My bike was stolen!

[maillotpois]

:(

I can't even believe it. It was taken from my car (which I stupidly forgot to lock) from my carport. We had been through so much together. So many double centuries, the 600k. So many Death Rides. Of course I had my new Garmin on there as well.

I am just completely crushed.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/bikereadyfor600k.jpg

[TsPoet]

Oh no! What a beauty.
You have a nice photo of it, I'm sending good energy that it will be returned!

[Pedal Wench]

Just reading your post turns my stomach - I can't imagine how you must feel.

[OakLeaf]

Oh, that's awful. :mad::(

[sfa]

Oh no!! I'm so sorry. It just makes me sick when something like this happens.

[Triskeliongirl]

As someone who had a bike stolen, I really feel for you. But, be proactive, submit a police report, list it in the stolen bike registry, send pics to all the LBSs in case someone is stupid enough to bring it in for service or an 'appraisal', check pawn shops, craigs list, etc. You may get lucky...............

[Catrin]

I am so sorry, I hope that it is found...

[sgtiger]

((((((MP))))))

That's awful. Sending you well wishes that it will be recovered shortly and the thief will be caught.

[salsabike]

OH. I am SO SORRY! I really am.

[Veronica]

That stinks!

And it's not like you live in an easy to get to area where yucky people just wander around loooking for stuff to steal.

Veronica

[arielmoon]

This is terrible! I too am sending you some positive vibes in hopes of a safe return of your beloved bike!

[ridebikeme]

What a beautiful bike!! Hopefully because it is not a standard color, that it will show up somewhere. It's definitely a bummer though:eek:

[Crankin]

That's terrible. I wonder if someone was "casing" it?

[Jo-n-NY]

I am so sorry to hear this and can only imagine how you must be feeling right now.

JoAnn

[PinkBike]

((((((MP))))))

i am so sorry. your bike is BEAUTIFUL. and you can tell it is You. will your car insurance cover it? it's not like someone can readily sell it or ride it around, it is a very unique bike.

i so hope you get it back.

[tangentgirl]

I'm so sorry! What a pretty bike! Post a picture on Craigslist, maybe someone will recognize it.

[channlluv]

Oh, man, that really is rotten, and what a beautiful bike, too.

Along with posting on Craigslist, I'd post STOLEN posters all over the neighborhood and at every bike shop in a 20-mile radius. And +1 on the police report and other advice here.

Here's hoping for a safe, damage-free return of the bike and the Garmin.

Roxy

[Cataboo]

Your homeowners insurance may cover it - I'm not sure about the car insurance.

Maybe set up some ebay searches to email you every time a merckx is posted... Maybe email any powder coaters or anything like that in the area that are listed on craigslist and tell them to contact you if they get a bike with that paint job in.

I'm really sorry, that looks like a beautiful bike that'll be hard to replace.

[Trek420]

(((((mp))))) :(

I dunno, I would not post to Craigs because if the Richard Head who stole it (I not assume the perp has a richard :p) plans to post to Craigs it'll just drive him (or her) to post/sell elsewhere.

There's a flea market near me this weekend, I can drop by the local hardware store that used to sell used bikes (I don't think they do anymore but think they were not real careful about where they got bikes before) and will check Craigs.

I am so sorry! I hate bike rustlers. :mad:

[runningteach]

I am so sorry. It is a beauty. Lots of good advice posted here aleady. Hope it shows up.

[ASammy1]

That's just terrible and I'm so sorry it happened to you :mad:

[kfergos]

Awwwww, I'm so sorry to hear about that. You must be brokenhearted. I hope your bike finds its way back to you somehow.

[Trek420]

I just e'mailed a link to this thread to Chris at Robinson Wheelworks. There's a picture of the TnT team on his wall so figured some of your team are his customers. I'm sure he'll watch for it.

Did I mention I hate bike 'nappers? :mad:

[lph]

There is a special place in hell for bike thieves. :mad: I'm so sorry, MP!

