Author Topic: Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?  (Read 11637 times)

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Offline ignatzy

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« on: May 18, 2007, 12:18:34 pm »
The timing of this could not be more absurd. My bike went missing sometime between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. from the hallway of my apartment building. I'm presuming it is stolen. I've parked my bike there for over a year and a half and it's never been molested. Not once.

My neighbors are pretty diligent about who comes in and out of the building so I can't imagine what happened.

My bike had become pretty customized. Built up from a frame made by a local NYC company. How I love that bike.

I'm still planning on doing the ride (Northern Tier from Anacortes to either Bar Harbor or NYC). Mainly b/c it's a memorial ride for my mother and I'm trying to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Here's the thing. In one week, I fly from Brooklyn to Seattle. So...I have a VERY limited amount of time to find a replacement. Your thoughts are appreciated.


Offline boonebikeguy

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2007, 12:34:51 pm »
I have a 53-54cm Puegeot racing frame...I could sell it to you. Cheap. It CAN be built up to at least 9-speed tech complete with STI shifters etc..if you invest a little money. Otherwise I suggest you hit a local bike shop or e-bay or even your local paper. Obviously somone watched you put your bike there recognized the components and frame as wrthy and ganked it. I won't say the "told you so" bulls--it about not locking it up...so my condolenjces.

"Love is a river where crazy people drown"--Kyrgyz proverb

This message was edited by boonebikeguy on 5-18-07 @ 9:31 AM
"Love is a river where crazy people drown"--Kyrgyz proverb

Offline valygrl

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2007, 05:31:04 pm »
Oh ignatzy, I am sorry for your loss!  It's hard to come up with anything useful to add, but..

If you haven't already, report the theft to the police.  If you have renter's insurance, it may be covered.

You can't go wrong with the Trek 520, maybe you could even find one in Seattle your size, so you don't have to ship it. Swap the saddle & pedals for what you are used to, & add racks - the trek's rear rack is flimsy (call wayne at thetouringstore.com if you don't have a local source).  If you can, swap to smaller chainrings or MTB crankset.

Leave yourself an extra day or two to mosey around Seattle (or home) loaded, as a shakedown, in case you need to swap stems or something.

On a ride as long as all the way across the country, there's got to be some wiggle room for things to go wrong - if you start a few days late, who cares.  

And most of all, don't panic.  It's only a bike, no matter how much you love it, and another can do the job.  I know, I had to replace a tour bike that was squished in a car accident.

Oh, and by the way, my mom passed from cancer too, respect to you for your charity.  


Anna
p.s.  Boone... dude, "i told you so" is uncalled for.


Offline ignatzy

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2007, 05:57:01 pm »
valygrl,

Thanks so much for your advice and input. I'm seriously considering the 520 as an off-the-rack option. I've also been pointed in the direction of the Surly Long Distance Trucker, which is a lovely lovely looking bike.

I've already gone through a number of emotions today, from primal anger (both toward myself and to whomever boosted my ride), to panic, to acceptance.

Like you say, wiggle room is all a part of the trans- continental ride. I was planning one week in Seattle to visit my friends and their newborn. Now I'm thinking I'll take two weeks..may even check out the Sci-Fi museum...while getting set up with the new ride.

I appreciate your words of encouragement. My friends here are totally rallying and helping. By the way,  Boonebikeguy was quite helpful. We had a lovely off-line conversation about the frames he was offering. I have totally learned a lesson about securing equipment--and I don't think he was being at all harsh.  Is it the end of the day yet?  


Offline valygrl

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2007, 08:08:31 pm »
Yes, I believe it is officially beer-thirty.  

apologies to boone.

:)



Offline BC

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2007, 05:13:15 pm »
ignatzy,

Really sorry about your bike! I hope that you can work something out, especially considering your cause.
I rode the Northern Tier in '05, and our motto, as paranoid as it might sound, was "If you are far enough from your bike that you can't actually touch it, lock it!" Seemed like overkill in friendly North Dakota, but it just became second nature. Once you're underway, the bike is almost a part of you. Lose it, and you have a world of hurt. Thieves probably can't understand that --- or just don't care.

Good luck - ride safe!

BC


Offline TwoWheeledExplorer

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Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2007, 11:43:04 am »
Ignatzy-
Seattle?? REI!!! It's their hometown. Look at the the Novara Randonee or Safari as off-the-rack options, and their flagship and HQ stores should have any size you want.

Heck of a way to have to get a new bike, but hopefully you will end up with a ride you like almost as much.

My mother-in-law died of cancer; my co-worker has liver cancer; the wife of my LBS owner is going through chemo now. Bless you on this trip!

Hans


This message was edited by Trailpatrol on 5-25-07 @ 7:46 AM
2WX: The Two-Wheeled Explorer
www.twowheeledexplorer.org
"St. Louis to the Western Sea if nothing prevents."--John Ordway, Corps of Discovery

Offline ignatzy

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2007, 12:02:49 pm »
Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions. Based on detailed conversations with my local shop, I ended up with a Surly LHT. She and I are just now getting to know one another, but I think it's going to be a beautiful relationship. Once I get to Seattle next week, I'll be paying REI a visit for other items, so thanks for that tip!


Offline BC

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2007, 01:16:53 pm »
ignatzy,

I've thought more about your ride and memorial aspirations. Whose life hasn't been touched by cancer in some way? Do you have a link for donations? If so, let us know!


Offline boonebikeguy

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #9 on: May 26, 2007, 11:44:00 am »
Surly makes quality frames dude. Them and Soma. I am happy to see you got a Surly and one locally.

"Love is a river where crazy people drown"--Kyrgyz proverb
"Love is a river where crazy people drown"--Kyrgyz proverb

Offline ignatzy

Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #10 on: June 01, 2007, 01:52:24 pm »
Hey. Here's a link to my online journal for the trip. A link to the ACS donation page appears on the top right portion of the page. Thanks for the kind words!

One week to go before departure. Woo!


Offline TwoWheeledExplorer

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Bike Stolen 2 Weeks Before X-Country Trip--IDEAS?
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2007, 12:55:08 am »
Where is the link?

St. Brendan's Spoke Bicycle Travel Club
www.stbrendans-spoke.org
2WX: The Two-Wheeled Explorer
www.twowheeledexplorer.org
"St. Louis to the Western Sea if nothing prevents."--John Ordway, Corps of Discovery