New Haven Independent

posted by: MAER on November 12, 2009  12:39pm

I love the Devil’s Gear and am saddened that this happened to them! May they bounce back quickly!

posted by: William Kurtz on November 12, 2009  12:46pm

What a shame.  Matthew, Mitch and The Devil’s Gear Bike Shop are great assets to the cycling community and the city at large and don’t deserve this kind of treatment.  Congratulations to the cops for grabbing six of the thieves; that can’t have been easy. 

On another note, “I didn’t steal it! I was just riding it!” has got to go down as one of the lamest denials on record.

posted by: M on November 12, 2009  12:46pm

I’m a righteous man, Feiner said. Why are you stealing from me? - THESE PEOPLE JUST DON"T CARE! This is not much of a civil society anymore. This makes me ill to read. Does the R Bar have security cameras to help ID who else left the bar w/ these same kids who were caught? It’s time for the R Bar to shut down that night.

posted by: fearless on November 12, 2009  1:05pm

what happens now? kids who got caught will not snitch, and those who did get caught will get nothing.  If the owner was there when it happened, and tried to stop it, he would be arrested, or shot.

something happening here that is not good for those of us trying to live in a free society, and being harassed by groups of kids who have zero positive role models.

  kids who come from cultures where crime is glorified present more daily problems in a free society than terrorists.

my son was mugged at loaded gunpoint by 15 year olds, who got NOTHING in the way of consequences that meant anything.

i wonder if those kids were robbing the bikes!

posted by: Greg on November 12, 2009  1:13pm

This is a real bummer.  The Devil’s Gear is a great shop, and Matt truly is a righteous man.

My bike was at the Devil’s Gear that night, and I am glad that it wasn’t taken.

posted by: anthony on November 12, 2009  1:17pm

oh man, this is terrible news. i’m sorry to hear this. keep your head up hommies.

-anthony (little vegan monsters)

posted by: Beaver Hill Resident on November 12, 2009  1:19pm

It’s a sad day for Matt Feiner, Devil’s Gear, and downtown New Haven including Wooster Square when vandalism and theft such as this can happen.  How can businesses and citizens be protected from groups of vandals and thieves?

posted by: Ali on November 12, 2009  1:55pm

Oh this is terrible.  Matt is such a great contributor to the community and was such a great help getting me back on the road after my bike was stolen. 

To hear that statement by the teen that he “wasn’t stealing” just disgusts me.  I guess this is why recovering stolen property is so difficult!

I’m starting to think like M and Fearless…these kids don’t care, probably know that nothing will happen to them, and will be back out in no time contributing to the demise of society and “not stealing” stuff.

posted by: DEG on November 12, 2009  1:57pm

NHPD is well-served having an officer such as Rich Burgos. Had he not been attentive, the bike shop could have lost so much more. Good going, Rich.  We miss you at YNHH.

posted by: Lee on November 12, 2009  1:58pm

Matt,
We are with you. Please let those of us who value small businesses in our community know how we can help. I will be by soon for a bike tune up. Is volunteering to help with the clean up and repairs an option?

posted by: john on November 12, 2009  2:03pm

“How can businesses and citizens be protected from groups of vandals and thieves?”

By starting an honest conversation about what communities are committing crime and holding them accountable, without fear from their naive, P.C. defenders.

posted by: Earl on November 12, 2009  2:11pm

This is very sad for our society.
Teens should not be partying at bars-period.
Teens should be at home with their families at night.
Mob mentality rules in these situations, and I agree that these
teens are out of control terrorists.
I am sorry for the owners, not just for the loss of bikes, but for the extra cash it will take to repair the windows and install security gates.
Do we really want to live in such a frightened and barricaded world?
When will this violence and thievery be addressed by the parents who have custody of these felons?
I wish Obama would bring the troops back from Iraq and Afghanistan and put them to work on the streets of The United States before it is too late.
Those kids are acting like animals, and their parents are horrible
trainers.

posted by: alycia on November 12, 2009  2:15pm

So sorry to hear this, Matthew—especially considering how much effort you put into helping others recover their stolen bikes. And how much you give back to our community. Know that you are much loved and appreciated!

posted by: RAY WILLIS on November 12, 2009  2:32pm

I feel bad for these kids. I just looked at my watch and its vigilante-justice o’clock!

posted by: Mister Jones on November 12, 2009  2:43pm

Robbery or burglary, I suppose, but I call it looting, when a mob smashes windows and grabs whatever they can.

posted by: Chicwa on November 12, 2009  3:14pm

This is so sad in so many ways. Diminished responsibility? How about zero responsibility? Sadly it seems that this is the way society is heading at a rapid pace.

