[eplanit]

I wouldn't think many people would consult a registry in order to assure themselves that the bike they're buying isn't stolen; rather, they'd use it to find a bike they already owned and that had subsequently been stolen, as a means to try and find it. I suppose a Pawn shop or similar would use it for a purpose as you suggest, though.

[revelation]

Why would a thief register his stolen bike online after the fact? I think you've got this mixed up, these registries only work when people consult them before buying.

[fyrabanks]

I don't think he ever implied that a thief in particular would register the stolen bike. The first scenario is a buyer checking beforehand to see if it was stolen. The second scenario is the owner of a stolen bike checking to see if someone else has re-registered the bike, like someone who purchased the stolen bike thinking it was a legitimate sale (a bit misguided, as the system doesn't quite work that way).

[judk]

No, dealers consult the registry when required by law, and police consult the registry when they recover a bike.

Most buyers don't care, they have no incentive to care.