replacing stolen bike - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

05-17-2004, 07:46 PM

Someone stole my bike while I was at work! It was a two month old 2003
Fuji League. First non-department store bike I've ever bought, too. My
prior theory has always been to buy really cheap bikes in case they get
swiped (and sometimes I'm surprised at what people will steal-- maybe if
stealing a bike was a serious crime like "Grand Theft Bicycle", y'know, a
felony).

Thankfully I can still ride a Schwinn cheapo mountain bike I have
(I don't drive a car-- just bike and bus), but I know I'm going to be
anxious to get back in the saddle of something a bit more road-worthy soon.

Here's what initially drew me to the Fuji League: down tube shifters,
dropped handlebars, rack eyelets, fairly light, the price. And after
riding it, I really came to like the firm, leather seat and think the
League was a darn good bike. Even the coloring was nice, black with blue
accents.

Because I have the backup bike and some time, I thought maybe I'd ask
around about what else might be a good alternative to the Fuji League in
that same < $400 price range.

I'm a bit shy on the 2004 Fuji Leagues, being all bright red like they
are, and I might be able to find another 2003 Fuji League in my size. But
these bikes just kind of look expensive, everyone kept telling me so.
"ooh, what a NICE bike!" And I always said "whatever, all the actually
nice bikes cost two and three times as much, but if you say so..." I think
all the pretty decals and the triple-colored seat don't help much.

Obviously I'll be double-locking from now on (today's lock was just a
cable lock) and I maybe will look at plastering some stickers on the new
ride to make it look less "nice". Or something! I'm certainly not going to
let the next nice book look nice, that's for sure.

So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?

Thanks for your advice and suggestions.

-Michael

05-17-2004, 08:56 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 +0000, Michael Libby wrote:

> Someone stole my bike while I was at work! It was a two month old 2003
> Fuji League. First non-department store bike I've ever bought, too. My
> prior theory has always been to buy really cheap bikes in case they get
> swiped (and sometimes I'm surprised at what people will steal-- maybe if
> stealing a bike was a serious crime like "Grand Theft Bicycle", y'know, a
> felony).
>
> Thankfully I can still ride a Schwinn cheapo mountain bike I have
> (I don't drive a car-- just bike and bus), but I know I'm going to be
> anxious to get back in the saddle of something a bit more road-worthy soon.
>
> Here's what initially drew me to the Fuji League: down tube shifters,
> dropped handlebars, rack eyelets, fairly light, the price. And after
> riding it, I really came to like the firm, leather seat and think the
> League was a darn good bike. Even the coloring was nice, black with blue
> accents.
>
> Because I have the backup bike and some time, I thought maybe I'd ask
> around about what else might be a good alternative to the Fuji League in
> that same < $400 price range.
>
> I'm a bit shy on the 2004 Fuji Leagues, being all bright red like they
> are, and I might be able to find another 2003 Fuji League in my size. But
> these bikes just kind of look expensive, everyone kept telling me so.
> "ooh, what a NICE bike!" And I always said "whatever, all the actually
> nice bikes cost two and three times as much, but if you say so..." I think
> all the pretty decals and the triple-colored seat don't help much.
>
> Obviously I'll be double-locking from now on (today's lock was just a
> cable lock) and I maybe will look at plastering some stickers on the new
> ride to make it look less "nice". Or something! I'm certainly not going to
> let the next nice book look nice, that's for sure.
>
> So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
> bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
> range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
> Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
> Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

Hmm, for a theft resistant bike in the city I'd say get a used 80s
"sport" bike and throw some fresh bits like tires, tape, etc. on it.
Older sport bikes usually can accept racks and fenders much more
easily than the newer ones, due to them usually having "long reach"
brakes. Then wrap the whole thing in masking tape and spray with whatever
crappy rattlecan paint you've got handy--just make it ugly! If you ever
get sick of the "camoflage", you can just peel off the tape.

You should
be able to throw something together that rides like a dream, but doesn't
look worth a damn for 2-3 bills.

good luck, and my sympathies, I just lost my favourite bike of 7 years to
the thieves.

05-17-2004, 08:56 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 +0000, Michael Libby wrote:

> Someone stole my bike while I was at work! It was a two month old 2003
> Fuji League. First non-department store bike I've ever bought, too. My
> prior theory has always been to buy really cheap bikes in case they get
> swiped (and sometimes I'm surprised at what people will steal-- maybe if
> stealing a bike was a serious crime like "Grand Theft Bicycle", y'know, a
> felony).
>
> Thankfully I can still ride a Schwinn cheapo mountain bike I have
> (I don't drive a car-- just bike and bus), but I know I'm going to be
> anxious to get back in the saddle of something a bit more road-worthy soon.
>
> Here's what initially drew me to the Fuji League: down tube shifters,
> dropped handlebars, rack eyelets, fairly light, the price. And after
> riding it, I really came to like the firm, leather seat and think the
> League was a darn good bike. Even the coloring was nice, black with blue
> accents.
>
> Because I have the backup bike and some time, I thought maybe I'd ask
> around about what else might be a good alternative to the Fuji League in
> that same < $400 price range.
>
> I'm a bit shy on the 2004 Fuji Leagues, being all bright red like they
> are, and I might be able to find another 2003 Fuji League in my size. But
> these bikes just kind of look expensive, everyone kept telling me so.
> "ooh, what a NICE bike!" And I always said "whatever, all the actually
> nice bikes cost two and three times as much, but if you say so..." I think
> all the pretty decals and the triple-colored seat don't help much.
>
> Obviously I'll be double-locking from now on (today's lock was just a
> cable lock) and I maybe will look at plastering some stickers on the new
> ride to make it look less "nice". Or something! I'm certainly not going to
> let the next nice book look nice, that's for sure.
>
> So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
> bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
> range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
> Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
> Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