[annielynn]

That is just awful. What a beautiful bike! I would do as suggested and put the pictures out everywhere you can. It is such a unique paint scheme that someone somewhere will notice it! I hope that it comes back home. :(

[zoom-zoom]

Oh, this would make me sick! I am so sorry...I hope your pretty baby is recovered safely and the jerk who took it pays dearly. :mad:

[7rider]

Oh, man. That sux. I am so sorry to hear that.
That is a really distinctive bike.
I second the comments about blanketing Craigslist and local bike shops with pictures and posts.
I had a bike stolen from a friend's yard. Her homeowner's insurance covered it (less a deductible).
Good luck. I hope you find it, rather than have to replace it.

[redrhodie]

Oh NO! I'm so sorry! That's heartbreaking. That's such a special bike.

I always check Ebay for Merckx. I'll definitely be looking for it. Is it a 54?

ETA: I also feel sick now. (((MP)))

There's a team Lotto Domo on Ebay right now, but it has a different fork.

[maillotpois]

Oh NO! I'm so sorry! That's heartbreaking. That's such a special bike.

I always check Ebay for Merckx. I'll definitely be looking for it. Is it a 54?

ETA: I also feel sick now. (((MP)))

There's a team Lotto Domo on Ebay right now, but it has a different fork.


Yup it is a 54. Serial # K5590.

[kermit]

That just stinks, I'm sorry! I hope they find the bastard and your bike. Make sure your police detective checks local pawn shops.

[crazycanuck]

Boo to the bike thief/thieves that stole your beloved bike :mad:

:(

[Tri Girl]

That bites!!:(:mad::(:mad:

I hope you can recover it, although I know that it's probably unlikely...:(

[moderncyclista]

That is one "unique" and beautiful bike. So sorry this happened. I'm sending energy out to the universe - that it will be recovered and you will get it back. Bike thieves are a--holes. They will get theirs. Grrrrrrrrr. Best wishes to you. Keep us posted or vent if you need to. :)

[Bike Chick]

Right off your car??? How terrible, Sarah. I am so sorry. It sure was a beauty.

[divingbiker]

Wow, that sucks.

[malkin]

Aw, Yuck.
So sorry this happened to you.

[GLC1968]

I don't know how I missed this earlier, but man, that sucks! I'm so sorry MP!

My husband is constantly on the prowl for Merckx bikes, so I'll tell him to keep an eye out up here.

[spindizzy]

I will never understand why people feel "entitled" to take something that does not belong to them
..such a pretty bike and such lovely memories......

[redrhodie]

Sorry if this is a crazy question, because I don't have a Garmin--but, can you track its location by the Garmin?

[Trek420]

Sorry if this is a crazy question, because I don't have a Garmin--but, can you track its location by the Garmin?

I was thinking that too! Heh heh heh :cool: ;) sneaky :)

[NbyNW]

Bike thieves are evil. I hope your kidnapped bike makes its way home to you.

[tprevost]

I'm so sorry Sarah :( Sending warm fuzzies in hopes that it turns up somewhere and gets returned home...

[jdubble]

oh no! i'm so sorry :( fingers crossed that it turns up. or that at least the perp gets a nasty dose of karma soon.

[maillotpois]

Right off your car??? How terrible, Sarah. I am so sorry. It sure was a beauty.

It was actually inside my car in my carport.



Sorry if this is a crazy question, because I don't have a Garmin--but, can you track its location by the Garmin?

The police woman asked me that also. Maybe if you were on CSI. ;)

[Trek420]

oh no! i'm so sorry :( fingers crossed that it turns up. or that at least the perp gets a nasty dose of karma soon.

Yes. A nasty endo for the perp with of course the bike being fine. :D

[zoom-zoom]

The police woman asked me that also. Maybe if you were on CSI. ;)

Maybe not. Have you ever uploaded any workouts to an online log? I upload all my stuff to RunningAHEAD.com (uses the Garmin Communicator plug-in). When I do so the uploader logs the serial # on my Garmin every time. Perhaps there is some way that Garmin can recognize where your Garmin is if the thief turns it on. I've heard of stolen cars being recovered when there is a GPS-enabled cell-phone within the car. If you know the serial # of your Garmin unit it doesn't seem to me all that impossible that your bike could be tracked-down with that info.

