Bicycle thefts surging

[krebs303]

Bicycle thefts surging

As preliminary crime statistics trickle in, it looks like the number of bicycle thefts went up - in some cases, way up - across Southern California in 2011.

Police and those in the bicycle industry suspect the increase could be caused by the "fixie" bicycle fad.

In a movement that started about 12 years ago among hipsters with a philosophical preference for riding bikes with fixed gears, teenagers all over the country are parting out bicycles and converting them into "fixies."

For a fixed-gear bike, the chain turns a gear directly attached to the wheel. The bike can't coast without the pedals turning. And many fixed-gear bikes don't have brakes.

The bicycles are difficult to ride. They offer almost no real advantage to performance, said Luis Renteria, a member of the VFixII bicycle club, which was founded in Whittier and has hosted meetings at Mimo's Cafe in Uptown Whittier.

"It's just a cool factor," he said. "No matter how anybody tries to break it down, it was just something cool."

Old 10-speed frames are especially coveted, said Dicono.

The uptick could also be related to the economy, some people guessed.

 

[Quixote]

This article morphed quickly about one of bike thefts to a report on fixies.
Non the less, I suppose the economy has more to do with this particular crime than the fixie population gone crazy(er). What else could you steal that is a form of transportation, easy to use, fun, silent, and good for the inner soul? Only a bike...or, um, perhaps a Prius.

 

[42x16ss]

Crud! I started commuting on a fixie with sharp, old fashioned bear-trap pedals a few years ago so that it wouldn't get stolen and anyone who tried would likely lose a chunk of their shin. If broke hipsters are stealing fixies where does that leave me???

 

[Quixote]

Crud! I started commuting on a fixie with sharp, old fashioned bear-trap pedals a few years ago so that it wouldn't get stolen and anyone who tried would likely lose a chunk of their shin. If broke hipsters are stealing fixies where does that leave me???

Exactly my point! Why blame the hipsters for every new new crime wave that comes along. So, who then, is to blame? They should look into those recumbent guys...they've got to be hiding something.

 

[Eric8-A]

They do have a part in it. I have two friends that have been arrested for attempted theft regarding bicycles. And yes, they're both hipster looking guys who are in this for the cool factor.

 

[biokemguy]

they're still your friends???

 

[El Pistolero]

they're still your friends???

Why wouldn't he be?

Here in Gent everyone steals bikes. It's the most common thing in the world. If your bike is stolen then you just steal one back.

 

[usedtobefast]

Exactly my point! Why blame the hipsters for every new new crime wave that comes along. So, who then, is to blame? They should look into those recumbent guys...they've got to be hiding something.

i saw one today...lurking on a corner,all recumbent and stuff...

 

[Eric8-A]

It's not like they stole from me. I still stay in touch with them and see them every now and then.

 

[max_powers]

Thank you Craigs list and Ebay

 

[avanti]

............The bicycles are difficult to ride. They offer almost no real advantage to performance, said Luis Renteria,...............

Fixed gear bikes are not difficult to ride - I've seen beginners of all ages jump on a track bike and be riding around a velodrome in just a few minutes. They are great riding in a pack - I'm able to adust my speed by easing up on the pedals.

Many road racers believe fixed gear riding helps them train in the off-season.

I've ridden a fixed gear bike for commuting, touring, road TTs, and track racing.

 

[42x16ss]

Fixed gear bikes are not difficult to ride - I've seen beginners of all ages jump on a track bike and be riding around a velodrome in just a few minutes. They are great riding in a pack - I'm able to adust my speed by easing up on the pedals.

Many road racers believe fixed gear riding helps them train in the off-season.

I've ridden a fixed gear bike for commuting, touring, road TTs, and track racing.

True but if you don't know what you are stealing and tear off down the road because you don't want to get caught - well, it ain't gonna be pretty when you get to the first intersection and try to slow down or stop