A parts bin sh*tter.

[ishaw]

Stick Emmelle or Ammaco decals on it

I like the idea of retro bso decals for thief proofing. Though you do have to be seen riding it, so maybe no decals is best.

Another way to have decent components on a bike but not desirable it to rough them up a bit.

Take some decent parts and throw some rattle can black at them. No one will know that some lovely xtr lurks beneath

 

[ishaw]

Reading the full thread, I'm amazed people cheap out or don't use locks at all, even in secure areas. I've never left a bike unlocked in any secure place, in fact I always use 2 locks and one of those extra bits to thread through the wheels so it's all connected.

If I have to leave a bike unattended that is. I try not to.

 

[novocaine]

Vinyl wrap the cranks. they'll look like every other crank on the market then.