So I'm at work, and this guy says he's got a bike for sale. My co-worker says, "Yeah, it's like the messenger bikes." I say I'll look at it. He wants 30 for this bike that definately is worth more than the 30 he's asking. I didn't ask questions, but while I'm feeling good about bagging a sweet ride, I'm feeling a gnawing sense of guilt, like feeling someone is out a nice ride. I'm going to do some research, check a couple bike stores where I've seen pics up and then check with 5-0 cause it does have a lisence on it. I'd discribe it but then anyone could say it was their's.
Putting out the word that I may have found a lost bike, and would like to get the ride back to the person who is missing a ride.

Any more details? What kind of a bike is it?

I would have bought it to make sure your plans to return the bike is easier to accomplish.

Okay without getting too specific, it's a single speed, with matching wheelset, meaning the front and rear are the same, hub, rims, it's steel, has two MPLS bike lisences on it. It isn't just a bike someone sells for 25 bucks unless they're trying to get money for crack, or meth. And if you're riding this bike I don't think you're doing either.

What are the odds? Well, pretty good I suppose. The Minneapolis fixed gear community is pretty small. I ran into a friend and started talking about out fixed gears, and I mentioned I had this bike. He says, "It's a Bridgestone, isn't it, with white bar tape, and Suzue hubs, a Cateye computer, Armidillo skin 700x28 Contenentals?"
I was like "Uh yeah."
"Yeah, I know the guy that got ripped off. I had the bike out for a ride, and it was stolen from me, and this guy tried selling it to me 2 weeks ago." He then ids the guy.
Long short? I've got the owners number will call this week and get his bike back to him.

Sweet. Everyone can feel better now, I guess. He's got his bike, you've done your job, yay! (you've got more storage room now?)

Same thing happened to me a few weeks ago. Now the bike is with the rightful owner again. I hated to see that bike go (super nice ride, fully chromed late 60's/early 70's trackbike) , but it feels good to be a part of putting things right.