There is a silver lining...
 

Even with my bike getting stolen, I didn't let it deter me from riding. I love it more than anything. So, after drowining my sorrows in a slice or two of pie and hours of video games, I marched down to the bike shop and got myself a new bike. Here's the great part: I went to buy my bike right before the 2005 models needed to go to make room for the 2006 ones. I told my story to the bike shop guy and he took pity on me since EVERYONE has a bike stolen from them at one point. He offered me a deal on a 2005 at over 50% off which in the end cost less than I spent for my last one. But, it's a MUCH nicer bike. I'm still shaking my head that I got a nice one but since I commute over 12 miles a day, I wanted a nice ride. I went down to REI and got a NICE lock that promises if anyone steals it, they will replace the bike 100%.

http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/206...dia/227004.jpg
I am going to go get one or two more u-locks, just in case. I've learned NEVER to park my bike anywhere that I don't completely trust.

Here's my new baby - a GT Avalanche 2.0, small since I'm a short girl and in blue instead of the red in the picture. Maybe I should spray paint it something ugly so no one will want to steal it? ;-) It's my first bike with disc brakes. I know it's not as nice as the ones you all have but I'm still a newbie and from what I understand, this is a good bike for a beginner. It is a mountain bike when I only wanted a road bike, but I couldn't pass up the deal. I'm thinking I may want to change the tires for a smoother ride. It was so great riding it this morning. :)

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...lanche_2.0.jpg

The cool thing about this new bike, the sadle is narrow and hard, so no more numbness. ;)

Congrats, that's good to hear and am glad there is somewhat of a happy ending.

Enjoy your bike!

.
Cool, glad your sticking with it, and congrats on the new ride. Good idea switching out those tires for commuting. Hang on to the knobbies though, and maybe give the local trails a try. Variety is the spice of something-something.


Pie, video games, and bicycles?! What a catch ;) .

I'm cute too, and modest. ;)

Now, you can't throw that out there without pictures... :D

"Page cannot Be Displayed"

Ok, here's one that works.

Come on, Kristen. We know that's not you. Your profile says you are from Berkeley and everyone there has at least one body piercing. I don't see any such thing in your picture.

HAHA! You really do know Berkeley people. Yeah, I do have one in a not visible place. It is my favorite one.

Whoops, I'm a derailleur... I was just sayin' is all.

Why do all the cute ones with secret piercings that like pie, video games, and bicycles live 700 miles away? ;)

Anyways... How was the ride today?

Kristen,
I'm glad everything is working out so well. That lock looks much better than the previous one. Since most bike thieves are probably men, you might want to put a bunch of feminine stickers all over it. ;) Some really girly ones, so that a thief might just be too embarassed to ride off on it. Of course that may not be your taste and may make it embarassing for you.

I couldn't ride today. I had to ride into San Francisco to go to UCSF to do research. I will tomorrow and I'm looking very forward to it. Thanks.

I can spray paint it bright pink and put on streamers on the handles! ;-) You know, I'd do anything at this point to dissuade a thief.

Here, I think these should do it Hello Kitty Bike Accessories. Here's to keeping your stuff, well, your stuff.

Steve W.

http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoti.../happy/028.gif That is hilarious! http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoti...happy/1074.gif

Now yer talkin'!!

Check out the Hello Kitty bike about halfway down this page. I don't think the pink or Hello Kitty sticker would make this bike any safer!

http://www.kirkframeworks.com/PhotoGalleryowners.htm

If it fit me, I'd ride it! :o :D

You got a picture of her new bike, what more du you need? :p

I'm not sure if you'd need 2 u-locks. Just get a small chain for the front wheel + frame too.
I'd just keep one of the locks (preferably the one that holds the front + frame to the rack) on the rack so you don't have to keep lugging it back and forth.

Nah, I didn't after all. The lock came with a thick cable. Once I learned to loop it from the front wheel and use the u-lock the lock up the back while and attach the cable to it, it's pretty set to stay. Even if they cut the front cable, the u-lock is clamped on the back wheel to the frame, if you can picture that. Once the shock of getting ripped off wore off, I wasn't freaking out about extra security. I still wouldn't mind some way to do extreme physical damage to someone that tries to take it. ;)

Exactly! That's the important picture! ;)

Did you remember to get a tiny thin cable for your seat too?
Oh man I just read your new bike has mech. disc's. That's gonna attrack some attention on the rack.

What is this you speak of? I've never heard of such a thing. Please teach me! I've just been taking it with me. You're a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate that.

This:
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/articl...3/210719x2.gif
Comes in a 5mm or 10mm version. Loop that around the seat rails then loop that around your lock. Makes it more of a hassle to steal your seat.
Heh, honestly, your bike is a lot nicer than the mtb I used to ride and lock up in public. I have a road bike with disc brakes now but only cause i have indoor parking. Disc brakes scream steal me!