2004 Spesh P3: Taken for a test ride, never came back!

[_J_]

Lately a 2004 Model Specialized P3 was taken for a test ride at "The Spin Cycle" on Chapel Street, Melbourne, Victoria. Anyways, the guy left his bag, phone, palm pilot and ID with the store so he could take it for a test ride. In the end he never turned up with the bike, so they had a look through his stuff and his palm pilot had no info about him, his phone was just the shell and fake ID (unknown phone number, address etc). The man was best described by Chris as 5 foot 11, dark complection and a mole on his face. So if you live in Melbourne and your reading this post and you see someone suspicious on a P3; please contact The Spin Cycle on: 95101010 and ask for: Chris, Jane or Justin.
Please note that there will be a reward given by The Spin Cycle, 245 Chapel St Prahran VIC 3181. MAP (http://www.whereis.com.au/mapping/geocodeAddress.do?route=false&hashCode=14151215633 0105&address=245+Chapel+St+Prahran+3181+VIC&search Id=1089880693053_1354188194&streetName=Chapel&post code=3181&placeName=The+Spin+Cycle&z=100002&locali ty=Prahran&streetNumber=245&link=1089880863944&str eetType=St&iblId=3341055&state=VIC&authToken=fdc1f 634c8%7Cc515d60cdc67ff771a438d73e4c1f11c&phoneNumb er=%2803%29+9510+1010&ypListingId=3341055&st=bn&br andId=2)

[LTR]

Jeez... thats sneaky.

[curtisrider]

same sort of thing happened at total rush a coupla months back, wouldnt be suprised if it was the same guy

faaaark. thats as alex said sneeky

[spuddy]

dirty fucker. ill keep my eyes open, but those p3's get around.... i reckon there was 3 p1's at the skatepark on wed alone....

[Grover]

i'm an xc'er so don't know the p3's too well. do they only come in one colour? if not do you want to give us some info on colour and parts mix to give a better chance at catching this guy.

good luck.

John.

[Rik]

For all shops:
If someone wants to go for a test ride, get a drivers license and a credit card off them at the very least. No less, as you're gambling...
It's easy to think "oh, this stuff could be worth money, he won't ditch it here to take the bike", but as this example proves, you never know... bikes are worth alot more than a phone and a wallet full of random crap.

[Cave Dweller]

Second hand palm pilots can be had for $150. As Rik said, you need proper ID, credit cards etc etc.

[ellemenophee]

That's really POO to hear.
But, if he is that arrogant & brash he is most likey to slip up sometime & that is where you may catch him.
When the shipment of p3's arrived you would have the id numbers of that batch. If it is possible, communicate that bikes id number to other stores . The other stores will " feel compassionate " for your situation & won't poke fun, as it could happen to them.
This is the time to remember you belong to a "community". A community sees further & in more directions than just 1 group or individual.
Depending on your computer program you use for invoicing you could write in each bikes Id number that you service ( it'll only take a minute ) & you can preserve the info you collect on your customers when they come to your store. It will be like a secret handshake between the store & the customer. Don't even bother telling the customer if you want.
If each store did something like this a mini database would be created & no extra effort. A simple email each month between stores would identify missing bikes. It brings everyone in cycling that little bit closer too, instead of direct competition all the time.
If the bike turns up in another owners hands- you can ask when they arrive to pick it up. Not b4. Asking never hurts. Afterall, you will have also serviced the bike & are due some cashola for your services. They may freak out at the question & bolt or not. You will have their details & can call the police to bring something to their attention. THEFT.
So ...he is likely to go to another store eventually if if he isn't a home mechanic ( most unlikely, as an enthusiast of any activity isn't often going to *hit in his own nest).
Unless he was from interstate & was just visiting Melb. Then it doesn't look good for you. Sorry. Effort is never wasted....you aways learn more from the experience.
Lasty if a store is just looking for money grabbing & servicing opportunities & doesn't care if the bike is stolen or not- take your money & prized possesions some other place where they will go that extra yard.
The ball is in your court to possibly make a change to the current system.
But my fingers are crossed for you.

[jamiejac]

strongly agree with what ellemenophee said you can never be too careful

[smarty]

hey guyz, while ur looking for the 04 p3, keep an eye on a 03 silver p.3 aswell for me plz hur :) Bought from the spin cycle aswell last year (or freedom machine, same shop ) and stolen when its only 6 month old :( it has a paint chip bout 3 mm in diameter on the top tube near the stem. Thx

[Anthony!]

Haha, lol

So we're looking for two bikes now?? :?:

[mikal_67]

thats low very low

[mikal_67]

i dont know wat kind of bike that is but it sounds good

[smarty]

heres a pic of the 04 P.3

http://www.farkin.net/forums/album_pic.php?pic_id=11859

[Rexy]

hey, they come in white and blue, what colour was it?

[VicRiders]

i have heard like th exact same story, except diiferent bike; Sepcialized Bighit...that was like a month or two ago...

[itsajoke]

As a multiple victim of bike theft I'd say get specified insurance at the least. You may not always be able to keep your eyes on your bike but at least your covered. Personally, I had a decal on the back window of my ute, "hang bike thieves" but life threats while driving through Bankstown weren't worth it. There are more people supporting you than you realise man.

[downhill all da way]

Jeez... thats sneaky.
that sneeky little man

[will4eva7k]

yeah sounds like a great idea

im sure 2 out of 3 bike stores wouldnt be bothered unless it was their bike, not the customers

[bing bong]

ha sounds like sumting me and my mate came up with, if you are gona pull a runa on a cafe. you got a fake fone from a fone store and say omg i dont have any money, look you take my fone and i'll go to the atm and get some money, then you just walk off. but we havnt tryed it and i dont think we will.

btw losing bikes SUCKS

[skank racing]

Second hand palm pilots can be had for $150. As Rik said, you need proper ID, credit cards etc etc.

You can get the Palm Pilot shells and phone shells from most phone shops and for the credit cards people reprint credit cards but with a different name on them.
There in no Proper ID you could get

[rone]

Forgive my stupidity but what the hell is "&amp"?

[Christo]

Forgive my stupidity but what the hell is "&amp"?

It means ampersand the '&' symbol..

[anothertom]

i just saw a sus looking p1 or p3? in sunshine cash converters today