I was in Shadyside,(Walnut Street), last week and had my bike stripped.Two pannier saddle bags, a bike pump, and a front light were taken from my bike.I reported it to a police officer and he told me this is happening more and more frequently.You might want to consider to take anything of value off your bike when you lock it up.It's really a shame that you not only have to lock up a bike, but now have to worry if the parts on your bike will still be there!!
Bummer, but this has been going on for a while. I always remove my blinkies if they aren't ziptied on, and leave nothing else that can easily be swiped and walked away with. Crimes of opportunity they say.
There have even been instances of panniers going missing in what should have been friendly ground.
Was your bike parked overnight, daytime, half-hour?
I go through the same issues with my jeep as my bikes. Don't leave anything of value in it or on it, if you are to leave your vehicle parked for an extended time.
However, if you were just say at the bar, shopping or grabbing a bite to eat, then the thief was pretty brazen...
Yeah, we've been having some real issues with this in Shadyside. Things are going missing from porches and yards, and it's not limited to bikes. On my street, we're seeing a couple of car windows smashed every week.
I was only gone for about 30 minutes,(Last tuesday afternoon from 4;30-5;00 PM).It will cost me about $150.00 to get everything replaced.The 2 Panniers alone cost me $109.00 that I just bought 2 weeks ago at REI. Again,just Might want to consider not leaving anything of value on your bike.I don't want to see this happen to anyone else and it's occuring more frequently than it has been in the past.Really sad!!
Bummer.
I've been leaving my panniers on my bike - even with some stuff inside - old raingear, reflexive vest, etc. I might have to reconsider.
I have a small cable lock through the handles of the panniers and my rack, but that would not be much of a deterent.
Seems to me, panniers should be able to lock to the rack, lock their flaps, AND have a place on the back to clip a light, but I dont' see that.
Is there an OK pannier that converts to an OK backpack around?
Mick
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_170877_-1_201497_10000_201501
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/messenger/bullitt-pannier-messenger
Those are two that I know of.
You can buy a backpack conversion hoo-ha for Delta panniers (REI used to carry them).
Lenny--sorry to hear about this. If you bought any of the stolen items with an American Express card, they may reimburse you for them under the "purchase protection plan," especially if you have a police report on it, which it sounds like you do. (They cover certain instances of loss, damage and theft, usually with 90 days.) I've had a damaged watch and stolen camera reimbursed under these policies.
I think Mastercard and Visa cards have a similar policy, but that may vary by issuer. Call your customer service line, and see what they can do for you. < / corporate shill >
Damn. 30 minutes. I do the same as Mick with my panniers. I have Ortleib panniers that have a strap for the shoulder, but it's not cool by any stretch.
I had a handlebar bag taken a few years back. It was a piece of junk and not a great loss in and of itself but since I always take my seat and trunk bag with me.
