Thieving *&%$£$s!!!!!

lost_in_thought

Arrrrgh!

Walked outside this morning with the key to get the gollum bike from the back garden, 7foot walls, 7foot locked gate, gollum bike chained to a gutter...

IT'S GONE!!!!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Thieving *&%$£$s!!!!!

cjcp

LIT - sorry to hear that. Have you reported it to the Police?

It might appear at Brick Lane. There can't be many Gollum bikes around, can there?

2wheelzgood

Oh that's a sucker.. is it insured? I hope you can get it sorted.. I had one nicked a few years ago while living as a student away.. luckily I had it covered under Mum's house insurance.. and I got a new one. new model etc but had to be supplied from a far-away bike shop.
I listed all the extras and got some extra cash too so try to get all your money's worth.

Note to self. get frame number off my new bike and check insurance cover.

ride_whenever

That's a pain, but maybe they thought they were doing you a favour as it was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ugly.

Either that or they were jealous of your gear ratio and scalping prowess.

dafruk

Don't worry, as soon as anybody else tries to ride that gearing they'll bring it back with newfound respect!

Hope you have luck getting it back/had it insured (for 4x it's value!).

ChrisLS

...Boris wants the SAS let loose on bike theives :twisted: :evil: ...sounds like a plan to me...sorry to hear about your bike being stolen

DonDaddyD

Ouch! Really sorry to hear that, its awful when people have their bikes stolen!

the_hundredth_idiot

Sorry to hear that.

But, crikey, that's a worry. My bike is similarly "secured" - behind a padlocked and bolted garden gate with no access except over high walls. I (perhaps foolishly) assumed this was sufficiently secure. I have no real fear for my current bike (as it makes the gollum bike look like a supermodel) but I do have a nice little number from Condor on order. Perhaps I need to invest in a ground anchor to secure my new precious? (And, no, I'm not posting my address. :? )

A friend who lives in West Ken had a similar problem recently. Her flat has a bike shed at the back - accessible only via locked gates, shed securely locked and her bike was locked up inside. But someone got in and nicked all the bikes in there - with no apparent damage to the bike locks. My friend still can't figure out how that was possible.

Brick Lane at the weekend might be worth a try but, when an old bike of mine was nicked a few years ago when I lived in Hoxton, the police told me not to bother and that it was more likely to have been shipped out to one of the big student cities to be sold on. That old bike wasn't worth the hassle of trying to recover buy the gollum bike might be.

Littigator

Really sorry to hear about your bike. Have you tried searching within a 50 yard radius to find a small weeping bike thief with broken femurs?

On a more serious note it really is worth trying down Brick Lane if you have the time and a big mate to help you.

knight2k

That's just not on. Fecking Scumbags. Being strung up by the pods is too good for them!

I hope gollum finds his way home.

attica

My precioussss, nooooooo.

I'm gutted for you LIT, being stupidly optimistic though, with the insurance money and a following wind, perhaps you'll be able to upgrade. I've got 3 syllables for you:-

Be

an

ki

you know you want to!
Not sure calling you a tart would be altogether allowed though, do the forum's lexicographers have suitable alternative?

lost_in_thought

Thanks for your condolences... I am mourning my loss at the minute and quietly thankful that there was not a tube strike today...

Luckily it is covered to an extent by Mother's home and contents insurance... should get something back which is better than nothing.

Have you tried searching within a 50 yard radius to find a small weeping bike thief with broken femurs?

On a more serious note it really is worth trying down Brick Lane if you have the time and a big mate to help you.

I did look actually, presumed it was kids just wanting to climb the wall then seeing/stealing the bike, and hoped perhaps that once they realised it had SPDs they'd abandon it... but no joy.

What's the deal with this brick lane thing then? Some stolen bike fair?

And no, didn't call the police, honestly don't think they'll care or indeed do anything about it. Am I being unfair?

And Attica, I was thinking about upgrading, some prat wrote off my car last weekend (it's not my month), and I'm having similar thoughts there so why not the bike?!

But I really like the gollum bike. My only complaint was that it didn't come with a brake and that I had to get nice bike shop man to drill out the fork in order to fit one and that was/will be a hassle!!!

However, I like the brake onthe horizontal bit, and all the ones with brakes fitted have them on the drops, it seems...

Thoughts?

[/quote]

SBezza

I would inform the police just to get an incident number for the insurance company, like you say they probably will not find it, but the insurance compnay might ask for an incident number (not sure on this as I have never had one stolen - touch wood).

Sorry to hear about the loss though.

the_hundredth_idiot

lost_in_thought wrote:

What's the deal with this brick lane thing then? Some stolen bike fair?

