Disturbing Prank
04-10-08 | 12:46 PM
#26
Chairman of the Bored
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,825
Likes: 2
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Bikes: 2004 Raleigh Talus, 2001 Motobecane Vent Noir (Custom build for heavy riders)
If your quick release is closed properly that would be nearly impossible.... The quick release should be closed so that the lever is very close to the fork so nothing can accidentally catch on the lever and flip it open. (Mountain bikers have to worry about this more than roadies, usually!)
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04-10-08 | 12:59 PM
#27
Lost in Nostalgia
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 659
Likes: 0
From: Fog City
Assuming the crook isn't carrying tools, I attach two large twist ties around the fork blade and skewer handle and pull it good and tight using two pliers. Wrap some tape on the fork to prevent marring the paint. If the skewer handle is slippery, wrap electrical tape on that too for friction. Not perfect but they can't remove it barehanded and hopefully it will discourage the pranksters.
You can also use radiator clamps in similar fashion.
knotty
You can also use radiator clamps in similar fashion.
knotty
04-10-08 | 02:58 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 26, Novara Strada, Novara Forza
Some people are just curious. I parked my bike at REI, came out later and noticed that I felt every bump in the road. Later realized that someone had locked off my front fork shock absorber that I almost always leave on. It's just a knob that turns back and forth 1/4 turn, someone was probably just playing with it. Come to think of it, some guy's toddler was stumbling around there when I was locking it up. I think sometimes people play with things and don't really know what they are or what they do, and just want to see what happens or how they work.
Just guessin'...
Just guessin'...
04-10-08 | 03:22 PM
#29
well hello there
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,487
Likes: 387
From: Point Loma, CA
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
Thanks for this reminder to ALWAYS check the basics before EVERY ride.
__________________
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
04-10-08 | 08:19 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,141
Likes: 12
From: New Jersey
Another bike rack horror story folks. You never ever use a bike rack in a mall. Those bikes are attacked by the kids who use them. You're lucky the wheels were still on the bike. Quick release and bike racks are bad news. You got off lucky.
04-11-08 | 09:33 AM
#31
Thread Starter
Calamari to go
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 0
From: Falls Church, VA
Bikes: Trek 750
I was at THE MALL. Capitol Building at one end, Washington Monument at the other, White House on the side and Smithsonian all around.
The bike rack was in front of the Sackler Gallery and next to the Smithsonian Castle, a very public place with NPS police around. Plus there is a food concession a few feet from the rack (I don't know how helpful they'd be, but it's something of a thief deterrent). I've locked up at many times before with no problem.
04-11-08 | 06:57 PM
#32
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
Are you talking about a shopping mall?
I was at THE MALL. Capitol Building at one end, Washington Monument at the other, White House on the side and Smithsonian all around.
The bike rack was in front of the Sackler Gallery and next to the Smithsonian Castle, a very public place with NPS police around. Plus there is a food concession a few feet from the rack (I don't know how helpful they'd be, but it's something of a thief deterrent). I've locked up at many times before with no problem.
I was at THE MALL. Capitol Building at one end, Washington Monument at the other, White House on the side and Smithsonian all around.
The bike rack was in front of the Sackler Gallery and next to the Smithsonian Castle, a very public place with NPS police around. Plus there is a food concession a few feet from the rack (I don't know how helpful they'd be, but it's something of a thief deterrent). I've locked up at many times before with no problem.