[Trekhawk]

Sorry to hear about your bike MP.:mad:
It is such a beauty and I know you have had some wonderful adventures together.
I will keep my fingers crossed that she turns up for you.

[Bike Chick]

It was actually inside my car in my carport.

Inside your car? I missed that part. That's even worse than I thought!!! How horrible.

[Ana]

My friend was telling me about this device in her car (BMW) that they hide in the undercarriage so that if the car is stolen, they can track it--it greatly increases the chances of recovery :P

Maybe they could do that for bikes :) They could attach it in a non-accessible spot inside the frame :D

[azfiddle]

I keep hoping this story will have a happy ending ...

[Trek420]

I keep hoping this story will have a happy ending ...

I hope so too. MP, is your baby registered?

[mhami]

I just looked on Craigslist to find it and I saw your post. I really hope you find it. It makes me sick that people steal from other people. I showed a picture of it to my husband too and told him to keep a lookout for your bike.

[maillotpois]

Thanks everyone for keeping an eye out and looking for my bike.

No luck finding the bike but I guess there is a happy ending of sorts. It turns out my smart DH specified replacement coverage in our homeowners policy. Which means after a deductible (ouch but doable), they will pay for the cost to replace the bike - as opposed to the "actual cash value" of my 5 year old bike, depreciated, which wouldn't have been as much as I would need to really replace it with something comparable.

So I am bike shopping.

My daughter is combing Craigslist to find a Garmin Nuvi for sale without the car charger and mount. She's gone all CSI on us. (They grabbed the Garmin out of the cubby hole I keep it in but didn't take the mount or charger. Duh.)

[Red Rock]

I just wanted to say I hope this turns out better for you. It is never fun to have something stolen from you. Let alone from your car!

[hammertime]

wow... sorry to hear that :(

[Trek420]

Just checked Craigslist (I'm sure your daughter/CSI is doing that anyway). Did not find anything. If you're shopping for a replacement this Craigs is chock full of great deals :rolleyes: This Craigslister's bike purchased 20 years ago for $2500, he says it's is in mint condition :p I hate bike nappers and still hope for a happy ending to this.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/1627053960.html

[SLash]

Sarah, I just wanted to say i'm very sorry about your beautiful bike and garmin. That would be horrible, something we all live in fear of.

I hope somehow it gets worked out for you.

Susan

[smilingcat]

Hi Sarah,

Your bike is beautiful with not so common paint job. You may want to have your daughter expand the search to wider area.

A lot of times, these bike thieves will take it to next town over to sell.

We all wish for a happy ending, getting your bike back intact. I wish there was better deterrence. I'm part of neighborhood watch group and see weekly summary of police reports. And every week, I see three to five bike thefts. "chains cut", "taken from garage", "taken from porch"... It's epidemic. :mad::mad: The police here are now more aware the cost of the bikes and do seem to take it more seriously than years past but still...

I'm crossing my fingers for you.

Sincerely,

smilingcat

[smilingcat]

Oh can you place an ad out for wanted "a bicycle" and match most of the spec on the bike. Leave enough stuff out that the bad guys don't realize that you are "fishing". The make, and the number of gears... see if you can get the guy to contact you.

[zoom-zoom]

Oh can you place an ad out for wanted "a bicycle" and match most of the spec on the bike. Leave enough stuff out that the bad guys don't realize that you are "fishing". The make, and the number of gears... see if you can get the guy to contact you.

Ooh, setting a trap...I LOVE this! :cool:

[Trek420]

Ooh, setting a trap...I LOVE this! :cool:

If I was doing that I'd write it so it does not sound like you know too much. The less jargon the better. Heh heh heh. I'll be heading out to run a few errands and may stop at the local hardware store that I suspect used to operate as a "bike chop shop". New owners, I don't think they do that anymore but won't hurt to see if they are reverting to old habits. :rolleyes:

Eden Bicycles in Castro Valley has told their wrenches and is keeping an eye out.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My home owners insurance covers all my documented possessions (including my bikes, and my expensive musical instruments) that might get damaged or stolen.... UNLESS they are stolen when left in a car.

