road bike stolen

Hi,
My road bike was stolen on 1 July off the roof rack on my car in Albuquerque, NM while I was checking out of the hotel.....at 7 a.m. and it was only unattended for 20 min. It was locked in the rack too!

Am wondering if anyone has had success getting a stolen bike back and what did you do? I filed a police report, but I am now in Aurora, CO, where I will be living for the next few years. I left my name and number w/a few local bike shops in ABQ, but the owners were doubtful they would see it.

Also any suggestions on a commuter bike for Colorado area? I am thinking a cross bike but not really sure.

thanks
Laura

Post a warning on Craigslist Albequerque to warn people of the theft.

K.

Well that stinks! I didn't think thieves got up that early.

V.

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Originally Posted by Veronica

Well that stinks! I didn't think thieves got up that early.

V.

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Maybe the drug addled moron was up late?

Seriously, that bites. If you have photos of your bike get the word out to all the local bike shops. One of the AIDS Lifecyle riders did that, and soon thereafter got a call from a shop "we have your bike" :D The thief also got cuffed by the police. :D :D

check out the threads by jocelynlf she did a lot of really good things after her bike was stolen. But i don't think she ever got it back.

When my son's bike was stolen, his brother actually spotted it on campus and they got it back! (last year)

but it helps to post photos and descriptions. You can start here, but do search on Jocelyn's threads about her bike being stolen.

Laura, that sucks!! How did they get it off the rack? Did they punch the lock or something? It's selfish, but I'd sure like to know the details. My rack has a lock and I'm worried that it's inadequate.

Yup, tell the bike shops and give them the serial number if you have it and keep checking Craig's list in that area. I know a few people who found their bikes that way.

Meanwhile, I think you would love a cross bike. Little consolation but at least it'll make you feel a bit better.

Laura,

I don't have any advice about getting a stolen bike back, but I wanted to let you know how sorry I am that this happened to you.

I hope you get it back!

- Melissa

Sorry about your bike. That really stinks. As for a bike out here in CO, I have a Road, MTN, and Cross. I usually use my Cross bike on most the the "urban" trails because it is a little more sturdy then my road and some sections of the trails can be a little rough. One time I was riding down a hill on one of the trails west of town, rode under a bridge so I could not see as well and ended up hitting a huge rut/hole in the concret. My front tire hit it hard enough that my hands flew off the handle bars and I ended up with my forearms ontop of the handle bars. Luckily I did not crash, but if I had my road bike I am sure the bike would have sustained some damage.

Could you please post a detailed description and a pic of your bike so we can be on the lookout? I live in the next state over and you just never know. I will watch craigs list in my state.

I HATE THIEVES!!

Brenda

Unfortunatly in ABQ, you probably won't see it again. I had a bike stolen in ABQ(from UPS by the way, so probably a ups worker but anyways...) It was never to be seen, and at that time my ex worked at a LBS in ABQ and they had look outs for it. There is a good chance it could end up in mexico.. j/k

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Originally Posted by Kimmyt

Post a warning on Craigslist Albequerque to warn people of the theft.

K.

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What about putting a self notification in ebay so you'll get email from ebay if something with a similar description shows up?

Laura, I hope you find your bike and I'll be thinking of you and wish you all the best.

thanks all; I put an add on Cragislist for Albuquerque and Phoenix, since I heard some stolen bikes are marketed in Phoenix as well.

It is a white aluminum frame, carbon fork and seat stays, Masi Gran Corsa. It has Power Cranks on it; which is the most distinctive feature. Look KEO pedals, Aspide Glamour seat, frame pump, cateye computer, seat bag w/blinky light. Picture of me on it and a company photo (not sure if this worked):

That looks like a very nice bike. I don't think that one will end up in Mexico. The roads aren't so smooth there and not roadie friendly. (Gross over generalization.)

Craigslist is a good place to look. But there are a too many places to sell stolen bikes. Flea markets, etc.

I hope your insurance will cover your loss. Having things stolen just sucks and makes you feel bad.

sarah

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Originally Posted by sarahkonamojo

I hope your insurance will cover your loss.

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That reminds me.......AFLAC was quick to pay for damage to a bicycle according to an insured. I'm really thinking about getting AFLAC since I have a zippy bike.

That is a very nice bike...

I hope you are able to track it down!

Commuter bikes for Colorado depends on your commute and if you plan to ride in the winter.

Hope Colorado treats you well.

sarah

I'm sorry your bike got stolen. That is awful. We just recently had a bike theft in my garage! Front door wide open with people in view, garage totally lit up, etc.... went right for MY bike. Most expensive. A bike friend said they probably watched me ride and cased it out before. I'm sure the bike stealing bastages watched you before you ever got to check out at the hotel. Crazy people:mad:.

So sorry about your bike, Laura, and I hope you get it back.

Laura,

So sorry to hear about your bike. Bike thieves are evil, evil people!

My bike was stolen back in February, and I'm still hoping some idiot tries to sell it on Craigslist so I can report them to the police. And I still take a careful look at every bike that goes by . . .

I didn't have any great pictures of my bike, but at least I had something . . . If I had a nickel for every stolen bike on craiglist that didn't have a picture . . . wow. I hope you had your serial # recorded, or some other proof of ownership . . . that really helped with my insurance claim.

It's really tough to lose a bike that you love, but don't let it be too long before you're back in the saddle, even if it's not your ideal ride . . .

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by sarahkonamojo

Commuter bikes for Colorado depends on your commute and if you plan to ride in the winter.

Hope Colorado treats you well.

sarah

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I agree with Sarah, the type of bike you will need depends on your commute. I ride my road bike on the trails (Bear Creek, Platte, Clear Creek, etc) around here with no issues and no special tires.

Winter riding may be a different issue but snow tends to melt quickly and some places plow the trails. Depending on the severity of the winter sand can build up on the streets and bike lanes.

In late summer and early fall you will have to watch out for goat heads. Check your tires if you go through weedy or freshly mowed areas.

Laura, any luck?

I really think bike thieves are disgusting, actually any kind of thief but this one is amazing. A young resident doctor bikes to work, chains his bike to a wrought iron fence of the hospital every day on a well traveled, very busy street; bus stop nearly always crowded. Do you know he came out from work this week to find some so and so had actually cut the WROUGHT IRON FENCE apart, carting away his bike and the fence area:eek:??????? I could not believe it....now who travels with equipment strong enough to cut away a thick, iron fence? He came in the next day with a new bike...folding of course!

I've heard that bike thieves sometimes go around with hydraulic cutters (for cutting off U-locks...) I suppose a fence could be cut with those as well - though it seems like if they had the equipment to remove the fence, why not just cut what ever lock he had on. Seems hard to believe the lock could have survived the same treatment.

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Originally Posted by Eden

I've heard that bike thieves sometimes go around with hydraulic cutters (for cutting off U-locks...) I suppose a fence could be cut with those as well - though it seems like if they had the equipment to remove the fence, why not just cut what ever lock he had on. Seems hard to believe the lock could have survived the same treatment.

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Damned if I know the answer to that, Eden..perhaps they{most likely} had observed the bike for a while being left in the same place and came prepared. I think they had a warped sense of humor to begin with.