A friend's Dutch-style upright, made by NYC Bikes/Spokes and Strings was stolen this evening from in front of Mark Morris Dance Company / BAM (Bklyn Academy of Music).
Darn it.
Admittedly, she might have been using a stronger lock. But still, I'm irritated. We had it nicely fitted out with Danish running lights, new steel handlebars, a large Wald basket, a nice seat, 3M reflective tape, and a few other practical niceties.
The lesson remains what I've known for a long time: use a lock made from hardened steel, no matter how heavy it makes your bike. One has to spend at least $80 for a lock that will discourage a professional thief. Also, get locking skewers for your wheels and seat and a locking Ahead bolt so your front fork can't be stolen.
Here is a good article at Slate, including lock reviews that consisted of breaking them open. Among the surprises was that a Kryptonite U-lock that I've used for a long time and believed to be strong, is not. The writer sawed it open in a New York minute.
http://www.slate.com/id/2140083
If you're riding a 'bent, call me for Pitlock locking skewers and bolts. You need them.
By the way, a little research on Craig's List reveals a surprising number of $70-$100 bikes. Presumably they're stolen. Please don't support the business of bike thieves by buying cheap bikes.
Best,
Robert
Darn it.
Admittedly, she might have been using a stronger lock. But still, I'm irritated. We had it nicely fitted out with Danish running lights, new steel handlebars, a large Wald basket, a nice seat, 3M reflective tape, and a few other practical niceties.
The lesson remains what I've known for a long time: use a lock made from hardened steel, no matter how heavy it makes your bike. One has to spend at least $80 for a lock that will discourage a professional thief. Also, get locking skewers for your wheels and seat and a locking Ahead bolt so your front fork can't be stolen.
Here is a good article at Slate, including lock reviews that consisted of breaking them open. Among the surprises was that a Kryptonite U-lock that I've used for a long time and believed to be strong, is not. The writer sawed it open in a New York minute.
http://www.slate.com/id/2140083
If you're riding a 'bent, call me for Pitlock locking skewers and bolts. You need them.
By the way, a little research on Craig's List reveals a surprising number of $70-$100 bikes. Presumably they're stolen. Please don't support the business of bike thieves by buying cheap bikes.
Best,
Robert
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2009 Robert Matson