"Brick Lane Stolen Bike Fair" certainly has a ring of truth to it. :evil: I've no idea why the police don't close it down or hassle the sellers till they clean up their act - I can't believe any more than a tiny proportion of the bikes sold there are kosher. Presumably it's a police resources issue and difficulties with proving the bikes are stolen? But, start small, zero tolerance, yada yada. (To be truthful, it's a few years since I've been down there so it might be better now - but, just to be clear in case anyone was wondering why I might have been there at all, it's not just people selling stolen bikes!)
Sunday mornings: http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/brick-lane-market.php

And, something we should all do (IMHO) is to register our bike's frame numbers at http://www.immobilise.com/ or similar.
In fact, I'll do it right now. Erm, well, maybe later today. Probably. :oops:

lost_in_thought wrote:

And no, didn't call the police, honestly don't think they'll care or indeed do anything about it. Am I being unfair?

Call the police. If you want to claim on insurance, you'll almost certainly need a crime reference number. It's easier these days - you just phone them rather than having to head down to the local police station and queue for hours. (But you're right that the'll do sod all about it.)

lost_in_thought wrote:

And Attica, I was thinking about upgrading, some prat wrote off my car last weekend (it's not my month), and I'm having similar thoughts there so why not the bike?!

But I really like the gollum bike. My only complaint was that it didn't come with a brake and that I had to get nice bike shop man to drill out the fork in order to fit one and that was/will be a hassle!!!

However, I like the brake onthe horizontal bit, and all the ones with brakes fitted have them on the drops, it seems...

Thoughts?

Have you thought about something like this Charge Plug Racer?
http://www.chargebikes.com/products/bik ... .php?id=13
I've seen plenty of Charge Plugs but haven't seen any drop bar versions yet.

Or something like the Specialized Tricross single? Best of both worlds on the brake front.

girv73

Oh noes! Condolences on the loss of your precious!

You've got me worried now. I'm moving house and the new garage is way more exposed than your storage, but between me & Mrs. G. (OK, mainly me) will contain a small fortune's worth of two wheeled precious. Do Wiggle sell robot sentry guns?

Definitely report the theft to the plod.

FWIW, for possible insurance claims I keep pictures, frame numbers, specifications, website printouts (showing prices & specs) and original receipts for my bikes. They're covered under the house insurance.

lost_in_thought

Have you thought about something like this Charge Plug Racer?
http://www.chargebikes.com/products/bik ... .php?id=13
I've seen plenty of Charge Plugs but haven't seen any drop bar versions yet.

Thanks for that, it's extremely pretty! However, 42/16? That's not ideal... I really like my 48/14!

And thanks again, I'll call the polizei now...

...

and they were actually surprisingly helpful.

What does anyone think about a surly steamroller? I can pick one up for £439 shipped from the USA.

lost_in_thought

And for those who have security worries, I didn't before but i do now... Seriously, grrrr!

I think the only way forward is to keep my bike in the house. Possibly actually sleep holding onto it... or something. Or buy a big dog.

This is quite cool

http://www.cycloc.com/cycloc-gallery.html

Thanks for all your suggestions!!!

2wheelzgood

LITs, hard luck again. Do tell the cops as above.
insurance may want receipts too. I was lucky and had the orginal recipt, the parts I listed and quote rrp. They gave me and equivalent bike (new version of the same).

I've just this min called my insurance to cover the pista.
I am writing down the frame numbers on my pc and have up to date pics, this is also a good idea.

Something like smartwater or free police ultra violet stickers are a good idea too. (i've not done either).

FWIW, i wouldn't base your choice of new bike (if possible) on the stock gearing. this is easily altered. concentrate on the frame, type of bike, the quality of the wheels, cranks bb etc as these things cost money and get used up.

I take it you're on LFGSS.. have a look here for teh new otpt bikes.
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread9085.html

or http://www.londonfgss.com/search.php?searchid=665452

Steamroller is known to be heavy and built to last.. defo no what would be called a "whip". Nice though but not cheap. Not saying that other bikes wouldn't last but it's heavy duty looking and riding I'm told.

If your insurance pays, you're likely going to have to get the same bike. They will probably buya bike for you rather than give you cash anyway. At any rate you won't find much new at the price you paid for the gollum.

HTH a bit.

Coriander

lost_in_thought wrote:

This is quite cool

http://www.cycloc.com/cycloc-gallery.html

I have one of those and they do look really cool, but I'd warn people that they do stick out quite some way into the room - at least a foot. I seem to have given up using it - my bike seems to take up less space on the floor balanced against the wall.

victor ludorum

Crikey! Bike and car, you haven't burnt down a church recently have you?

Surly steamrollers aren't exactly whips, but you can definitely get a nice turn of speed out of one if you've got the legs (and the gearing) for it.

Incidentally, and entirely off-topic, did anyone see the Rebecca Romero in the Olympic points race the other day? Do you not reckon that she was let down by too low a gearing? She seemed to be spinning at a very high cadence for very little velocity.

il_principe

Oh no you poor thing, sorry for your loss.