[SLash]

I don't know if this has already been suggested, but how about if each of us checks their area on Craigslist to see if a bike like yours is listed for sale. We should continue to check back too.

What do ya'll think?

* I edited my original post which said basically what it says now plus that we should all check our areas and that I would check Oklahoma (and Tri Girl too). I got to thinking about it and thought maybe it was overkill since chances are the bike wouldn't have made it this far or further east. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to check everywhere. I just checked OKC and nothing, although I did see some nice bikes for sell. Great! Now I'll probably end up with another bike. ;)

[Tri Girl]

sounds good to me! I'd be happy to keep an eye out for it.

[Owlie]

That sucks. I'm sorry. :(

[channlluv]

Not to start a litany of "not here" posts, but there's nothing about Merckx or a red, white, and blue bike on the San Diego Craigslist.

Roxy

[Trek420]

I don't know if this has already been suggested, but how about if each of us checks their area on Craigslist to see if a bike like yours is listed for sale. We should continue to check back too.

What do ya'll think?

Good idea!

[Martha716]

I had my Trek 7.6 stolen only a couple of months ago. I was really very upset for weeks. Even now, I hate to think of it. I blame myself for not having used better locks even though it was on a busy street in the middle of day. :(

I finally bought myself a Giant -- a road bike rather than a hybrid -- because I could not quite bear to get the exact same bike again. Don't know why. Anyway, I like the Giant but I wish I had my FX, too.

You will feel better after awhile. It takes some time, however!

[Trek420]

+1 and a hearty welcome to TE, Martha716. I replaced my namesake Trek 420 with a waaaaaay "better" bike (all bikes are great bikes) going from Trek's entry level bottom of the barrel to full custom hand-built. I miss my bike and still somehow wish I would find her. Our bikes become part of us. Sometimes, especially when tired on a ride I reach for those down tube shifters. :(

Posted an alert to the ALC community: 2500 riders, 800 crew, countless veteran riders and crew all looking for your bike. Still hoping for a happy ending .... right after you get a replacement via insurance. ;)

[maillotpois]

Thanks for all the help, guys!

Lisa - the car was in our carport at home. I don't know if that makes a difference. (Our auto and homeowners is all with the same people, and I would hope there's overlap so if something was stolen out of my car it would be covered one way or the other. Anyway, they have not yet mentioned that as an issue and I will double check the policy form.)

[NbyNW]

I'll keep an eye out on Craigslist for your bike . . . I've never stopped looking for mine, and it's been two years.


Still hoping for a happy ending .... right after you get a replacement via insurance. ;)

Ah, but after filing my claim my insurance company also included in the final paperwork that if the stolen bike ever turns up, that they now own a financial interest in it . . . . not sure exactly what they meant by that -- whether I would have to pay them back for the replacement bike or whether they now consider themselves owners of the stolen bike and that I would have to pay them for its appraised value.

That said, I guess that would strictly depend on me doing the right thing and letting them know if the bike ever turns up.

Other downsides to filing an insurance claim, and this will vary according to your policy, location and personal situation: 1) our premium went up, and 2) when getting quotes for insurance on our new place, one very reputable company actually turned us down because we had filed a claim in the last 5 years.

Basically there are a few things to weigh as to whether it's worth filing a claim or whether you feel your pocketbook should take the hit. i.e., if I had known we would be moving in two years and a "little" thing like a stolen property claim would be held against me, I might have made a different decision.

[indysteel]

Sarah,

I am so, so sorry about your beloved bike. I hope it somehow turns up. In the very least, I hope you find a worthy replacement. You're one of my cycling inspirations on TE; it pains me to think of you having something so dear stolen from you. (((((()))))).

[Grog]

I just found this:

http://craiglook.com/

It searches ALL craigslists at one time.

This is the search for merckx. It showed your stolen-bike alert.....

http://craiglook.com/all.html?q=merckx

[maillotpois]

Cool - thanks Grog!

