Stolen bike. (long)

[DarcyInOregon]

Sorry about your loss. It hurts to lose a bike, like losing a pet.

Don't get a folding bike. You won't like it.

Try looking for a good used bike, that is quality, but doesn't look fancy to the untrained eye and thus not worthy of stealing. Maybe an old 10-speed until you are out of campus life and can afford better.

Darcy

[margo49]

Yeah, like Darcy said. You want something that doesn't attract attention. This is more to do with shinyness and paint job than quality. My bikes have all been unobtrusive and it has even worked a treat without locking sometimes.
If you have any pagan friends they can put an invisibility spell on it too!
I am really thinking of you, btw. It's a horrible feeling.

[Mr. Bloom]

I agree with Margo and Darcy.

There is a psychology to being robbed that can turn into an obsessive paranoia. Make sure that you get something that you will continue to be comfortable enough to:

• Chain it to a bike rack
• Go into class
• Concentrate on class and not on whether your bike is safe

Regardless of how you feel right now,I think that many on this forum can attest to the impact that being robbed had on them...and it can linger for quite a while. You're still in a campus environment where thefts are common.

I applaud you on how well you're handling this right now...but you've also proven that you are a "true biker"...get some shorts and we'll call you a "cyclist"

[Python]

I applaud you on how well you're handling this right now...but you've also proven that you are a "true biker"...get some shorts and we'll call you a "cyclist"

I'd say you are most definitely a "true biker". Doesn't matter if you wear cycling shorts or not. I wear shorts sometimes, but because of our yukky British weather, I more often than not wear 3/4 leggings from ASDA-Walmart at £3 ($6) a time.

It's funny how our bikes seem to become "living beings", part of the family and getting one stolen...

Keep an eye on the second-hand market (Craig's List?) I read about someone who had their bike stolen and they spotted it advertised in one of these lists. They set up a meeting, got their bike back and the thief got arrested by the police.

When you get your new bike, consider getting a small CCTV camera and train it on your bike. At least if someone tries to steal it, you can give the tape to the police. The chances are it would be someone already known to the police. These cameras are very inexpensive and hook into a normal video recorder or a computer. We've had CCTV's on our house for years. Our little colour camera is the size of a golfball and gives really clear pictures - even at night so long as it has some light. It also has extremely good "ears" so if there are a couple of thieves, it could also record names. Ours can see and hear right to the other side of our street quite clearly - about 200 yards. Ours cost us under £30 ($60). Well worth it. You could sit it just inside your window in a discrete place.

Also get a shackle type lock as these are harder to break. Cable locks are easily cut with bolt-cutters. Shackle locks would need an angle-grinder especially the good quality ones.

Good luck. I hope you get your bike back or get a nice replacement.

[Blueberry]

Sorry about your loss. It hurts to lose a bike, like losing a pet.

Don't get a folding bike. You won't like it.

Try looking for a good used bike, that is quality, but doesn't look fancy to the untrained eye and thus not worthy of stealing. Maybe an old 10-speed until you are out of campus life and can afford better.

Darcy

I have to disagree with the statement that someone universally won't like a folding bike. She might. I love my Bike Friday - had a few issues getting it just right after it came (mostly assembly related), but now it rides great.

I would say it's worth looking at folders. Mine doesn't take a hit in ride quality, but it's also not in the same price range. Some take more of a hit in quality. Some can be found used for very reasonable prices. The peace of mind might be worth it.

Hugs to you, and good luck finding a new bike! They really are almost family members...