Stealth Bike Ideas (commuters/lock and leave bikes)

[Tricky1977]

I’ve seen a few bikes without decals/stickers but has anyone ever gone further to stealth their bike? I was thinking of knowingly bad brand decals or “basic” but very functional visible parts? Or parts people wouldn’t know are good?
What would the best combination of form vs bling be?

Oh and please show me pics of your build!

 

[ishaw]

Re:

I did once build a commuter around a (uk) Merlin alu frame. Not too bling, understated and not hugely known. With the frame going under the radar, it was shoddy with pace rc36 stealth forks, crossride wheels and some other decent but not too of the line parts (xt level).

Didn't get stolen so built up a cadex with full xtr (1x m952), Rolf wheels, sid forks. Loved this bike, regret selling it. Didn't get stolen either.

My feeling is, why let thieves define what you ride. Buildxwhat you want, make sure its insured, enjoy.

 

[Captain Stupido]

For me, there's a diminishing returns thing in terms of the weight of the lock vs the weight of the bike.

For a while I commuted on a beautiful Faggin columbus tubed road bike. It was so light that I didn't want to carry a heavy Kryptonite on it. I used a cable lock. It was stolen, I was heartbroken. I could have used a better lock, but at the end of the day, I would have had to carry that weight.

The next day I bought the most expensive lock in the shop and since then I've commuted on a succession of low rent (but nice) retro MTBs. They're heavier, but I've not had one stolen. I am happy.

Of course, if you're commuting to one fixed place of work and can leave a lock somewhere then why not ride something nice. If it's really well secured it's not going to get stolen in broad daylight.

And re insurance - it's a waste of money IMHO. I was gutted because I'd put endless hours into building the bike. The money is no big deal. At the end of the day the insurance companies win - if they didn't take more money than they paid out they'd soon go out of business...

 

[ishaw]

Re:

The insurance I had was simply listing the bikes and their value on the house insurance. Costs a little more granted, but not as much as dedicated cycle insurance as you are simply paying a little extra to cover them away from home.

On the flip side, a heavier bike gets you fitter.

 

[Captain Stupido]

Re: Re:

The insurance I had was simply listing the bikes and their value on the house insurance. Costs a little more granted, but not as much as dedicated cycle insurance as you are simply paying a little extra to cover them away from home.

On the flip side, a heavier bike gets you fitter.

House insurance? What's that?

For commuting a comfy bike is good. Mudguards etc are good. A rack is good. A decent lock... Lights, a bell... A brooks saddle. The more you ride it the fitter you get. Fancy lightweight bikes with skinny tyres tend to stay at home on rainy (or snowy) days.

Unfashionable is un-nickable. That's the trick. Old hybrid?