Having had two bikes stolen so far this year, I sympathise with the owner of this wheel.
This was spotted outside Lidl in Leatherhead on my walk to work, whilst I was working away. I walked past this bike rack every day for two weeks so I know the bike had been recently locked up there.
The wheel was secured by just a cable lock, which would have been easily defeated by semi-seasoned thieves. I suspect therefore, that the owner had not secured the cycles frame to the rack and the thieves acting in this instance were opportunists.
If you are offered a Specialised bike, probably a HardRock pro, in the Surrey area with a back wheel that does not match the bikes specification (Specialized tyre, Alex rim) chances are it is stolen.
I cannot emphasize enough, how important it is to make sure your bike is properly secured when you leave it, both in the shed and whilst your are out.
There is a detailed article on preventing bike theft coming soon.
