a reason to go back to uni’ng more…
caption: I came back to find my bike sitting outside of class with a shitty rear rim (not mine) and my good rim to be totally gone. Next time I’m using 2 locks…
dang, that stinks. If it makes you feel any better, I have had 2 bikes stolen. That happened arround 30 years ago. One was litterally out of my hands.
They REPLACED the wheel?
weird…
That really does suck.
It’s really odd that they replaced the wheel with that old naked rim. Maybe they got a flat on their bike and didn’t have a patch kit. Instead of fixing their wheel they looked around for a spare on another bike. That would truly be pathetic.
Two or three locks is the way to go on a college or school campus. Two locks makes it easier to lock both the front and rear wheels to the frame. Make sure both wheels are locked to the frame so they can’t be stolen. It is not uncommon to see locked bikes with a missing wheel. Just locking the frame to the bike rack doesn’t protect the wheels.
I use a 5/8 plastic coated steel cable. I thread it through both wheels and cross it through the frame. And my bike is crappy. But it is out of comission for a while too as I snapped a crank riding uphill 
That’s terrible, I can’t stand thieves. Also, they didn’t even have the consideration to put the ‘replacement’ wheel on the right way around. 
At least you still have a wheel.
I’ve had several bikes stolen, even though they where locked. Now I use a wheel lock on the rear wheel and a whire lock through the frame and front wheel, that has been sufficient so far, as long as there’s a solid object to lock the bike to.
If that turns out not to be enough I have plans for a remote operated plastic explosive “gel” saddle. (having my bike stolen doesn’t bring out the best in me)
Aside from getting a 2nd lock a real good thing to do is to replace your quick release skewers with Delta Axlerodz. I put them on my bikes for safety reasons as they are so tight and stiff it literally feels like you are running a QR20. But they also do add extra security as you cannot remove them without tools. Check into it, they’re not expensive…
replacing the wheel has nothing to do with kindness or mystery, its an old trick thievies use to not look so conspicuous during thee act.
passers by or witness’s from far away simply think its just the owner working on thier bike.
i carry a little cable and put it though the rear wheel and then run it up to the U-lock in front.
(bike messenger method) tighten your quick-realease handles down right on the frame and put a hose clamp around them.
In cities, most users of U locks put them through the rear wheel and frame, and take the front wheel with them. And I guess the seat if it’s held on with a quick release.
Thieves are nothing new, they’ve been around since before written history. They still suck. Cutting off their hands is only a little bit extreme.
All things concidered it is more my fault I should have known… I was in a hurry so I didnt loop up the wheels with a good braided steel cable. Now I need to buy a Singleator and a solid SS rear wheel.
Depending on where you’re going, you could also take one of the wheels with you. If you’re going into a college class or something, that would work (just set it under your seat or by the door or something).
Shadowuni had his $1500 bike stolen a little while ago.
But that can be blamed as much on him as the thief if you ask me.
(sorry Nick)
you can also take off the front wheel and lock it up next to the back wheel along with the frame