Is bike theft really that bad?

[erea]

Hi Everyone,

I just read of a few of the "stolen bike" threads, and now I am terrified to bring a nice bike to Vienna.

Is bike theft really that bad? I plan on storing our bikes in our apartment and using heavy duty u-locks.

Will that be enough to deter theft?

Is it worth bringing nice bikes to Vienna?

Thanks,

Eric

[Luvbeers]

Bikes are stolen everywhere. If you use a good lock you will be fine.

[chestnut]

I live in the 22nd and ride mine to work every day. I park it outside the VIC on the racks within site of the UN guards. So far, no problems. I even forgot to lock it one day.

[morgenhund]

Part of the problem is down to the fact that unless the bike is locked up well, if your apartment block has a communal room for bikes, it becomes open access due to the fact that service keys do the rounds to get people into the building - several friends recently have had mountain bikes nicked from the bike rooms of their buildings.

[Macrogue]

Even if your bike is locked up, if thieves want it, they will have it - it doesn't matter about the lock! I've seen bikes with the unlocked wheels stolen, the handlebars stolen (yup - break & gear wires snipped), and combinations there of. Essentially, if you want a bike, accept that there is some thieving git who is going to want to steal it. Take precautions, lock, sensible place to leave it, and you are on the positive side of keeping it. My unter-neighbour brings his up the stairs and into his flat, though not everyone would want to do that, for sure.

Just remember that when you are all sorted with the bike, get lights and a bell, and keep to the bike paths and roads. And don't drink and bike. It can end in a trip to the Police station if you are caught!

[erea]

Good to know. Thanks guys

[beanbag]

It depends what you are riding. If you happen to use a Santa Cruz Nomad worth $5k+ then it's highly likely your bike will be targeted. My Kona Cindercone was stolen from right inside my office courtyard for example. This was in plain view of CCTV's too. The thieves don't care. But then I also had a crappy lock.

However get yourself a proper, discreet city hybrid like a Specialized Sirrus and you'll have no problems so long as you use a good lock. I rode mine in Vienna for three years without a single problem. Just make sure you get a lock like this:

http://www.abus.de/us/main.asp?ScreenLa ... 3318551604

Compact, big enough to go around the frame and a wheel and very very very very tough.

You'll be fine!

[catweasel]

I've got 2 chains (front and frame, rear and frame) + a big U bend thingie in the middle.

Bear in mind that parting happens all over the place now so you might wanna padlock your saddle to you bike just to deter opportunists - assuming it's quick release.

just looked at the date of the last post...heh, seems as if I've arrived late to this party

[morgenhund]

Bike theft still seems rife - friends been complaining about how their bike room in their house seems to get targeted regularly.

[catweasel]

Yeah, I keep mine in my apartment - bought it a special carpet and everything

It's just too easy to get into apartment buildings - most people let anyone in - and the bike yard is hardly ever secure.