Boozerguyzer

Hey guys, first post on the forums after lurking for a month or so. I'm looking for a CX bike to commute with and ride on single track and have found some pretty sweet rides out there, but some of them concern me based on appearance.

This dope Fuji I rode yesterday is what I would buy, but the thing is bright red with white accents-it stands out like all heck. So my question is how much do you guys consider this before buying or deciding which bike to take out for the day? I live about 14-15 mi from downtown minneapolis where I go to school and also where the Twins stadium is (with newly expanded bike parking!) so my 7.3fx which is too small won't get me there, but then again it seems to be a less likely target of thievery.

So what do y'all think? In the eyes of a thief is a "nice bike" just a "nice bike" and if the lock looks shoddy they'll go for it? or would something like a poop-brown crosscheck fly under the radar better?

Andy_K 

I'm not sure how much flashy styling figures into bike theft. The primary thing a bike thief looks at is how quickly he can steal the bike. Even basic value is probably secondary to that. Any bike thief that is prepared to cut through a U-lock would probably judge a bike by its components and material more than by its appearance.

To answer your other question, I don't think about theft much when deciding what bike to buy, but I typically use my bikes in a low-crime area in the suburbs. If I were going to be making a trip into downtown Portland and leaving my bike locked up on the street for an extended period of time, I would definitely consider using my beater bike.

Boozerguyzer

Gotcha, well thanks for the help! With so many factors to consider, I just keep hearing about bikes getting stolen and it's always lingered in my mind when I see these Motobecanes with full 105 components or that fuji with full ultegra vs. some crosscheck. I guess it comes down to the lock and how long I leave it/where. I think most professors are ok with having a bike in the corner of their room for an hour, and the Target Field locks are surveyed via camera...methinks I'll be going for the flash! (and superior quality of course)

Halebopp

Just get a nice U-Lock, and if you're really concerned also get one of those cables that attaches to it so you can weave it through the wheels.

I've had no problem's with bike theft before (knock on wood). I think the keys are using a nice lock, not being in a terrible part of town, and NEVER leaving it overnight.

Andy_K - I'm originally from Portland and used to lock my bike up downtown all the time. Never had an issue, I think during the day in downtown there are so many people walking around that cutting through a U-lock would be way too obvious.

cc700

i always lock up with severe levels of good locking practice and have never had a problem yet, but i do that no matter which bike i'm on. also, i have lots of bikes. probably be heartbroken in the event of any of them being stolen, but only a couple of them would be 'irreplaceable' emotionally. that said my cx bike is my commuter, even though i use it less than my fixed gear that looks WAY more attractive to thieves. the fixed gear is the less expensive bike just because i bought all the parts seperately for each.

and a flat black bike sure seems like it blends in more but odds are if a bike thief is looking for a bike it doesn't matter what color it is. if you like the fuji get the fuji. just also get a super nice lock like a kryptonite evo or nyc.

Boozerguyzer

Right on, thanks for the tip! I definitely won't be f-ing around with anything but a U lock and I think I'd be kicking myself on the 14mi commute if I got something less than what I want

Andy_K 

There was a guy recently who got his picture taken trying to cut through a U-lock. Within a week he was arrested on a meth charge and admitted to trying to steal the bike.

Ronsonic 

I don't think fanciness makes a damn bit of difference whether it gets stolen or not. Just means it costs more to replace.

The average bike thief doesn't know. He might discriminate against stuff that he saw at walmart but that's about it.

mcmahon

+1
This has been my experience, by and large. Where I live, a full suspension mountain bike (even a department store BSO) is far more attractive to the uneducated thieves than any of my bikes, including my Ridley (not that I lock that up outside work on a daily basis). My daily commuter, a 1978 Trek with new wheels, is worth more than any of the hybrids I park next to, and yet they're constantly having seats stolen, etc. I consider drop handlebars my best line of defence, followed by eggbeaters. Thieves are not usually connoisseurs of fine bicycles, and anything that makes it look less rideable, from their perspective, encourages them to move on.
Having said that, other cities may be different; either way, a good u-lock securing the rear wheel and frame, with a cable around the front, is a wise investment.

