<p>I plan on getting a folding bicycle for college, an expensive one. I realize that that can be an absolutely stupid idea because of bike theft, however I was wondering if anybody had security options other than the typical U-Lock? (which can usually be picked anyway, or they'll just steal your tire or something)</p>
<p>I wanted to install a GPS tracking system on the bike, but obviously they cost more than the bike itself, and are large and have low battery life. So, I thought about hiding a pre-paid cell phone with GPS tracking (mologogo) in the bike seat, and I could have that phone send text messages with my coordinates to my computer. Also, if I'm inconspicuous enough, I can keep that phone charged by placing some solar panels somewhere. :)</p>
<p>Feedback or other good ideas would be appreciated :)</p>
<p>^ hahaha sorry dude you can't lojack a bicycle - there's no possible way you could hide something like that effectively. </p>
<p>Don't bring an expensive bike if you can't secure it. The only possible option I could think of for that would be a system like we have at UCLA. We've got fully enclosed bicycle-sized lockers placed around campus. You have to sign up for an account (free I think), which gives you access to numerical codes to open a locker on any given day. Cool system, and the only way I would bring a nice bike to campus. Bike theft is huge here.</p>
<p>Either
1. Get a bike thats so dirty, rusty, and nasty looking that no one would ever want to steal it (my uncle said he did this and he didn't even lock his bike and it never got stolen)</p>
<p>or</p>
<ol>
<li> Get a bike that has an easily removable and storable seat. If someone is looking to steal a bike, the last one they're going to look for is one that they have to go out and buy something for to make it work.</li>
</ol>
<p>dude...ever heard of the KISS principle -- Keep It Simple, Stupid
It's a good one to know. Over-complicating things makes no sense. If you're going to get a bike for college, don't get one that's going to be likely to attract too much attention and get stolen. Remember that your bike will likely spend the yr outside as well, so you need to think about the weathering that will inevitably happen to it. Go with a cheap or used bike.</p>
<p>it isn't very complicated. I'm obviously going to lock it up, but as an extra security option, I can just stick a cell phone under the seat, which I can charge every night along with my other electronics. I was just wondering if anybody saw a flaw in that plan.</p>
<p>Even if I didn't get an expensive bike, I dont want to come outside and have to go to another class quickly and find out that it is stolen. I want to find that ***** and sic the police on him/her.</p>
<p>If the situation at your campus is that bad, then you probably should consider not bringing a bike to school.</p>
<p>That said, Thankfully, its not nearly that bad at my college. A lot of kids (although not a lot as before) leave their bikes unlocked and unchained, I don't follow this policy and always lock mine up, even if I'm going inside just to grab a newspaper (unless I can ask a friend to watch it for 30 seconds while I run in and out).</p>
<p>
[quote]
stop being so lazy and walk everywhere
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You try making it from one end of the campus to another in 10 minutes. Make that 6-8 minutes when your math teacher won't stop going on about some last minute example he shouldn't have started in the first place.</p>
<p>I bought a folding bike, but not a super expensive one. It cost me ~$180 including shipping (ordered it online). It's a Schwinn Run-a-bout.</p>
<p>Anyway, since my wheels are 20", most people don't want to steal them because they are too small to be useful to them. I have a lock that permanently attaches the seat to the frame just in case they wanted to steal that.
When I lock my bike around campus all I do is u-lock the front tire to the frame. If you want to take it the extra step, chain lock the frame to a stationary structure.
Since it is a folding bike, I don't leave it on campus overnight. I keep the bike in the trunk of my car. I drive to campus, park, remove my bike & I'm on my way, regardless of which parking lot I'm in. Also keeps it protected from the weather a little bit.</p>
<p>Although the GPS tracking sounds way cool, it'd be a waste of time. In california, & probably other states too, you can (& must) register your bike & get a bike license. If your bike is stolen, the police will know the serial number on your bike so that if they (or you) find it again, you can prove it's really yours.</p>
<p>I've never heard of getting a bike license...but apparently in California you have to! Anyway, most schools require that the bike be registered with campus police and/or the campus parking division.</p>
<p>why would getting a license matter? I dont think the campus police would spend their time looking out for "hot" bikes...that would take way too long</p>
<p>I find it cheesy, but I've seen some people wearing those shoes (not sure what they are called) with those skate wheels on the bottom, and no I'm not talking about rollerblades. I think a manuel scooter (not the electric ones) are easy to carry because you can fold most of them.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I've never heard of getting a bike license...but apparently in California you have to! Anyway, most schools require that the bike be registered with campus police and/or the campus parking division.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not sure where you heard that, but it is definitley not the case (on all accounts). There is no "bike license" in CA, nor do any schools that I know of require you to register a bicycle with the campus police (I know UCPD definitely doesn't). We don't even care about motorcycles as far as parking goes (no permit required).</p>
<p>i think davis might require a license of sorts.
in any case, they're strict on having things like bike lights, so it'd make sense for them to have a way of ensuring your bike meets their requirements.
...other than that, there's no statewide bike license...</p>