Today at the Swap-o-Rama

I noted some bikes that were almost certainly stolen. In some cases I cannot be sure of colors because I am, alas, a little color-blind. Wherever possible, I noted components.

Bianchi Axis with black and gray (?) frame. Saddle also two-toned black and gray (?)

Specialized Tricrross comp, black frame, Shimano Ultegra rear and Shimano 105 front derailleurs.

Scattante Americano--deep blue frame.

Jamis Aurora, what looked to me a pale gray frame, could be the Jamis 'Benzegreen' color, tall frame (at least 58/60 cm), distinctive tan bar tape, black Planet Bike fender set. Shimano Tiagra hubs.

Royal Scots three-speed, men's, black tall frame, knobby tires, no fenders.

Someone was also walking around two bikes, evidently trying to sell them to vendors. One was an SE Draft in a gold color--the newer model without the ridiculous "American' bottom bracket of the original Draft.

Also a tall frame (60/62) older Miyata Road bike in black. 

Some of these will probably still be there tomorrow, in case anyone recognizes his or her bike. Sorry I don't have pictures.

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Permalink Reply by Laura on May 30, 2010 at 2:25am
Which swap-o-rama were you at?
sounds like the big group of us just went on a bad day.
Maybe we should get a group together to go back next week.
Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on May 30, 2010 at 4:30am
I'd be up for that. Too bad we didn't have a posse together yesterday, some bikes would definitely have new u-locks on them.
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on May 30, 2010 at 5:20am
I'm available next weekend. What time were you there, Moc?
Permalink Reply by Chuck a Muck on May 30, 2010 at 6:35am
I live fairly close to Swap-O-Rama and am always down to head over there, plus I have a van to transport bikes back...
Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on May 30, 2010 at 7:01am
I was there about 11 am until about 1 pm. I don't have a smart-phone (mine is actually quite stupid), so I couldn't check Craigslist or the Stolen Bike Registry. This was the Swap-o-Rama at Ashland and 41st. Please note that if you show up en masse as an obvious cyclist posse, the vendors will pack up the bikes as soon as they see you. I kept going back to get details but pretending to look at tools and not at bikes. I was wishing I could immediately upload info to the Chainlink, but had to wait until I got home. If anyone wants to provide me a phone #, message me and I will alert you when I am next going over before I leave home, and I'd be happy to call from the site. I was wishing there was someone I could call. I think the idea of monitoring the Swap will definitely yield results if done correctly. I would recommend going over today, even now (1pm) to see if the bikes are still there. Most of the stolen ones Howard noted are outside, of course, in the center area of the northern side of the building. They were in the second row from the building.
Permalink Reply by Marty A. on May 30, 2010 at 7:23am
I too just had a theft (well my gf did)

. So where is this market? I want some solace related to the theft. It will not include paintballs (great video btw) but something . . . . oh and it was stolen from my garage less than 30 minutes after BTD.
Permalink Reply by Alex on May 30, 2010 at 8:03am
H3N3, thank you for contacting me. The gold SE Draft is almost 100% certainly my bike.

I live in Lincoln Square and I can't get to the Swap-O-Rama before it closes today. I will go on Thurs. If anyone is around there and wants to try to get it (I'm not quite sure how you'd go about that), I can give a $40 reward. I have the paper work for the bike -- I've only had it for 2 weeks. I wish I had seen this sooner and I would have been there today!

H3N3 said:
Permalink Reply by Alex on May 30, 2010 at 8:04am


Alex said:
H3N3, thank you for contacting me. The gold SE Draft is almost 100% certainly my bike.
I live in Lincoln Square and I can't get to the Swap-O-Rama before it closes today. I will go on Thurs. If anyone is around there and wants to try to get it (I'm not quite sure how you'd go about that), I can give a $40 reward. I have the paper work for the bike -- I've only had it for 2 weeks. I wish I had seen this sooner and I would have been there today!
H3N3 said:
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on May 30, 2010 at 9:03am
Brilliant, guys. I hope Chainlinkers can rally together and get more of these bikes returned to their rightful owners.


I hope the thieves aren't good at googling the bikes before trying to sell them though...... =
Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on May 30, 2010 at 9:19am
Howard,
The officially listed address of the Swap in 4100 S. Ashland, which no doubt accounts for the confusion. I can provide a rudimentary description of the guy with the SE Draft, but would be hesitant to do so on a public forum. Last time I helped someone recover a bike from the Swap-o-Rama, I didn't feel safe going back there for a long time, because I had talked extensively with the vendor about the bike. I don't do that anymore, but I was certainly noticed looking at bikes. If Alex would like to contact me about a description, please do so in a message.
Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on May 30, 2010 at 9:31am
Ok, Howard, I've programmed your # into my cell phone. Mine is not in my name, so if you receive a call from a Theresa on a Saturday or Sunday morning or early afternoon, that will be me. Can I also message you? My name is Michael.
Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on May 30, 2010 at 9:57am
I added an event for a ride this Saturday; RSVP here.

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