Should I let someone borrow my bike?

College Life
1

<p>This might sound like a stupid question, but I’m really not sure about this.</p>

<p>Someone on my floor wants to borrow my bike (he’s willing to pay me a few bucks) so that he can ride it about a mile or two into town to pick something up. I’ve known him for about two weeks and he seems like a nice guy, just haven’t talked to him too much.</p>

<p>What would you do in my situation? Mainly, I’m just worried that he won’t secure it with the lock and have it get stolen.</p>

<p>Have you ever let people borrow your bike to ride around town?</p>

<p>(This is/was a fairly expensive bike, so that’s why I’m a bit paranoid).</p>

2

<p>If the bike really means that much, I wouldn’t risk it if I were you.</p>

<p>Or you could install pegs on the back and accompany him if you’re really that worried.</p>

3

<p>I am one for the expression “never a borrower nor a lender be.” I just don’t like to lend anything I can’t replace, and I can’t afford to replace most things I have. If you’d significantly lament losing it, I wouldn’t lend it. He shouldn’t be too upset, there should be lots of people with bikes he could ask and a mile or two isn’t even that far to walk. The bike would probably be fine, but if you’re worried that tells me you’re not comfortable taking the chance.</p>

4

<p>If it is only a mile or two that is not far at all to walk. I guess it depends on how quickly you walk, but that should take hardly any time.</p>

<p>You shouldn’t feel pressured to lend your bike. You can say sorry but my parents paid for this bike (or even better) I paid for this bike and I really don’t feel comfortable lending it to anyone.</p>

5

<p>If the bike means that much to you, don’t lend it.</p>

6

<p>For me, it’d depend on the bike. If it’s some low-end mountain or hybrid bike, sure. However, if it’s a nice and shiny $500+ road bike, no.</p>

<p>I always make sure to give a lecture about the locking and orient them on a few things, like tire pressure, using the brakes, and shifting (eg. no cross-gearing). Also, don’t forget to tell them about following the rules of the road. Biking the wrong way on a one-way street = mangled frame and more mangled friend.</p>

<p>Also a good idea to give them two locks and make them lock the bike “redundantly.” That way, if they slip up slightly on the locking, your bike is still likely to be locked OK.</p>