Bicycle for School while in Dorms

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>I am wondering how the bicycle situation works for students who live in the dorms?</p>

<p>We have been on campus several times. We have seen a lot of bicycles. Seems like the ones that we have seen are not expensive road bikes, nor expensive moutain bikes. I realize the obvious reason - theft. It looks like the majority of the bicycles that we have seen, around the dorms, are the "cruiser" wide tire style bike.</p>

<p>For those who currently live in dorms, or have in the past, can you provide a rough overview of how it works? </p>

<p>I am guessing that most people buy them from a similar dealer/store, since they all look the same. Does the school have a bike sales location? Or some retailer nearby? I am guessing that the simpler the style, and the older the bike (within reason) that less likely it is to be stolen. </p>

<p>**Any estimates on what we should expect to pay for a 'decent' bike?</p>

<p>How often do they get stolen?</p>

<p>Are the kryponite U-Locks the most commonly used? **</p>

<p>My son has a very nice Specialized Mountain bike - that will most likely never find it's way to the USC campus. :-)</p>

<p>Thanks for any information that you care to share.</p>

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<p>I think that during orientation someone comes in and sells a bunch of fixed up bikes for about $100.00. Bike theft is prevelant nearly everywhere on nearly every campus.</p>

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<p>There is a bike store located in the University village. also.. during the first week, there are bicycles up for sale in front of the bookstore.</p>

<p>The cruiser cost about 120 or so, then about 10 dollars for the lock, and 3 for registration fee, which total to about 130-140.</p>

<p>I got my bike stolen twice already, but then again i lived at one of the off campus housing. I would assume it is much safer for those who live on campus...
hope this helps!</p>

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<p>I got a bike from target before and that only cost around 80~100 dollars. Bikes arent so expensive (unless you want a really fancy one) so...</p>

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<p>Do most people lock the bikes with a U-Lock (kryponite) ?</p>

<p>I have one of those for my personal bikes at home (road & mountain) due to how hard the steel is. Not easily cut with bolt-cutter or hack saw.</p>

<p>Have you had good luck, keeping whatever bike that you purchased, for those who live on campus??</p>

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<p>There are various used bike shops around campus. USC also auctions off impounded bicycles at the beginning of each school year.</p>

<p>Several dozen bikes seem to be stolen each week, according to Department of Public Safety logs. (Online at: <a href="http://capsnet.usc.edu/DPS/CrimeSummary.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://capsnet.usc.edu/DPS/CrimeSummary.cfm&lt;/a&gt;) </p>

<p>On campus, many students casually put a lock through their back wheel, and just leave the bike free standing. This makes it fair easy for a thief to take the bike, since it isn't secured to anything. </p>

<p>A junky bike and a hefty lock to secure it to a bike rack should be a safe bet.</p>

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<p>I have a Target bike that I got for $58. It's the Green Magna and a lot of people have that one. It's a really nice bike.</p>

<p>As for the lock, yeah you should have a U-Lock. I use Kryptonite also. But DPS does have the equipment to cut even through those; I know because I once broke my key and had to get DPS to cut the lock in front of me.</p>

<p>As for the bike auction, note that a LOT of people show up to that and there are very few bikes for sale...basically a case of demand is MUCH greater than supply.</p>

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<p>Are there many people with skateboards?</p>

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<p>oh yes, definitely.</p>

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<p>Do skateboards need to be registered?</p>

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<p>I'm pretty sure not.</p>

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<p>Haha, u guyz ride bikes at USC.
None of that @ UCLA :)</p>

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<p>Some folks use skateboards--more portable & I would suspect less theft issues (also cheaper). They suggested looking around before deciding whether you need a bike (depends where you live, where your classes are, etc).</p>

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<p>Tony-Well over @ USC we emphasize the importance of exercise... How do you think Trojans beat Bruins at football all the time...?</p>

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<p>Also, can you ride a skateboard/bike up those hills of yours?</p>

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<p>Haha, we have the best lookin Calf muscles... top that.
How do you think Bruins beat Trojans in basketball all the time?</p>

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<p>Hills near USC? I haven't seen any! It's extremely level from the photos & all I can recall.</p>

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<p>Sorry, that was meant for Tony (UCLA).</p>

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<p>Football > basketball. Well at least in the US.</p>

<p>Haha seriously, i don't pay attention to sports. least i know about college football.. i don't know anything about college basketball.</p>

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<p>Mmm don't get me started on USC football....I'm totally obsessed lol. But my goodness, I hope the football team will be all right without Leinart, Bush AND White. Ah well, I'm sure the other great players will become even more incredible.</p>

<p>I just realized that this has nothing to do with bicycles or dorms, but oh well :)</p>