A bit of an odd one.

[winjohn]

I looked everywhere for a forum to post this on but it's not a mountain bike, nor a road bike, it is not post 1998 and its not a BMX. I hope its OK here.

I have a slight problem which I suppose might be considered a good one to have but I have been so busy pimping up all my rides that I failed to notice that I no longer have a bike that I can happily ride to the station and leave unattended all day while I have my occasional trip to London.

I saw the ad on Gumtree and I knew I had found my new station bike. A mid 90's triple butted Tange framed Marin San Rafael, it all looked original and it was my size and cheap!

I risked the floods in the New Forest to have a look and was pleased to find the chappie who was selling it was the original owner, it looked well used but original even down to the saddle and grips!

Welcome to my new station bike which I am determined just to lightly clean and oil so nobody wants to nick it. Pumped up the tyres, liberally sprayed it with WD40, oiled the chain, washed it down and it rides like a dream. Just needs new cables and will be perfect. Now if I can just avoid the temptation to put some drop bars on and call it a gravel bike...

 

[minor_LEGEND]

The worse & weirder looking you can make it, the less attractive to would-be thieves it ought to be. Nice though. Good luck with retaining it in your ownership.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Ditch the adjustable stem - they aren't trustworthy as they get older - the retaining bolt can even shear(like the seat clamp bolt on a microadjust seatpost)

Clearly and fairly indelibly marking a bike frame with your name or postcode reduces its attraction to thieves, as it's hard for them to pretend it isn't stolen when they sell it.

 

[winjohn]

Ditch the adjustable stem - they aren't trustworthy as they get older - the retaining bolt can even shear(like the seat clamp bolt on a microadjust seatpost)

Clearly and fairly indelibly marking a bike frame with your name or postcode reduces its attraction to thieves, as it's hard for them to pretend it isn't stolen when they sell it.

Yup I'd already decided that has to go. I did realise they were unsafe but they just look so crappy....although it might deter the safety minded thief.

 

[bikeworkshop]

The toeclips come a close second

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Nice. A bit too nice for leaving though imo
I can't believe you bought another bike. You make me feel normal, thanks
I have bought a Saracen E Stay frame

 

[hamster]

I would be tempted to wrap inner tubes over the frame to disguise it.

 

[thom04]

There used to be a company that did proper vinyl wraps with a knackered paint / rusty effect to put off bike thieves but I cant find them online anywhere. I thought it was a good idea, but its probably a small group of people wanting to cover their lovely bikes in horrible stickers

Next best thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cozylkx-Camouflage-Motorcycle-Rusting-Protective/dp/B0C7QZ5NDX
you wouldn't even need to lock it up

 

[LumPi Panda]

There used to be a company that did proper vinyl wraps with a knackered paint / rusty effect to put off bike thieves but I cant find them online anywhere. I thought it was a good idea, but its probably a small group of people wanting to cover their lovely bikes in horrible stickers

Next best thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cozylkx-Camouflage-Motorcycle-Rusting-Protective/dp/B0C7QZ5NDX
you wouldn't even need to lock it up

A mate of mine once painted his bmx frame with epoxy resin, kicked it around the ground in the local woods, then matte hardcoated it.
It looked great, but was difficult to find when you lay it down.

 

[pigman]

I'd still feel uncomfortable leaving that bike unattended all day. It's branded and in good nick. A nice ride for any thief and very saleable