Stolen bikes

was it insured seperatly? otherwise, the max ull probably be able to claim is £500 off the house insurance.

and yeh.. they will make you get a pre-built. my lovely Cove Stiffee was nicked last year, and they insisted i get a £2000 replacement.. however, of course, none of the big companies make a £2000 hardcore xc hardtail frame... had to get full-sus spesh.... bastards!

just check the local estates, found a bmx of mine at my local once.

Didn't have separate insurance because at the time it was gathering dust as a bike to use when it was pissing down, or for when the fixed was out of action. Then I went out on a friend's full on DH rig and it took me back to the days I used to race downhill and dual, and ended up buying new forks and some discs. 160mm is a bit big for the Zaskar, but it didn't half look good - shame I never got to ride it though...

It looks like I can get around £1,000 from the home contents (with a £150 excess), and if Halfords don't give me what I want I'll push for a cash settlement, as I can get a half decent FS '07 bike for £100 either side of a grand. Maybe a Kona Stinky or a Specialized Big Hit

I'm 100% sure it was planned though - the bikes are behind a 7ft wall and you just don't know they're there. You don't randomly decide to climb someone's wall on the off chance there's a classic Mercian and a fully loaded downhill bike behind it...