<p>I have heard a lot about the bike theft at UCSB, and I was wondering if anyone knew if it was true or severe?</p>
<p>Just get a good U-Lock and hide your bike in your room during breaks. I've never had any problems.</p>
<p>and don't bring an expensive bike to campus for your daily riding. Its all flat, so an old beater will work just fine. You don't want a shiny $800 bike to tempt thieves.</p>
<p>hey thanks for the advice. Do you really think new bikes will tempt theives? I was looking into buying a pretty nice beach cruiser, but I'm rethinking it now... :-/</p>
<p>I wouldn't bring a nice new bike to school, at least not for my daily driver. It's all flat, bikes sit out in the rain, the beach air tends to rust things anyway. Some people use a beater to get to campus, then have a nicer bike they keep in their room for longer rides.</p>
<p>Just never leave it unlocked, and be sure to use a u-lock. If you're really paranoid, you can buy a "rope" lock and string it with the U-Lock to lock both your front and back tire. You can buy some cheap drapes to cover your bike from the rain also (it's what I do.) I've been very fortunate with my bike. I know of four friends who've gotten their bike stolen; another his tire smashed to the point where it was unuseable. </p>
<p>Like others said, don't spend too much money on your bike.</p>