Anybody care about secrecy on your bike?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 602
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 386 Post(s)
Liked 290 Times
in
187 Posts
Anybody care about secrecy on your bike?
One aspect of biking vs. other popular means of getting around is the relative secrecy it affords. You can easily and legally buy a nondescript bike in cash on a street corner without giving your name. You don't need a license, or (generally) registration. There are no secret VIN numbers hidden on the bottom of any bike parts. Without license plates, optical scanners of that sort aren't tracking you. There's no national bike registry. There's no Onstar or any realistic possibility of satellite or terrestrial tracking of your whereabouts (unless you bring a phone!). Heck, you can even hide your face behind a helmet and visor/glasses and nobody would notice.
I suppose that anybody who really values secrecy (government agents, domestic violence victims, crooks, witness protection program, etc.) won't reply to this random thread. I just find it refreshing that in this day and age of "1984" being foisted upon us, the bike provides a welcome bit of privacy to "disappear" for a little while.
I suppose that anybody who really values secrecy (government agents, domestic violence victims, crooks, witness protection program, etc.) won't reply to this random thread. I just find it refreshing that in this day and age of "1984" being foisted upon us, the bike provides a welcome bit of privacy to "disappear" for a little while.
Likes For ScottCommutes:
#2
Junior Member
I must not care since I bring my phone with me on my rides, and it is telling someone where I am. Guess I could turn it off or remove the sim card but that's a load of work, and if someone wants to find me they can. I am 90% sure I bought vintage Italian iron from a pair of homeless druggies. Dirt in weird places, weird parts, missing wheels,etc. I do appreciate not having to pay the gov't 150 a year for a bike like my motorcycles require.
If I cared about secrecy I would wear my n95/cough mask and/or my construction getup everywhere. It's easy to blend in and not be suspected if you are wearing the right clothes.
If I cared about secrecy I would wear my n95/cough mask and/or my construction getup everywhere. It's easy to blend in and not be suspected if you are wearing the right clothes.
#3
Full Member
One aspect of biking vs. other popular means of getting around is the relative secrecy it affords. You can easily and legally buy a nondescript bike in cash on a street corner without giving your name. You don't need a license, or (generally) registration. There are no secret VIN numbers hidden on the bottom of any bike parts. Without license plates, optical scanners of that sort aren't tracking you. There's no national bike registry. There's no Onstar or any realistic possibility of satellite or terrestrial tracking of your whereabouts (unless you bring a phone!). Heck, you can even hide your face behind a helmet and visor/glasses and nobody would notice.
I suppose that anybody who really values secrecy (government agents, domestic violence victims, crooks, witness protection program, etc.) won't reply to this random thread. I just find it refreshing that in this day and age of "1984" being foisted upon us, the bike provides a welcome bit of privacy to "disappear" for a little while.
I suppose that anybody who really values secrecy (government agents, domestic violence victims, crooks, witness protection program, etc.) won't reply to this random thread. I just find it refreshing that in this day and age of "1984" being foisted upon us, the bike provides a welcome bit of privacy to "disappear" for a little while.
Likes For 13ollocks:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,036
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3997 Post(s)
Liked 7,485 Times
in
3,012 Posts
Likes For tomato coupe:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,555
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7674 Post(s)
Liked 3,550 Times
in
1,867 Posts
People who are imprisoned in their own minds ...
Likes For Maelochs:
#6
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,765
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4444 Post(s)
Liked 4,101 Times
in
2,737 Posts
You are not legally buying a bike on the street corner those are called stolen bikes and the people that own them probably want them back! Bikes also do have serial numbers and good shops and good customers record them so when their bike does get stolen it can be looked out for and gotten back when the street corner salesperson takes it (or has a minion take it or whatever). Yes you can buy a bike from someone and it not be stolen but more than likely that fine street corner sales person is selling you a stolen bike unless you can verify they didn't steal it which can be hard to know.
In terms of privacy you have lost that in the digital age. If you think you are fooling yourself with "privacy" on a bicycle you are sorely mistaken. I do value privacy but know it is a long gone thing in this modern world. If you use social media or use the internet logging into things you are not private anymore. You can certainly take steps to protect yourself a bit but there is no true secrecy and privacy anymore.
Also if you do have a political topic there is a dedicated section for that.
In terms of privacy you have lost that in the digital age. If you think you are fooling yourself with "privacy" on a bicycle you are sorely mistaken. I do value privacy but know it is a long gone thing in this modern world. If you use social media or use the internet logging into things you are not private anymore. You can certainly take steps to protect yourself a bit but there is no true secrecy and privacy anymore.
Also if you do have a political topic there is a dedicated section for that.
Likes For veganbikes:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,723
Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 444 Post(s)
Liked 475 Times
in
329 Posts
Yeah I suppose. I mean, I can also get scooters, skate boards, roller skates used off of Craigslist. Secrecy is definitely not the primary reason I ride a bike.
Likes For tFUnK:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,457
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18506 Post(s)
Liked 15,818 Times
in
7,428 Posts
So much for spring being here.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,506
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 3,071 Times
in
1,960 Posts
only if/when nature calls.... butttt then i think most would prefer it too.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
Likes For Troul:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,687
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4525 Post(s)
Liked 5,023 Times
in
3,103 Posts
I don’t care about the secrecy of my bike rides, which are all logged on Strava anyway and my profile is public.
