red rambler

I definately feel the same way, but once you see the same bike rust away and not move for several years, you don't feel so bad--especially since it is taking up premium space on campus bike racks. For these two bikes, neither was at a dorm, I've watched them rust forever, and attempts by both friends and faculty to have police cut them free have been unanswered. For the Fuji, only the old, 27in front rim was locked, so that was easy to remove. For the Schwinn, the frame and front wheel were u-bolted, and the rear wheel was already long gone. So i just removed all of the other parts.
As for getting spotted, I didn't really worry too much about it. Not that I waved around a big flag, but I figure that if I can't justify my actions to others, I shouldn't be doing it. So I went in broad day light with a tool set. The only comment I got was from another student, who thanked me for getting the bike out of the way so that where was more room on the rack.

There is a u-locked Reynolds 531 frame with front wheel near my house that has long been abandoned and I go back and forth as to whether to do something about it. Its been thoroughly scavanged, but how do I "save" it without being no different than the scavagers? I'd love to see that bike turned into a fixie or something fun.