�I didn�t steal it! I was just riding it!� the teenager responded. �My friend handed it to me through the door.�

�I�m thankful the police stopped me as I drove under the influence of alcohol,� Rodriguez said. He said that he had �had a couple of drinks with good friends� and then made a �bad decision.�

These things are not mistakes, they are crimes. A mistake is something that happens inadvertantly.
...

posted by: andrew garrow on November 12, 2009  3:20pm

A righteous man selling $1k bicycles to trust fund hipsters and affable bike snobs who bemoan those of us who must drive a car to provide for our families.
its wrong to steal, but it would be nice if he’s throw in a few $150 bicycles for those of us who work our 40 hours and would like a plain old bicycle so we too can feel the privelige of riding recklessly in our congested streets.  or just want to take our kids to the park and get some exercise.
That said, i hope he gets his merchandise back, and am glad he’s not hurt.  But your bikes cost to damned much for us regular folk.

posted by: Ali on November 12, 2009  3:33pm

Andrew Garrow-

I’m no trust fund hipster nor a bike snob, and trust me, I didn’t buy a $1k bike from Devil’s Gear, in fact it was less than $200. I’m “regular folk” too. 

What difference does it make if Matt has expensive bikes in his shop - he is a business owner and is meeting the needs of varied customers. Are you too, trying to justify him being robbed?  Did he “deserve” it for having expensive things?  That kind of statement is no better than the “I’m not stealing..someone handed it to me…”

posted by: HewNaven?? on November 12, 2009  3:38pm

Andrew,

Your foolish to believe you can’t afford a bike, when you’ve already admitted you’re reliant on a car. Your even more unwise to use this forum to critique Mr. Feiner’s prices.

Let the New Haven bike community unleash their insightful criticism unto you!

In other bike-theft related news, Bike New Haven is reporting that Bruce Altman’s commuter bike was stolen last night.

posted by: FairHavenResToo on November 12, 2009  3:42pm

Andrew I think you’ll find that used bicycles at Devils Gear are considerably less than $1,000.  A new bicycle can be quite expensive anywhere; it’s certainly not a Devil’s Gear specialty!  And I don’t think I’ve ever seen a trust fund hipster in DG; your bitterness is beginning to show, eh?

posted by: RAY WILLIS on November 12, 2009  3:49pm

Andrew Garrow, those of us who “must” drive a car? Who exactly has a gun to your head? How much did you pay for your car/insurance/taxes/gas annually? Maybe if you didn’t feel like you MUST drive a car to work you’d find yourself able to afford a reasonably priced $300-$600 bicycle like other NH residents who ride 40 hr work weeks like, I dunno, me. You could probably buy nice bikes for your entire family with the money you’d save. But you must do what you must do, which is apparently be judgmental that we live in the richest state in the union and as a result of that a local bike shop see’s some high end customers WHILE completely serving the barely over the poverty line community such as, again, myself. Buy a used bike from Matt for $75, it’ll still be a better purchase than anything at walmart.

posted by: William Kurtz on November 12, 2009  3:59pm

Mr. Garrow,

A bicycle from a bicycle shop costs more than $150 for a variety of reasons.  Unlike bicycles from mass-market retailers, bike-shop bikes are available in a variety of frame sizes; they are professionally assembled and tuned; they are backed by warranties and a reputable bicycle shop usually offers at least one free initial tune-up and complimentary adjustments for the time you own the bike. 

Bicycles purchased from department stores often have serious problems in manufacture and assembly that make them unpleasant to ride at best and downright dangerous at worst.  And considering that it doesn’t need gas, registration or insurance and that most routine repairs can be made (with a little practice and competent instruction) by the owner, $1,000 is quite a bargain for a bicycle.  And of course, The Devil’s Gear, like most other independent bicycle dealers offers bikes at a variety of price points, with a big selection well under $1,000.

posted by: Matthew on November 12, 2009  4:03pm

Andrew Garrow,

it is pretty obvious you have NEVER been in my shop.
we sell a full line of bikes from very inexpensive to higher end racing bikes.
our bread and butter bikes are under 300.00.

your reply is so off base , you clown.

