Stolen bike. (long)

[steinspinne]

Thanks for the karma, guys. I'm going to bed. Early to rise tomorrow. You're right, though, I probably will break and fork over the credit card to the LBS before next week is out. No sense waiting on something that in all likelihood will never come home.

[Grog]

Thanks for the karma, guys. I'm going to bed. Early to rise tomorrow. You're right, though, I probably will break and fork over the credit card to the LBS before next week is out. No sense waiting on something that in all likelihood will never come home.

If you paid for the other one with a credit card it might be covered by some insurance. It's not a very well known clause of credit card policies, so few people use it, but it's worth looking into...

So sorry your bike was stolen, it really sucks. Check Craigslist too, if that's of any relevance in your area. (I bet it is if you have a university nearby...)

[northstar]

Awww, that sucks! I'm sorry. And I know how you feel. We have had three beautiful bikes stolen in the past year. The story is within the threads here somewhere (and it was all DH's fault!).

I went the used bike route this time. For less than $100 I got a mint condition Schwinn Suburban that is perfect for running around town. Then I invested in a heavy duty Kryptonite lock. If the bike's stolen, I'll be ticked, but I won't feel like I've offered up a new bike to someone who won't appreciate it (although no one will love it like I can...).

[steinspinne]

I just want to say thanks to everyone for jumping in.

I have been scouring Craigslist every morning when I get up and every night before I go to bed. So far no luck.

Biker, cyclist, it's all the same, right?

When I do find a new bike, whatever it may be, while at home it will stay inside. Period. Should it need to be locked up somewhere, it will have both a u-bolt type lock and a chain.

Great ideas about the camera and uv pen. I feel the camera may be a little much unless I simply point it at my front door to record everyone coming in and out. I will definitely be checking in with the police station to see if they have any of those pens to hand out.

I will also be re-reading my credit card contract to see if anything like that is covered. Thanks.

Northstar: Yes, I remember reading about your multiple theft stories. One is bad enough, but three? At least you can pick yourself up afterwards (and hubby was very sorry.)

Take care, guys.

[Xrayted]

Sorry to hear about the bike being stolen. I agree with checking on the credit card. Also, if you have home or renter's insurance, it should be covered since it happened at your residence. It is a vehicle, so your car insurance may cover it as well.

Knock on wood, I've never had a bike stolen. But... For Christmas about 8 years back, I bought one for my nephew who did not have one and was becoming rather obese because he was just sitting around playing video games all of the time. I got him a good quality, very cool bmx bike that he could feel proud to ride, hoping that he would actually get out there with it. I got him a helmet, U Lock, gloves... I told his Mom she just needs to go to the police and get a license for it ($2 for lifetime license there) and register it, just in case. He loved it and was riding to school, store, ... everywhere. He had it all of a month when it was stolen off of the front porch. He didn't have it locked up at the time and (of course) they never licensed it. They called me at work to see if I had the serial # so they could give it to the police. Why would I have the serial #, it's not my bike? Had I paid for it with my CC, I would have claimed it through them but I paid cash.
The police did recover some bikes a few months later, but with no proof that it was the one that was taken, they could not get it back. Once or twice a year they do an auction of recovered property so I suggested they go and buy it back. Usually, bikes go for just a few dollars. The bike was auctioned off for $16 and his Mom wouldn't buy it because she only wanted to pay $10. (this was a $350 bike that was still essentially new) She then had the nerve to tell me that maybe I could just buy him another for his b-day coming up.

Good luck on recovering at least the money for it so that you can go out and find a replacement. Let us know what happens and take some pics of whatever you decide to get. Remember, as long as you like the bike, then it is a good bike - no matter what style it is.

[Zen]

Do you have a photo of it? I wonder if it will be making an Ebay appearance....

[steinspinne]

X: Oh, I would have gone off on his mom if such a thoughtful gift that wasn't even hers were treated in such a way. I have car insurance with Geico, but if I'm not mistaken it only covers the vehicles specifically listed and they wouldn't have anything to do with my bike.

Zen: Regarding a picture, I'm almost embarrassed to post this but I got it new off eBay from someone who deals only in these bikes using Dutch-style auctions. Here is a listing of the identical bike. (I swear, the listing wasn't NEARLY as gaudy when I first visited!) And it really was a nice little machine for a first road-bike, at least to me.

Perhaps this is just a blessing in disguise because, given it all to do over again, I would not have purchased a bike with such an aggressive rider's stance. I have learned a lot since then (try before you buy, for starters), but that doesn't mean I regret anything. I still loved it recreationally (especially downhills in the drops) but I'm not too proud to admit that something else would be better suited for my needs.