rack is in one of those "dark corners," see if you can tie it to a railing that is near the front door. You can always ask the building secretary or custodian if that is okay. And I second what everyone is saying: don't leave it somewhere overnight...

Awesome helps guys, thanks a ton!

Also, are the Pinhead skewers a universal fit so it'd fit my MTB?

Personally I would skip on the pitlocks/pinhead skewers. Why? Gator grips... Moving on;

I think it would be best to use a cable and u-lock combo. Cable strings through the front wheel and part of the frame, u-lock goes though the back wheel and seat post. The cable should go like a lasso around the front wheel and frame, and the other end should string through the u-lock. Using a mini is probably not going to work, get a u-lock that is at least the 'regular' size, or 'large' if you feel like you want to lock up to just about anything. A regular one should do though, and you don't want to get a u-lock too large because it can be pried. The seat has a quick release, I'd probably take that with in into class. One more thing to make the bike less desirable.

What to do about the weight? I would recommend a rear rack as the bike appears to have the eyelets, and probably really great considering you might be hauling stuff for school. You mentioned trails and different terrains, but I would say you would be able to switch to more slicker tires depending on what kind of trails you had in mind. If it were light trails that were flat, you can probably get away with slick tires. I think you'd need ones with some bite if you were going up and down slopes.

Continential Touring Plus or TravelContact look like they would be a good set to toss on the MTB but I'm sure other people would have better recommendations since I don't know MTB tires sadly.

Would it be wise to take off the quick release on the tires as well, or it wouldn't matter if both the front and rear tires are secured to the frame?

You can do both, but if you feel comfortable with not having quick releases go ahead and remove them.
I leave them on my road bike because those tires are more easily punctured vs MTB tires.