which bike to bring???

[Duckster]

We are preparing to leave for our first trip to the Fort and I have a question about the type of bikes to bring. My son just graduated high school and he got a Trek bike for his gift (no not anywhere near the high line models, but it still cost a pretty penny. He is thinking about taking his bike to the Fort. I am not so wild about that idea, thinking that it would be better to take his old ( and cheapr bike). I'm worried about that nice bike sitting in the rain at the boat dock all day while we are in MK. I am also afraid it could walk away. I hate to think that way, but it does happen unfortunately. I'm curious. Do you take their nice bikes (like a Trek), or do you take a less expensive bike to be safe. I know not everyone has two bikes, but in this situation we have yet to sell his old bike.

 

[LBHouse]

Take his nice new bike. Any good quality bike wont be hurt a bit by an occasional rain shower. Take a lock, it will be safe. Just think about all those strollers you see sitting all over. Lots of strollers cost more than an entry or mid level Trek.

 

[North of Mouse]

We are preparing to leave for our first trip to the Fort and I have a question about the type of bikes to bring. My son just graduated high school and he got a Trek bike for his gift (no not anywhere near the high line models, but it still cost a pretty penny. He is thinking about taking his bike to the Fort. I am not so wild about that idea, thinking that it would be better to take his old ( and cheapr bike). I'm worried about that nice bike sitting in the rain at the boat dock all day while we are in MK. I am also afraid it could walk away. I hate to think that way, but it does happen unfortunately. I'm curious. Do you take their nice bikes (like a Trek), or do you take a less expensive bike to be safe. I know not everyone has two bikes, but in this situation we have yet to sell his old bike.

Guess I'm of the opposite mind of the pp. We don't like our bikes sitting in the weather either, (racks there are also in the sand) or risk having a bike lock cut. Costlier brands are more attractive to thieves. We have Specialized bikes and never take them to Disney. To me, the older bike would work just fine, but can understand him wanting, and being able to enjoy his new bike there.

The bike racks near the dock at FW are not near where CM's usually are, so seems they could easily be 'lifted' by a serious thief. We've passed there many a time, and I know I've never noticed if someone was there by the bikes, or what they were doing. Not trying to scare you, or tell you things like that are rampant there, but I've always been a cautious person.

Yes, strollers have been stolen, but you aren't usually leaving them for hours at a time unattended. They can be well marked also (bright tape, ribbons, etc.) which makes it not so attractive to a thief. JMO

 

[Disneypeach]

My bike is older but I'd still be upset if someone took it so I lock it up when I'm at the Fort. Like NoM I'm naturally kinda cautious. Having said that, I haven't witnessed anyone "loitering" around the bike racks looking like they were stealing anything.

 

[garneska]

I think the bike would be safe if you lock it up, however I would still bring my old bike. Not sure what kind of Trek it is, road or mountain, but I would not call riding around the fort a ride for a serious biker. Again not knowing the purpose. I have both a road and a mountain bike, mountain bike is much older, but if I bring my bike it is the mountain bike.

 

[friendofeeyore]

As a rule Ft. Wilderness does not have dishonest people, but I would bring a bike lock. What ever your Son brings, it needs to have a head & tail light to ride after dark.

 

[John VN]

I have a high line bike.....Giant Propel Advanced SL, a nice bike.....Schwinn Waterford Paramount, and my grocery grabber from Target. The grocery grabber goes to FW not either of the other 2. The grocery grabber gets locked outside the motor home and when taken somewhere.

My advice.....take the old bike and use a lock.

 

[2goofycampers]

Another vote for take the old bike.

 

[Teamubr]

I've taken my Specialized road bike to the Fort. In today's prices, it's a $3-4K bike. I ride it in the rain, so a little rain in a bike rack isn't a big deal as long as routine maintenance is done. I'm too cheap to have multiple bikes and never got into mountain biking. My "old" bike is my "parts" bike, so if I bring my bike anywhere, it is the "pricey" one.

I lock it to the 5er when out. We usually stay in the 100 loop and walk over to the boat docks. I have used the bike racks at the pool and Meadows trading post. I lock it with my helmet and gloves hanging on the drops and nothing has been touched.

I actually just took my road bike to The Gulf State Park meet. Kept it outside, secured to the trailer. My DW's and DS' Wal Mart bikes sat out in front of the camper all week. Maybe I'm too trusting, but I've never had trouble when camping.

If your DS' bike is a road bike, Disney and the Fort are not great places to ride a road bike. Too much traffic and people. I have gone on early morning rides through WDW property, but by 8 am, traffic is getting too bad and the back roads are narrow. If he just wants to cruise around the loops, take whatever bike you want, but make sure it is secured when he's not on it.

j

 

[peg110]

As I read the previous posts, I couldn't help to think... "How will it be used at home?" Will he ride it somewhere else and leave it locked up? Will it get wet there? Or will he only ride in good weather and only leave it (locked up of course) at home?

I get that you are concerned about theft, but that possibility is a possibility EVERYWHERE, not just at the fort. I had a cheaper mountain bike stolen from my back yard last summer (I did however, get it back eventually). I also had a nicer and much more expensive bike stolen from the locked basement of our apartment building (years earlier) and never got that one back. So if a thief wants it they will get it. I just don't feel like the Fort there is full of a lot of thieves looking for those things.

I think that whatever bike you take, prudent caution is in order. A good bike lock makes sense. Also if it's valuable enough, make sure it is long enough to run through EACH rim as well as the frame (and of course whatever you are locking it too.)

Is the intent to be able to ride it to the Dock and lock it up to catch the boat to the parks? What about the rest of the family? Maybe it's not even an issue if you leave it at the site (locked up) and take the bus to the dock (or outpost) to go to the parks.

I know, my DW would be of the same mind set as the OP where I'd be more lax about it. I guess that's why we make a good balance. If it were me, I'd allow HIM to make the decision but let him know your concerns (pros and cons) of taking either bike. He is getting to the point where he is going to have to deal with the consequences of his decisions, so let him make it.

Whatever you decide I hope you and the family have an awesome time.