Likes For PeteHski:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Eastern Shore MD
Posts: 929
Bikes: Lemond Zurich/Trek ALR/Giant TCX/Sette CX1
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 599 Post(s)
Liked 847 Times
in
431 Posts
I always have my face and arms covered (hide my tats) when outdoors - don't own a car or have a drivers license and only ride unregistered bikes that were purchased with cash.
Sincerely - Henry Hill.
Sincerely - Henry Hill.
Likes For Jughed:
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,519
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2561 Post(s)
Liked 3,058 Times
in
1,744 Posts
No. But then I don't have an exaggerated sense of my own importance.
#13
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 455
Bikes: Trek FX 7.3, Specialized Roubaix, Orbea Terra, Aostimotor S17 ebike, Huffy RedRock (first bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 222 Post(s)
Liked 330 Times
in
150 Posts
Somewhere in sunny California LarrySellerz kicking himself for not starting this one.
Likes For XxHaimBondxX:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,902
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3579 Post(s)
Liked 3,002 Times
in
1,816 Posts
Paranoia may destroy ya.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,557
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3256 Post(s)
Liked 2,567 Times
in
1,529 Posts
I'm guessing the OP wears a bag over his head when out in public. Maybe views himself as Shinobi. Probably does Parkour also. Or, he could be living on the down low. Different strokes for different folks.
#16
Senior Member
Why oh why didn't I pay cash for my bikes? I am sure pretty much any dealer would take cash and not insist on proof of identity.
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life, it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line
The man come and take you away
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life, it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line
The man come and take you away
Likes For staehpj1:
#17
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,196
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 884 Post(s)
Liked 2,327 Times
in
1,124 Posts
For an added level of secrecy, these helmet liners will protect anyone concerned that 5G towers are interfacing with the electronic shifting big bike is pushing on the public.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
Likes For Chuck M:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 8,030
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7082 Post(s)
Liked 11,180 Times
in
4,775 Posts
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: In the south but from North
Posts: 701
Bikes: Turner 5-Spot Burner converted; IBIS Ripley, Specialized Crave, Tommasini Sintesi, Cinelli Superstar, Tommasini X-Fire Gravel
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 406 Post(s)
Liked 390 Times
in
219 Posts
Man, these boards have the greatest threads!
Reminds about this guy:
Reminds about this guy:
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,519
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2561 Post(s)
Liked 3,058 Times
in
1,744 Posts
Likes For Trakhak:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,123
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 830 Post(s)
Liked 1,970 Times
in
950 Posts
Don't forget to wear a mask and gloves as biomarking software can track you too.
And, do not take any credit cards as RFID trackers will pin your location too!
Also, many cities have camera traps set up to track and identify you as well.
So what is it that requires the utmost secrecy?
And, do not take any credit cards as RFID trackers will pin your location too!
Also, many cities have camera traps set up to track and identify you as well.
So what is it that requires the utmost secrecy?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,982
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1365 Post(s)
Liked 1,688 Times
in
831 Posts
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3,478
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 883 Post(s)
Liked 2,312 Times
in
1,293 Posts
Bikes also do have serial numbers
Not my 1975 Colnago , no serial # . It has been stealth since birth!
Not my 1975 Colnago , no serial # . It has been stealth since birth!
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,952
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2628 Post(s)
Liked 1,972 Times
in
1,235 Posts
I have several bikes, and a couple of helmets, mix-and-match panniers (or none), and maybe two or three dozen jerseys.
Still, the crossing guards on my commute routes recognize me.
If you're serious about not being recognized, you're going to have to take things up a notch. Or many notches. Start charting your own routes. Never repeat a route, or part of a route -- this will be difficult near your home. You'll want to start charting what you wear, so your apparel periodicity is as long as you can make it. Do not wave, say hello to, or otherwise acknowledge other riders, drivers, or pedestrians. As noted, leave your cell phone at home. Do not upload any rides from a GPS to any web site or service.
And you're still going to be on every surveillance camera at every gas station and many businesses, and smart doorbells. If the people in black (or blue) are suspicious, they'll still find a way to track you. Better to live in the woods, like the guy who bombed the Atlanta Olympics and the Birmingham abortion clinic. But move around -- even he was eventually caught when the police started corrolating his appearances outside his hideout.
Still, the crossing guards on my commute routes recognize me.
If you're serious about not being recognized, you're going to have to take things up a notch. Or many notches. Start charting your own routes. Never repeat a route, or part of a route -- this will be difficult near your home. You'll want to start charting what you wear, so your apparel periodicity is as long as you can make it. Do not wave, say hello to, or otherwise acknowledge other riders, drivers, or pedestrians. As noted, leave your cell phone at home. Do not upload any rides from a GPS to any web site or service.
And you're still going to be on every surveillance camera at every gas station and many businesses, and smart doorbells. If the people in black (or blue) are suspicious, they'll still find a way to track you. Better to live in the woods, like the guy who bombed the Atlanta Olympics and the Birmingham abortion clinic. But move around -- even he was eventually caught when the police started corrolating his appearances outside his hideout.