[patcheudor]

Yes, pretty much, for a bike you care about that is. In my case it was key to my profession. I made money bike racing & being without my bike was simply not an option, so it was always with me or in my apartment. Yes, if you live in a dorm maybe my model would be an issue, but then again if you live in a dorm it might not be a good idea to have a bike you care about. And yeah, when I'd go to a nightclub or somewhere I couldn't take my bike I'd get a ride from someone and leave it in my apartment. The key here is that if you care about a bike that you don't want stolen, don't leave it somewhere to get stolen.

[twic]

> And yeah, when I'd go to a nightclub or somewhere I couldn't take my bike I'd get a ride from someone and leave it in my apartment.

There you have it. Your "I've never had to lock my bike up up outside" system is really "I can only cycle to places where I know I can take my bike inside". That doesn't sound like much of a way to live a life to me.

[darklajid]

This is my take away as well.

Like your bike? Only ride it during the day, store it in your apartment next to your purse and credit card. Don't use it to meet with friends for a night out. Don't take it to get to the movies. Think hard if you plan to stroll through the city for an hour.

Ideally, you drive around in a circle, get back home and .. carry it N floors, storing it safely in your apartment again.

I really believe that this is the only way to keep a bike. Which is the reason why I don't keep a bike anymore. It's just not feasible to have (a decent) one.

[emptytheory]

there exist people who don't race professionally who care about their bikes (but not to the same extent that you do)