Hmm, for a theft resistant bike in the city I'd say get a used 80s
"sport" bike and throw some fresh bits like tires, tape, etc. on it.
Older sport bikes usually can accept racks and fenders much more
easily than the newer ones, due to them usually having "long reach"
brakes. Then wrap the whole thing in masking tape and spray with whatever
crappy rattlecan paint you've got handy--just make it ugly! If you ever
get sick of the "camoflage", you can just peel off the tape.

You should
be able to throw something together that rides like a dream, but doesn't
look worth a damn for 2-3 bills.

good luck, and my sympathies, I just lost my favourite bike of 7 years to
the thieves.

05-17-2004, 08:56 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 +0000, Michael Libby wrote:

> Someone stole my bike while I was at work! It was a two month old 2003
> Fuji League. First non-department store bike I've ever bought, too. My
> prior theory has always been to buy really cheap bikes in case they get
> swiped (and sometimes I'm surprised at what people will steal-- maybe if
> stealing a bike was a serious crime like "Grand Theft Bicycle", y'know, a
> felony).
>
> Thankfully I can still ride a Schwinn cheapo mountain bike I have
> (I don't drive a car-- just bike and bus), but I know I'm going to be
> anxious to get back in the saddle of something a bit more road-worthy soon.
>
> Here's what initially drew me to the Fuji League: down tube shifters,
> dropped handlebars, rack eyelets, fairly light, the price. And after
> riding it, I really came to like the firm, leather seat and think the
> League was a darn good bike. Even the coloring was nice, black with blue
> accents.
>
> Because I have the backup bike and some time, I thought maybe I'd ask
> around about what else might be a good alternative to the Fuji League in
> that same < $400 price range.
>
> I'm a bit shy on the 2004 Fuji Leagues, being all bright red like they
> are, and I might be able to find another 2003 Fuji League in my size. But
> these bikes just kind of look expensive, everyone kept telling me so.
> "ooh, what a NICE bike!" And I always said "whatever, all the actually
> nice bikes cost two and three times as much, but if you say so..." I think
> all the pretty decals and the triple-colored seat don't help much.
>
> Obviously I'll be double-locking from now on (today's lock was just a
> cable lock) and I maybe will look at plastering some stickers on the new
> ride to make it look less "nice". Or something! I'm certainly not going to
> let the next nice book look nice, that's for sure.
>
> So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
> bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
> range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
> Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
> Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

Hmm, for a theft resistant bike in the city I'd say get a used 80s
"sport" bike and throw some fresh bits like tires, tape, etc. on it.
Older sport bikes usually can accept racks and fenders much more
easily than the newer ones, due to them usually having "long reach"
brakes. Then wrap the whole thing in masking tape and spray with whatever
crappy rattlecan paint you've got handy--just make it ugly! If you ever
get sick of the "camoflage", you can just peel off the tape.

You should
be able to throw something together that rides like a dream, but doesn't
look worth a damn for 2-3 bills.

good luck, and my sympathies, I just lost my favourite bike of 7 years to
the thieves.

05-17-2004, 08:56 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 +0000, Michael Libby wrote:

> Someone stole my bike while I was at work! It was a two month old 2003
> Fuji League. First non-department store bike I've ever bought, too. My
> prior theory has always been to buy really cheap bikes in case they get
> swiped (and sometimes I'm surprised at what people will steal-- maybe if
> stealing a bike was a serious crime like "Grand Theft Bicycle", y'know, a
> felony).
>
> Thankfully I can still ride a Schwinn cheapo mountain bike I have
> (I don't drive a car-- just bike and bus), but I know I'm going to be
> anxious to get back in the saddle of something a bit more road-worthy soon.
>
> Here's what initially drew me to the Fuji League: down tube shifters,
> dropped handlebars, rack eyelets, fairly light, the price. And after
> riding it, I really came to like the firm, leather seat and think the
> League was a darn good bike. Even the coloring was nice, black with blue
> accents.
>
> Because I have the backup bike and some time, I thought maybe I'd ask
> around about what else might be a good alternative to the Fuji League in
> that same < $400 price range.
>
> I'm a bit shy on the 2004 Fuji Leagues, being all bright red like they
> are, and I might be able to find another 2003 Fuji League in my size. But
> these bikes just kind of look expensive, everyone kept telling me so.
> "ooh, what a NICE bike!" And I always said "whatever, all the actually
> nice bikes cost two and three times as much, but if you say so..." I think
> all the pretty decals and the triple-colored seat don't help much.
>
> Obviously I'll be double-locking from now on (today's lock was just a
> cable lock) and I maybe will look at plastering some stickers on the new
> ride to make it look less "nice". Or something! I'm certainly not going to
> let the next nice book look nice, that's for sure.
>
> So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
> bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
> range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
> Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
> Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

