Just started commuting to work via bicycle within the last couple weeks. I am a graduate student at a large university and lock my bike up outside while I'm at work. There are usually plenty of other bikes on the rack, and I'm not too concerned about theft around here.

Anyways, I just finally got my tool kit together. Got my tire levers, multitool, patch kit, and then I've got one of those hand pumps that you mount to the frame. I've got a big messenger bag that I can haul all my crap in, should I put the pump in my bag or am I safe strapping it to the frame during the day? (I've got a guess but I thought I'd ask )

I once met a guy who's hobby was to rip lights off peoples bicycles, not because he needed them, just for fun. He gave me a broken one and threw the rest in the ocean.

So the answer would be, "yes."

Well, that answers that one

I had a pump stolen off a bike...any thing not bolted down can be taken and you never know what people will steal or break.

Yes, people will take pumps. Believe me, half the frame pumps in my city I used to own. Bag it!

In 1985 I used to bike to work and leave it locked to a pole outside. Never crossed my mind that anyone would tamper with it but had it locked so no one would ride it. Anyway one day some bumhole unscrewed my downtube shifter levers and left all the bits on the ground. Lucky I could just put it back together fairly easily.

Even leaving the bare bike on most college campuses is a risk.

Put everything in removable bags, and leave nothing.

Or get this:

https://www.thinkbiologic.com/products/postpump-seatpost

Did you punch him in the reproductive organ?

I have a different type of pump on my bike, cause you know, that problem male cyclists get from riding so much yada ya. Anyway, no nobody has ever stolen it.

Very interesting!

Hmmm, for $50 I'll have to see if it would fit on my commuter. I'd been thinking about trying to velcro a Lezyne pump inside the seatpost. It's pretty much the only thing I would really be bummed about getting stolen from my toolkit - everything else is cheap.

Anything not nailed down will get stolen, it's just a matter of time. I forgot to remove my pump once while in college and the pump was gone that same day.

Just to toss in something, an exception that proves the rule, when my bike was taken for a joy ride by some punks in the neighborhood, the ONLY tool not taken off of the bike... was the pump. No lie. They even took the space blanket. XD

>>>>any thing not bolted down can be taken<<<<<

...which is why I used to secure an automobile hose clamp around my pump when I left the bike anywhere. I had replaced the flat head screw on top with an Allen screw so it couldn't be opened easily with a coin or other flat object. I'm not saying this is theft-proof, but my pump was never stolen in the 10 years or so I protected it with that clamp.

Still, if taking it with you is an option, it's a no-brainer.

Strange, I never thought someone would think to steal a pump, but it makes sense. I'm also a grad student at a fairly large university and I have a pump that attaches to the frame. I started commuting by bike everyday in May or June, and so far the pump and my rear blinker are fine despite leaving them on the bike. I probably won't take them off anytime soon. They might get stolen, but the ones I have a cheap so it wouldn't be the end of the world. So, I guess it depends; if they get stolen, I probably will pay a little closer attention to their replacements. That being said, my much more expensive front light never stays on the bike.

1st rule of inevitability , everything will be great, till it aint.