Theft at Handmade Bike Show

[Adventure Girl]

Un-be-liev-a-ble!!! Damn!

Several years ago at the Sea Otter Classic, somebody stole a one-off prototype bike from the Specialized display. It had components that weren't available to the public yet.

The bike ended up at my LBS. A guy brought it in to have it serviced. My mechanic recognized it and called Specialized. Specialized was happy to get it back!

[velogirl]

The other thing to keep in mind is that sometimes display items aren't truly functional. Just like in the electronics biz, companies in the bike biz will display the "empty box." At Interbike this fall, there was a pretty significant theft. I wish I could remember who it was. Haro, maybe? Anyways, the prototype mountain bikes that were stolen included some empty box components and they wouldn't be safe to ride. Some poor rider will probably buy them, not knowing they're hot, and then have a horrific crash.

I'm bummed about Mint (Chris Zannotti). I chatted with him on Saturday and will probably get a single speed mtn bike frame from him. He's just a little guy -- one man shop and doesn't even have a proper website yet.

[Deanna]

That is so nervy. It's a well-known hazard that items at tradeshows frequently disappear AFTER-HOURS, I've been exhibiting for years and lose something at every show. Usually they're smaller items that can fit into a trash can though. It's getting more and more frequent that hall workers get around the floors on bicycles--this would be the perfect cover for a would be bike thief.