LexRides

Chris Sullivan · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 3

Last night someone stole my bike on Ballard St. (behind Stella's). The u-lock should still be attached as they cut through what it was locked to.

The bike has a springer front, and unusual leather springer saddle. It's scuffed up due to age and easy to spot. I will post a photo later if I can find one.

Thanks for being on the look out. If you see it, please call 859-539-5469

Chris Sullivan

alex · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:06 am Post subject:

that sucks chris, that's an awesome bike

we'll keep a look-out

brokebike · cutter Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2434 Location: local

Oh no! Not THE OFFICIAL CHRIS SULLIVAN GREEN SCHWINN!!!!! I would recognize that bike anywhere. In fact, every time I see it, which is A LOT, I'm like, "well Chris is around here somewhere".

I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled, Chris
_________________
------------[] O

elzie5000 · cutter Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 1177

What did they saw through? That's the first time I've heard of a bike getting stolen in that area that was actually locked to something.

Definitely on the look out.

Chris Sullivan · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 3

Here are some photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/catamount/453481657/in/set-72157600017120196/

larger photo here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beverlyjam/3852969657/sizes/l/

and a detail of handle bars and springer:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/catamount/432053692/in/set-72157600017120196/

brokebike · cutter Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2434 Location: local

also, one of the most characteristic features of this bike is the saddle, which looks a lot like the one shown here:

Please correct me if you no longer had that saddle on there, Chris... but last time I saw your bike, I could've sworn you were still using it. I don't know of any other bike in town with a saddle quite like that one!
_________________
------------[] O

sailorjames · cutter Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 329

Chris, I can't remember, but did you just get new tires for that bike, or were you still on the old ones? (I've fixed many of your flat tires) I'll keep my eyes peeled as well, it's a very familiar bike.

I'm sorry you got robbed man, I can say if you don't see the bike, you'll more likely hear the various clunks and scrapes from the fenders Laughing

Chris Sullivan · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 3

The thief cut through a stanchion (1/2" or 3/4" braided wire) that supports a utility pole diagonally to the ground. I hope the pole doesn't fall over. It'll definitely make me think twice about what I'm locking up to. Thanks everyone for looking out. Yes, if you don't see it just listen for the clanking and banging of the fenders. It sounds roughly like someone throwing a drumset down a flight of stairs.

brokebike · cutter Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2434 Location: local

a thief who will cut through 1/2" braided steel cable (as with Chris' case) is also the kind of thief who will cut through cable locks like these, which a lot of people seem to have:

all it takes is a set of bolt-cutters and the bike is good as gone.
_________________
------------[] O

taylor · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:41 am Post subject:

this brings up an interesting question for me now that I have an xtracycle - my xtracycle won't fit inside my house. We have a tiny little entry way on the first floor of our walkup that I've been storing our bikes in for over a year, but the xtra is too long. Currently, my only option is locking it up to our porch using a cable lock (porch has big stone slabs, not railing). any suggestions?

brokebike · cutter Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2434 Location: local

invest in an extra long u-lock, or a heavy-duty chain + u-lock combo. But this may not be an option depending on how much room you have to wrap around the slabs... I'm guessing not.

You could also just try to buy a length a heavy chain from a hardware store and get a lock to use with it. This way you can measure how much length you need and just have it cut. You can always keep it attached to the porch and just lock to the chain. May be a cheaper route than say, something specific from Kryptonite, which may not even be long enough to reach.
_________________
------------[] O

alex · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:05 am Post subject:

multiple locks are the way to go. a long chain like turner said, a bunch of u-locks on anything that can come off, like wheels. i always like to u-lock my wheel to the frame, so even if they get the bike off whatever it's locked to they still can't ride it until they get the lock off somehow.

the most important thing is to make it LOOK like it will be impossible to steal. Anybody can cut through any lock in 30 min. but 3 different kinds of lock locks, all have different strength and weaknesses, need different tools to cut, now that's daunting
_________________
How about, "Can you NOT rip a giant hole in our downtown and erect a big goddamn penis full of crappy chain businesses?"
-F.L.

elzie5000 · cutter Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 1177

Definitely get the biggest chain you can find at a hardware store, with a shrouded lock. Put that around the column, then use a u-lock around front wheel and downtube. A second one around the rear wheel and seat tube would be even better.

oflannabhra · Joined: 18 Aug 2009 Posts: 3

Even better:

jkizzle · cutter Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 519 Location: I.L.L.

seen your bike every i walked to stellas - i work for au associates in the artek lofts complex.

will keep an eye out, i always wondered who that belonged to - it was a sweet bike. My wonder is if you talked to the city? since the bike was always locked up next to that retirement home fence not next to a house, maybe they thought it was abandoned since its an old bike?