Boozerguyzer

Right on. Also, now that I think about it I remember reading a couple of years ago that the Toyota Camry was the most popular vehicle stolen for like 8 years running. Certainly not the fanciest, just common, indistinguishable and probably easier to steal than a Benz or something. So it wouldn't be a stretch at all to assume bike thieves operate the same way, and I never thought about egg beaters being a deterrent either.

Anyway, I appreciate all the insight y'all have offered, I ended up ordering a Motobecane Fantromcross Pro with full Sram Rival off BD and cannot wait to test it out!

Cynikal 

Most cars are stolen for the parts. Most are 5 year old popular cars like the camary. They aren't stolen for joy rides. Most good bike thieves think the same way. They will steal several bikes and swap parts and sell the bikes on CL.

moosensquirrel

Out of curiosity, what school in Minneapolis? I just graduated from North Central, just a couple blocks south of the Metrobowl (or whatever it is called these days...)

I've got my eye on a Fuji now. Can't wait to make a purchase.

fietsbob

Boozerguyzer

I'm at MCTC (Minneapolis Community and Tech. College) right by Loring Park. You would be located near the Metrodome which now houses Mall of America Field (i have no idea...) haha. Our Bike Collective is pretty sweet though, very active with the school and city, they just busted their arses to get a repair rack installed on campus that has a bunch of tools and a tire pump attached, I've been using it to get my brakes and front der. dialed in every day between coming to school and leaving. If you're looking to take classes or happen to be riding near loring park or the sculpture garden and keep throwing a chain or need to pump your tires, check it out it's sweet.

Oh and I ended up going for a Moto Fantomcross Pro, I lock it next to a ton of other bikes and I'm the only one who bothers taking off the front wheel and fitting it into my U lock so I think I'll be ok

TRANS4M

basically the same bike as the Fuji Cross Pro. I had the Cross Pro and my friend has the MB Fantom cross pro. Both nice bikes!

moosensquirrel

Thanks or the tips, including bike choice, lock choice, and local Minneapolis bike-related sights.

moosensquirrel

Where do you store the lock(s) during your ride?

velocycling

My school has that stand with Park tools. Nice. We also have bike lockers for rent. You should check

Andy_K 

I leave my lock on the rack at my destination, since I'm always going to the same place. I used to carry it in my backpack.

Boozerguyzer

I have a lock mount strapped to my top tube but it's a piece of garbage, I'd only give it to the end of the season before it completely goes kaput. Sometimes the lock pops off on fast, bumpy hills or similar terrain. Like I said, piece of garbage. Methinks the lock will be on a rack or in the back pack next year.

Boozerguyzer

My dad was saying he used to do that until he got to school one day and his lock had been cut overnight...forcing him to either go home or leave it unlocked for the for-sight having thief to steal. Honestly it looks way less shady cutting a lock without a bike on it and then you know you've got a solid chance of an unlocked bike to snag the next day.

Andy_K 

My first guess would have been campus security (assuming the lock was gone). There's a small but vocal contingent here who complain about locks being left on the racks. If thieves are thinking that way, that's scary.

I keep a spare lock in my office, which I had to use a couple of times this winter when the lock outside froze. I just really don't like carrying extra weight.

moosensquirrel

Wow, I never thought of leaving the lock on the bike rack. Sounds like a super good and yet bad idea, haha.

Boozerguyzer

Ha yea, it sounds even better now that my lock mount is officially a piece of garbage. I busted my thumb open prying my lock free from it a couple days ago, cursed so loud my mom probly shuddered at her office 30 miles away and calmed down by figuring out that my backpack has perfect straps to hold a big ol' Krypto U lock. But I do see plenty of locks left on the racks, you just gotta know that there's a minute chance it might not be there when you get back (i.e. maybe bring a back up lock if you're at school and have an exam that day or something but besides that it's probly not a whole lot to worry about)

mrybczyn

When I used to live in the big city, and studied at the downtown campus, bike theft happened to someone practically daily. I like to think my ****tified green and purple hybrid Miele was left alone from being such an odd bike. I think urban thieves tend to know their business, and go for the good stuff if they can find it, and easy to resell stuff othewise... So get a ****ty odd looking bike and make sure its dirty and unappealing :-) Its just a commute after all. Save the good bike for the fun trips.