[michelem]

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this yet (I may have missed it), but I've heard that some thieves are pretty smart about this and hold on to the item for a few months before trying to sell, in hopes the police and original owner have given up looking on Craigs, etc.

Good luck to you.

[Aggie_Ama]

Not to add misery but we had a high-end bike thief who was stripping down the bikes and putting them on Ebay. The frame would likely be the most noticeable part but maybe you can find someone on Ebay selling frames and components? I also wonder if someone who didn't know the value took it? We are very careful not to tell casual strangers how much bikes like ours would cost. I get a little upset if DH tells any of the neighbors. I prefer they stay clueless if they don't know. :)

[TryingisDying]

(((((HUGS))))))) What a bummer!!

[Tuckervill]

I keep checking in hoping it has been recovered. :(

I have a feeling, since they grabbed the Garmin out of the cubby in the car that the thief knew exactly what they were getting. It may have even been one of the neighbors, just waiting for the chance. Any neighbors with drug-addled adult children hanging around that you know of?

Karen

[maillotpois]

Any neighbors with drug-addled adult children hanging around that you know of?

Karen

Nope. It's a pretty quiet area really. Mostly older people and people with younger kids.

[Pax]

((((MP)))) that just sucks.

[Pedal Wench]

Smaller scale, but I just had a package stolen from my front porch. If anyone spots some Campy parts, and a pink CK headset on ebay in the ATL area, let me know. :(

[maillotpois]

Sorry Pedal. :mad: I am having my new bike frame delivered to my office post box, not to my house.

[kacie tri-ing]

I'm so so sorry about y'all's bikes. I can't imagine what we would do or how we would feel if someone took our babies!

On a similar note, I happened across this on the Atlanta Craigslist:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/1639737884.html

It's for a 2009 Prince with Di2 electronic shifting. Based on the price and the sketchy cut-and-paste description, I'm about 90% certain it's stolen. Anybody know what I should do?

[Cataboo]

Often times those ads that seem too good to be true on craigslist are some sort of spammer.

[tribogota]

:(:(:(:(

[jobob]

I am having my new bike frame delivered to my office post box, not to my house. That must be a pretty good sized PO box. :cool:

[maillotpois]

That must be a pretty good sized PO box. :cool:

:p

They hold large mail. (It's a private PO box, not the post office.)

[roguedog]

Hey MP,

How's the build comin'? Did I miss the pix somewhere? How sad am I that I've been waiting to see your new bike :)

What's the story out there? :D

[Biciclista]

no, Roguedog, you're not alone. This is going to be THE bike....

[maillotpois]

You guys are funny! The frame is at my builder's and he's waiting for a couple of pieces of the kit. I hope it is done this week.

Here are a couple of not great pics I took when I got the frame.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/DSC01756.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/DSC01754.jpg

[jobob]

I hope it's ready by Saturday - then you can test it on our team ride on Mt Diablo and Morgan Territory! :D (or not)

[coolcreek]

I'll keep an eye out on Craigslist for your bike . . . I've never stopped looking for mine, and it's been two years.



Ah, but after filing my claim my insurance company also included in the final paperwork that if the stolen bike ever turns up, that they now own a financial interest in it . . . . not sure exactly what they meant by that -- whether I would have to pay them back for the replacement bike or whether they now consider themselves owners of the stolen bike and that I would have to pay them for its appraised value.

That said, I guess that would strictly depend on me doing the right thing and letting them know if the bike ever turns up.

.

Which you should do as it is the right thing ---legally and morally (not doing so is a reason that general rates go up). In my experience, which isn't much, the insurance company was offered the replacement. You can also offer to pay them back the payout.

One payout shouldn't make a difference in your rates unless you are a brand new customer. It's the second claim that often makes a difference.

[gnat23]

I spy with my little eye a PEGORETTI! OMG, it's beaaaautiful!

-- gnat!

[Trekhawk]

Oooo what a beauty!
Look forward to seeing a pic of the bike when it is finished.:)

[roguedog]

ooooh.... pretty. love the white water bottle cages.

it's like a couple fo tease photographs.. complete w/ blur :rolleyes:

thanks for sharing. woo weee.. that's going to be a nice ride.

how was bikyle to work with?