Peace,
Matthew

posted by: Pedro on November 12, 2009  4:04pm

Besides the larger societal issue that dumps teens unattended in disorganized areas—look to see what’s happened to the Post Mall to see that this is not simply a New Haven issue, this is a really serious quality of life issue similar to the dirt bike problem.

The prevalence of juice bars and “teen nights” at night clubs I think is simply a terrible idea.
Look at R-Bar. Who in this city thinks that it’s a beneficial to allow teens to hang out unsupervised and unchaperoned, under the watchful eye of police late into the evening in the middle of an industrial area?

Why is there even a teen night on school night at all going until midnight?

On what planet is this a good idea?

posted by: devilsfan on November 12, 2009  4:06pm

Matt, sorry this happened to you.  I’ve done a few of your group rides this summer, and you are a huge asset to our community. You’ve improved the quality of life for so many people in the area who enjoy cycling.  Please keep up what you do. 

Great job, police, for catching as many of the thieves as you did.  Hopefully these kids can learn from this terrible event.

posted by: Ronald Ferrucci on November 12, 2009  4:07pm

Andrew, before you chime in with “but I have a family to transport, including little kids, and shop for” as reasons why you need your car, I currently live in Ferrara, Italy, where you often see whole families, children included, riding around together, and doing their shopping on bikes. You do not need the car except maybe to define your self-worth.

And dammit Kurtz, I was going to comment on the futility of the defense “I didn’t take it, i’m only riding it.”

posted by: anthony on November 12, 2009  4:15pm

Andrew, please don’t try to turn this into something it’s not. I am a 31 year old father. I work for a living to provide for my family,and drive daily to do so. And I am fearlessly enthusiastic about bikes.

I’m not a trust fund hipster.

I support the Devils Gear, for most of my biking needs, and will continue to do so.

posted by: Norton Street on November 12, 2009  4:44pm

Andrew,
My father walked down the street to his job and my mom rode her bike downtown to her job everyday to provide for my family. If you don’t live within walking distance of life’s necessities then don’t complain. To live further than walking distance from necessities means you are privileged and can afford to get from one place to the other without using your legs. The idea that anyone is supposed to have sympathy for someone who chooses to lead a lifestyle of excess is laughable.
However, that’s not entirely fair because there is a shortage of affordable housing near places of employment but the general idea of living near things you use is still fairly realizable.

posted by: V on November 12, 2009  5:14pm

Andrew Garrow - do you denigrate people for their big-screen TVs as much as you do for others’ bicycles? 

If you give up cable TV, cigarettes, and alcohol (to name the most popular vices), you could afford a nice bike.

posted by: Ned on November 12, 2009  5:56pm

Man makes cell-phone activated stun gun to punish bike thieves...

posted by: MR on November 12, 2009  5:58pm

“A righteous man selling $1k bicycles to trust fund hipsters and affable bike snobs who bemoan those of us who must drive a car to provide for our families.”

Knock it off with the phony class warfare, guy—save that strawman for a different day.  Matt and the Devil’s Gear do an awful lot for the entire community (from the day laborers you see with bikes as their only form of transportation all the way up to the more serious hobbyists you so despise), so it’s extra crappy his store was targeted for this boneheaded crime.

posted by: streever on November 12, 2009  5:59pm

andrew garrow thank you for using your real name so I know precisely who you are and what type of person you are if we ever meet.

Thanks also for your great and detailed and horribly inaccurate analysis.

Matthew I am so sorry this has happened to you, and like I said—let me know if I can do anything at all. You ARE a righteous man.

I think R Bar and it’s staff should be approached and the remaining kids must be id’ed. This goes way beyond a stolen bike—this is a lawless riot, and I hope the NHPD gives it the attention it needs. Great work by the officers who responded and recovered so many of the bikes. I hope these kids are given more than a slap on the wrist.

posted by: Joanne Sciulli on November 12, 2009  5:59pm

Pedro,
There was no school on Wednesday due to Veteran’s Day - thus the teen night.

posted by: selam on November 12, 2009  7:16pm

OMG! That’s horrible…good luck to reviving Devil’s Gear! And thank you for investing your time & business in New Haven - that makes you righteous in my book.