I'd love to see the thief trying to ride it though. On the plus side at least you can buy a prettier bike now! I'm sure Charge would supply the plug with whatever gearing you want though. There is a great post od LSSFG about off the peg bikes if you need inspiration? http://www.londonfgss.com/thread9085.html

Incidentally Pearson are selling the Giant Bowery v cheap at the mo for jsut £225:

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/product/3277/GIANT_BOWERY_SINGLE_SPEED_CLEARANCE_RRP_350_SAVE_125_NOW_22500

I bought my Pearson from them (of course) and they are a pleasure to deal with, if you call or email them ask for Will and mention my name and this forum, he's a helpful fella.

Best of luck and remember that at least buying a new bike is great fun!

lost_in_thought

Coriander wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

This is quite cool

http://www.cycloc.com/cycloc-gallery.html

I have one of those and they do look really cool, but I'd warn people that they do stick out quite some way into the room - at least a foot. I seem to have given up using it - my bike seems to take up less space on the floor balanced against the wall.

I did wonder actually... they do look quite large. I reckon the best plan might be to get some hooks and hang it by the front wheel... I can hear the pretty-bike-people flinching!

spacey99

I can vouch for Pearson's they're great. They also do their own steel ss for about 450.

Coriander

lost_in_thought wrote:

Coriander wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

This is quite cool

http://www.cycloc.com/cycloc-gallery.html

I have one of those and they do look really cool, but I'd warn people that they do stick out quite some way into the room - at least a foot. I seem to have given up using it - my bike seems to take up less space on the floor balanced against the wall.

I did wonder actually... they do look quite large. I reckon the best plan might be to get some hooks and hang it by the front wheel... I can hear the pretty-bike-people flinching!

I got a funky hang-your-bike-from-the-ceiling thing (sorry, that's a technical as I get) the other day from ebay which I've not yet used, but looks like it'd be a great way of storing a bike over a landing or hallway.

BTW - forgot to say earlier, sorry to hear about Gollum-bike being taken - it's surprisingly upsetting when things like that happen. Their karma will find them.

biondino

Charge Plug is v pretty and I'm sure they'll be helpful re the gearing. Or - buy a frame and design and build your own bike? Ideally some gorgeous thin-tubed steel lovely in a cool colour.

lost_in_thought

Coriander wrote:

BTW - forgot to say earlier, sorry to hear about Gollum-bike being taken - it's surprisingly upsetting when things like that happen. Their karma will find them.

It really is actually, as I mentioned earlier my car was written off by some prat whilst innocently parked last weekend, and I'm much more gutted about the bike being nicked...

And no, Victor, I haven't been burning churches or other religious idols lately!!! Just a run of bad luck, I'm hoping this is the third and therefore final bad thing, thing the first was being knocked off my bike in April.

Charge Plug is v pretty and I'm sure they'll be helpful re the gearing. Or - buy a frame and design and build your own bike? Ideally some gorgeous thin-tubed steel lovely in a cool colour.

Oooooh I think a build-it-yourself might be too technical...

Paulie W

I know not everyone has space in tehir house for their bikes but you have to prioritise: I can spend hours just watching the smooth lines of my bike, who needs a TV? And a bike easily doubles as a clothes horse...

DonDaddyD

Depending on where I've lived, I've kept my bike in my room when I've had to.

lost_in_thought

Whatever I end up getting it will be living in my bedroom... not taking the risk of putting it outside again.

It's different at work, it'll be chained to a lamppost approximately 6ft from the disapproving glares of 2 armed policemen... they like me and my bicycle, but don't like robbers...

10milesfromafan

The police will not put any effort into finding your bike. It's the way it is.

But report it for the insurance side of things because the compaies nearly always ask. But should the police find it, stumble over it, or it's handed in or even someone throws it through their station window it will be on a property list and you have a better chance of a phonecall! (Especially if it's marked) Secondly have a look around in some of the more obvious locations (as per above posts) and should you see it, it will much easier to get the police around to recover it if you've already reported it to them.

Good luck, and remember that the criminals will undoubtedly be living sad, pathetic and drug fuelled lives that will end sooner than that of a human.

chuckcork

I suggest for your next bike an Abus wall anchor, available I think from Evans Cycles.

My bike was chained up to the rear of my wife's flat, well off the street and you'd more than have to go out of your way to find it....I went to get on it in the morning (this is a few years ago) and the back wheel was kicked in, but the bike was still there as it was firmly locked in place, to the brick wall, via a hefty chain. A pain in the butt, but a £60 wheel was cheaper to replace than a £600 bike.

Besides, if you go and replace your bike without improving the security, the scrote that stole it in the first place will no doubt try and nick it again in a few weeks, and succeed.