[maillotpois]

how was bikyle to work with?

They were very nice. They wanted me to go through their whole fit system, which was pretty involved (no additional charge). But I have my own fit guy here and he looked at the specs and confirmed what size I should have so I finally just said, "Hey my fit guy says I need a 52 and here's hi fit chart on me" and they sent the bike over right after that.

I'm interested in how the new record 11 compares to the old record 10 speed. I'm going with the beefy Interloc cassette, so I won't lose much off standard triple shifting. Doing 2 in 1 campy wheel that can be tubeless or with tube. We'll see. Should be done today or tomorrow.

[jobob]

Ohboyohboyohboy :cool:

[maillotpois]

OOOps - the wheels won't be in til Friday. :( We'll see if it's ready for the weekend.....

[Veronica]

I hope it's ready by Saturday - then you can test it on our team ride on Mt Diablo and Morgan Territory! :D (or not)

Where and when is this ride starting? I know, it's a TNT ride and I can't ride with you. But it would be cool to see you guys at the start, especially since you'll be so close to my neck of the woods.

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Where and when is this ride starting? I know, it's a TNT ride and I can't ride with you. But it would be cool to see you guys at the start, especially since you'll be so close to my neck of the woods.

Veronica

Osage park in Danville. It's Diablo and MT.

[NbyNW]

Which you should do as it is the right thing ---legally and morally (not doing so is a reason that general rates go up). In my experience, which isn't much, the insurance company was offered the replacement. You can also offer to pay them back the payout.

One payout shouldn't make a difference in your rates unless you are a brand new customer. It's the second claim that often makes a difference.

And of course, if the bike ever shows up, I will.

My rates absolutely did go up. I was a three-year customer at that point. Does that qualify as brand-new? I've moved cities four times in the past ten years. Maybe I'll always be brand-new.

In my most recent move, one insurance company would not offer us a policy because the claim I made for this bike was within the last five years. So in retrospect maybe it was a bad idea to make the claim and I should have just paid out of pocket for my replacement bike.

[coolcreek]

And of course, if the bike ever shows up, I will.

My rates absolutely did go up. I was a three-year customer at that point. Does that qualify as brand-new? I've moved cities four times in the past ten years. Maybe I'll always be brand-new.

In my most recent move, one insurance company would not offer us a policy because the claim I made for this bike was within the last five years. So in retrospect maybe it was a bad idea to make the claim and I should have just paid out of pocket for my replacement bike.

It's a tough call, isn't it? I have stuck with the same company for car & home and lived in the same area for 20 + years, so they're bound to be a bit more forgiving. (eek, closer to 30 than 20)

[mhami]

Most likely this isn't your bike, but I thought of you when I heard this on the news the other day. Who knows, this guy might have more bikes hidden away that he planned on selling. Here is the article:

San Rafael gang member, 17, jailed in craigslist caper
Gary Klien
Posted: 04/21/2010 08:20:07 PM PDT


A 17-year-old gang member in San Rafael was arrested after trying to resell stolen bicycles on craigslist, police said Wednesday.
The bicycles, a $2,000 road bike and a $500 mountain bike, were stolen from an unlocked garage off Fifth Avenue in the Sun Valley area, said San Rafael police Sgt. Jim Correa.

When the victim saw the same bikes for sale at craigslist.com, police set up a sting. Officers Kyle Hornstein and Leslie O'Toole, posing as a married couple, arranged to meet the seller at his home.

The suspect came to the door with the $2,000 bike, and was arrested, Correa said. The other bike was also recovered.

The suspect lives within half a mile of the victim.

Correa did not release the suspect's name because of his age, and would not comment on which gang he is affiliated with.

The boy was booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of possessing stolen property.

[maillotpois]

Wow - that's a great story. Thanks. I love seeing the sting set up and actually working.

I did hear that they have the guy who stole my bike in custody; however, he had already sold my bike in San Francisco. :(