Hmm, for a theft resistant bike in the city I'd say get a used 80s
"sport" bike and throw some fresh bits like tires, tape, etc. on it.
Older sport bikes usually can accept racks and fenders much more
easily than the newer ones, due to them usually having "long reach"
brakes. Then wrap the whole thing in masking tape and spray with whatever
crappy rattlecan paint you've got handy--just make it ugly! If you ever
get sick of the "camoflage", you can just peel off the tape.

You should
be able to throw something together that rides like a dream, but doesn't
look worth a damn for 2-3 bills.

good luck, and my sympathies, I just lost my favourite bike of 7 years to
the thieves.

05-17-2004, 08:56 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 +0000, Michael Libby wrote:

> Someone stole my bike while I was at work! It was a two month old 2003
> Fuji League. First non-department store bike I've ever bought, too. My
> prior theory has always been to buy really cheap bikes in case they get
> swiped (and sometimes I'm surprised at what people will steal-- maybe if
> stealing a bike was a serious crime like "Grand Theft Bicycle", y'know, a
> felony).
>
> Thankfully I can still ride a Schwinn cheapo mountain bike I have
> (I don't drive a car-- just bike and bus), but I know I'm going to be
> anxious to get back in the saddle of something a bit more road-worthy soon.
>
> Here's what initially drew me to the Fuji League: down tube shifters,
> dropped handlebars, rack eyelets, fairly light, the price. And after
> riding it, I really came to like the firm, leather seat and think the
> League was a darn good bike. Even the coloring was nice, black with blue
> accents.
>
> Because I have the backup bike and some time, I thought maybe I'd ask
> around about what else might be a good alternative to the Fuji League in
> that same < $400 price range.
>
> I'm a bit shy on the 2004 Fuji Leagues, being all bright red like they
> are, and I might be able to find another 2003 Fuji League in my size. But
> these bikes just kind of look expensive, everyone kept telling me so.
> "ooh, what a NICE bike!" And I always said "whatever, all the actually
> nice bikes cost two and three times as much, but if you say so..." I think
> all the pretty decals and the triple-colored seat don't help much.
>
> Obviously I'll be double-locking from now on (today's lock was just a
> cable lock) and I maybe will look at plastering some stickers on the new
> ride to make it look less "nice". Or something! I'm certainly not going to
> let the next nice book look nice, that's for sure.
>
> So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
> bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
> range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
> Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
> Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

Hmm, for a theft resistant bike in the city I'd say get a used 80s
"sport" bike and throw some fresh bits like tires, tape, etc. on it.
Older sport bikes usually can accept racks and fenders much more
easily than the newer ones, due to them usually having "long reach"
brakes. Then wrap the whole thing in masking tape and spray with whatever
crappy rattlecan paint you've got handy--just make it ugly! If you ever
get sick of the "camoflage", you can just peel off the tape.

You should
be able to throw something together that rides like a dream, but doesn't
look worth a damn for 2-3 bills.

good luck, and my sympathies, I just lost my favourite bike of 7 years to
the thieves.

05-17-2004, 09:21 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 GMT, Michael Libby
<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

>
>So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
>bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
>range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
>Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
>Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

How about used? The paint will be worn, less flashy, less resale value
to a thief. You can pick up a very good road bike from the '80s or
early '90s for less than your Fuji. When rack mounts were common. And
downtube shifting was the norm.

05-17-2004, 09:21 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 GMT, Michael Libby
<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

>
>So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
>bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
>range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
>Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
>Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

How about used? The paint will be worn, less flashy, less resale value
to a thief. You can pick up a very good road bike from the '80s or
early '90s for less than your Fuji. When rack mounts were common. And
downtube shifting was the norm.

05-17-2004, 09:21 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 GMT, Michael Libby
<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

>
>So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
>bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
>range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
>Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
>Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

How about used? The paint will be worn, less flashy, less resale value
to a thief. You can pick up a very good road bike from the '80s or
early '90s for less than your Fuji. When rack mounts were common. And
downtube shifting was the norm.

05-17-2004, 09:21 PM

On Tue, 18 May 2004 02:46:20 GMT, Michael Libby
<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

>
>So what other bikes should I consider with the features I want (road
>bike with rack eyelets and down tube shifters) and in the same price
>range? And what would I do if none of the LBS don't have any in stock?
>Will shops normally order stuff like that or what?
>
>Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
>
> -Michael

How about used? The paint will be worn, less flashy, less resale value
to a thief. You can pick up a very good road bike from the '80s or
early '90s for less than your Fuji. When rack mounts were common. And
downtube shifting was the norm.