Question about locked up bike, lost key

So this weekend I lost my keys after a long night of drinking. Not a big deal, except that I had my bike key on there, and locked up my bike that morning at a CTA train station. I thought I had a spare bike lock key from Kryponite, but apparently it's for some other U lock that i've owned in the past. So now what do I do? Is the bike a lost cause? The other problem is that I have no proof that the bike is mine. I never registered it and don't have the receipt anymore from the Uptown Coop where I bought the bike. Do I call a locksmith? Do I talk to CTA? Any suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on November 16, 2009 at 7:46am
When I broke my key in my lock, I called up a locksmith and they removed it no questions asked (I was parked outside of a Target). It wasn't cheap though ($80).
Permalink Reply by Amber K on November 16, 2009 at 8:01am
80 bucks would be cheaper than a new bike!

envane x said:
It wasn't cheap though ($80).
Permalink Reply by Bailey Gene Newbrey on November 16, 2009 at 8:13am
If you have the key number Kryptonite will send you a free set the first time you lose 'em.
Permalink Reply by pistola on November 16, 2009 at 8:23am
Yah, I wish I wrote down the lock number. Lesson learned. I paid $200 for the bike, so I guess it's a question of whether or not the bike is now worth $85 to me (factoring the cost of a new U-Lock). I haven't been thrilled with it since it's geared a bit too high for being a good commuter bike and it sounds like the crankcase needs to be overhauled as well. Thanks for the advice all.
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on November 16, 2009 at 8:58am
Calling all cars, calling all cars. Calling all who have angle grinders. How about helping out pistola.
Permalink Reply by pjc jr on November 16, 2009 at 9:04am
Hey, get a hold of Hazard on Chainlink/Marauders. He charges $20 to come out and remove a U-bolt lock.

I learned long ago to only buy the combonation U-locks, so I'll never get left out in the cold without access to my rig!
Permalink Reply by pistola on November 16, 2009 at 9:06am
That's actually a really good idea, I've never seen one of those so I didn't know they even existed. Thanks for the tip.
Permalink Reply by Bloody Malth on November 16, 2009 at 9:10am
uhh, I know how to get your bike out of hock without paying anything, but it amounts to giving out knowledge of how to break a u-lock, which I'd rather not do on a public forum. You can email me at primordiallyindistinguishable@gmail.com and I'll give you the info. I had a similar circumstance earlier this year: my backpack with my bike keys was stolen out of a bar, and it took me two weeks to find a way to get my bike out. I couldn't afford a locksmith.
Permalink Reply by Ali on November 16, 2009 at 10:11am
I have heard liquid nitrogen works wonders...It makes the lock fragile much like a piece of glass.

Here is another option.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQYm92Z5mRQ

-Ali

Bloody Malth said:
uhh, I know how to get your bike out of hock without paying anything, but it amounts to giving out knowledge of how to break a u-lock, which I'd rather not do on a public forum. You can email me at primordiallyindistinguishable@gmail.com and I'll give you the info. I had a similar circumstance earlier this year: my backpack with my bike keys was stolen out of a bar, and it took me two weeks to find a way to get my bike out. I couldn't afford a locksmith.
Permalink Reply by cutifly on November 16, 2009 at 10:29am
Grinder, cordless. Hazard is cheaper, pay the money.
Permalink Reply by pistola on November 16, 2009 at 10:52am
Okay,

I have a friend that has bolt cutters, and an Angle Grinder, (not sure if it's cordless). Does anyone know the legal ramifications of breaking a U-lock with no proof of ownership? Like I mentioned before it's a pretty crappy bike, so I don't want to get into trouble over this bike.
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on November 16, 2009 at 11:01am
In all likelyhood, no bystandards will try and stop you, or cops even if one wanders by. Which is kind of sad.

If you have a powerful grinder with the right kind of sawblade, it will take all of 5 seconds to cut through it.

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