HI all, I had my lovely Trek stolen today from Carlingwood Mall in Ottawa, Ontario. I thought that this forum might reach some folks in town and hopefully get my beloved back. It is a 2005 6700 TREK 15.5 inch frame and blue in colour. It was around 2PM on July 14th and they obviously had rather large bolt cutters because the lock was mangled and left behind. I have files a police report, but if anyone hears of one up for grabs or sees one, check to see if the rear chain guard is spotless or still covered in an old piece of inner tube. It still has the Rebec and Kroes sticker on it too.
Please help my sad lonely bike come home!It was an engagement present from my (now) husband and means a lot to me...not to mention I can't afford to replace it and need it to get around town.
Teri at 613-266-5130

As an aside: It might be handy if we had a notice board for this kind of thing in the future.

I'm truly sorry for your loss. I hope someone finds it and returns it to you. But that isn't likely to happen - sorry to say. What I recommend is to have a good "beater-bike" to run errands on - with a very good lock nonetheless. I have two beautiful, custom machines. I'd never take my eyes off them and wouldn't think to leave them locked at a mall. Such is why I went and got a nice, used 3-speed war-wagon to haul my groceries and such - with a Kryptonite U-Lock in my cute, little wicker-basket.

Thanks. I did used to have a beater but it was stolen from my basement storage so I have had to ride my nice bike. Sigh...
There were people actually apparently sitting on the benches beside where the bike was stolen from. They "didn't know it wasn't his" despite it not having a seat and his having to use huge bolt cutters to get the lock off. This just shows me how some people are. The very sweet elderly lady on the bench felt quite bad. I am keeping my fingers crossed and have filed a report with both the mall and the police ... we shall see
T

check on craigslist. I've been prowling the bike section for the GTA for the past week and there are a few "found" bikes... as well as some being sold lower than they should be (if you know what i mean).

What you really could do is post a wanted ad for a bike that almost exactly matches your bike. Y'know, the same frame size, model, etc. The thief may try to sell it back to you.

Just had my pista stolen from me today.

I have been doing the Craig's List, Kijijii thing and no joy so far. I am sorry to hear of the last bike stolen too....I hope these thieves find many potholes and bad drivers.
T

keep an eye out for bikes with custom paint jobs. i'm noticing a lot of people are selling these at "lower-than-normal" prices. I'm also noticing people selling bikes with different components than what is stock... and they comment the bike is either stock or they didn't ride much.

I think it's all a bit suspicious, but that might just be me.

If you're also looking at a suspicious Craiglsist ad, and there is a phone #, google it. You may find other suspicious posts by this same person. Someone was selling an Ultegra Rear Derailleur for $20 once. I googled the # and found it to tied to a residence and the person regularly sells high-end components for cheap. Not definitive by any means, but I wouldn't buy from them.

Sorry guys for hearing about your bike stolen... *sigh*

i don't find phone numbers usually... it's mostly the anonymous email address link.