Comments on: Stolen Bike Alert — Downtown Tampa

By: Anthony

Anthony — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:42:21 +0000

There are two Biria’s on Tampa’s craigslist this week. While they look different colors, you should check out the ad. Good luck.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:04:38 +0000

Raiyn, believe me…I did. All sorts of basic lock strategies were explored before I set my wife loose upon the streets with her shiny rig.

Again, different bikes and different racks open up a host of differing strategies that a beginner might not successfully negotiate without a lot of practice. Besides, the configuration of the racks and their proximity to live humans instilled a sense of wellbeing and perceived safety that just wasn’t there (I’ve fallen for that myself in other circumstances, you know).

In any case, it’s a learning process for the both of us, and we’re definitely better armed for next time! Thanks for your concern…

By: Raiyn

Raiyn — Sun, 25 May 2008 21:43:27 +0000

Jack, since we’re being respectful, I do have to say one thing and I don’t want it taken the wrong way. She’s your wife, if anything you should have educated her about locking strategy. Having said that, the bike’s gone now, as you said. It’s my hope that you and she (as well as the other readers of this blog) are better armed and informed for the future.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:34:22 +0000

Raiyn, I’ll have to respectfully disagree with you. You weren’t there, as the saying goes.

As I mentioned earlier, the rider doesn’t have the same body of locking experience as you must…regardless, the bike is gone and lessons have been learned.

By: Raiyn

Raiyn — Sun, 25 May 2008 07:02:53 +0000

I have to say that I respectfully disagree with Ghost Rider’s assessment of the situation. Fat frame or no, properly locking the Easy Boarder shouldn’t require anything more than a standard U-lock and a locking cable. It would most likely mean removing the panniers so that the lock could be fastened around the seatstays, through the rear wheel and around the (I presume) rack (Going either both legs through the wheel or one inside and one outside the fender would be fine though the latter would occupy more space in the lock leaving less for tools.) From there it’s a simple matter of running the cable lock (I prefer models with a built in KEYED lock) through the front wheel, frame, and rack.

Helpful link, (not mine, but an associate from bikeforums)
http://www.mechbgon.com/lock/index.html

By: Gabriel

Gabriel — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:51:06 +0000

My heart goes out to you – being ripped off makes you feel like someone punched you in the gut, and you don’t even have someone to punch back.

I’ll be keeping my eyes open.

By: 2whls3spds

2whls3spds — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:48:08 +0000

I highly recommend the Krypto NY Fahgettaboudit® along with a second U-lock. In the past I have left the chain locked to the bike rack at work so I didn’t have to drag the beast back and forth. Bike thieves in particular really piss me off, plus the fact that the police typically consider bike theft a “low impact” crime. Of course it isn’t to the person that got ripped off! It also sounds to me like a letter to the head of HR or security at you wife’s place of employment is in order. What if it had been a personal attack and the camera wasn’t aimed properly…can you spell “lawsuit” boys and girls!

Aaron

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:24:57 +0000

Smudgemo…good point. My wife doesn’t have the same body of experience that others among us do, so I agree that the U-lock could have been better placed.

On the other hand, that frame is so fat and unique that it is quite difficult to lock up with a standard U lock. Next time we’re going to get one of those stout “New York” chains from Kryptonite for flexibility’s sake.

By: Smudgemo

Smudgemo — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:06:29 +0000

If I’m reading this correctly (and I don’t want to be accused of blaming the victim), it sounds like a better way would be to lock the frame to the rack using the U-lock and then run the cable through the wheels and frame creating two locks to break. Nothing impossible, but definitely discouraging if there are other bikes that are easier to get at.

My condolences, and I hope you find it. It would seem to be enough to go out of the way to brave traffic and do something better for the environment without having to be targeted for theft on top of it.

By: Iron Man

Iron Man — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:02:47 +0000

Thieves drive me nuts. Often their philosophy is “I’m not ripping you off. Your big insurance company will take care of you. It’s a victimless crime.” Those morons have no concept of a deductible, which probably won’t cover the retail price of the bike.

Who goes stealing on Mother’s Day anyhow? Total losers.