And to Andrew Garrow - Excuse you! So what if he sells expensive bikes that you can’t afford?  Go to Target if you want a $150 bike. Or, get a second or third job if you want things you can’t afford. Sigh.

posted by: William Hosley on November 12, 2009  8:39pm

Devil’s Gear epitomizes the best of civic/commercial New Haven - a business of excellence, distinctiveness and originality. One would hope that Mayor would have stood with and for this business in defiance of thuggery, civic violence and low-mindedness. Did that happen?

posted by: Jacqui on November 12, 2009  8:47pm

Andrew
Devils Gear is a good place bikes are affordable, but it is not the only place that sell’s bikes so if you really wanted a bike you can have one. I brought a second hand bike, from a tag sale, Devils Gear fixed it up for me and GAVE me at NO Charge a double basket…the cost was under a 100.00 for every thing they did…so find another reason why you don’t have a bike.

posted by: cheap bike on November 12, 2009  8:54pm

uh, I bought a great used bike at DG for, like, $120 this summer.

posted by: Paul Hammer on November 12, 2009  8:54pm

Here are some lessons I derive from this sad incident.

Matthew Feiner is a righteous man and has every right to ask why someone would steal from him.

It is necessary to instill morals in our youth so that they will themselves be righteous, but it is not sufficient.

The reasons people steal include needing or wanting a material object, having to supporting a habit, or desiring a thrill, and it often does involve peer pressure.

Further, some people steal because they believe they can get away with it, either because they think they are good thieves or because they believe the consequences for their actions will be at most a slap on the wrist, or both.

We need to inform young people about the consequences of their actions by having convicts and ex-convicts serve as mentors to them (this does happen here and there but we need more of this).

We need to provide youth with more outlets for their energy and other means to satisfy their wants and needs. 

These outlets include after-school programs, mentoring programs, jobs and opportunities to start micro-enterprises, and more donations of and subsidies for goods young people want and can often not afford,like bicycles.   
Some progress has been made in getting new and recycled bicycles into the hands of poor people in New Haven and young people in particular. 

For example, Devil’s Gear recently provided bikes to young people in cooperation with Junta for Progressive Action, Bikes for Kids, and the New Haven Dept. of Youth Services. This is only one of many ways in which Matthew has given back to his community.

The New Haven Bicycle Collective has made it possible for refugees, low-income bakery workers and youth in Fair Haven to obtain recycled bicycles, many of which were abandoned bikes donated by Yale.

We need to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the epidemic of lawlessness in our city,and particularly when it comes to youth, for they are the future.

That involves developing alliances between businesses, foundations, educators, social service and recreation providers, police, citizens’ anti-crime organizations and other individuals and groups that comprise the fabric of civil society in our fair city.

Let’s get to work.

posted by: Bill on November 12, 2009  9:06pm

No one said it so I will. What are teenagers doing out on a week night at midnight? Where are their parents and what are they thinking. It’s no wonder so many kids from the hood end up on the streets without any prospects for a job after high school. Bill Cosby is correct, until these “disadvantaged” people stop blaming others for their failures it will remain at it is.

posted by: Mark on November 12, 2009  9:51pm

sorry this happened Matt. Glad you had insurance. Keep the faith.

posted by: Richard on November 12, 2009  10:04pm

@ANDREW GARROW   If you were trying to win the annual New Haven Independent Prize for “Most Egregious Douche-baggery in Comments Section” you are certainly in with a chance. (Last I check the prize was a free bike tune-up at The Devil’s Gear)

I can’t help but wonder what would you do if a Lamborghini dealership was ram-raided by the clowns that committed this crime? Stand on the sidewalk and cheer?

For my part, I bought a $250 bike from the Devil’s Gear, and I can’t imagine I would have got better service if I was spending $2,500…  These are good people and they deserve better.

posted by: Brian V on November 12, 2009  10:51pm

I have known Matt for about 28 years. He IS a GREAT & righteous person, an asset to New Haven and this is a lousy thing that happened to him.
But knowing him he will be back at it in no time.
Hang in there Matt.
As for Andrew Garrow… read all of the above, especially Matt’s! Clown is too kind.

posted by: Paul Hammer on November 13, 2009  9:03am

I will say as someone who has been a bicycling advocate, tour leader and safety educator for many years that if we put new and recycled bicycles in the hands of every young person who wants one there would be fewer bike thefts.

Not only do young people regularly steal bikes but in New Haven there have been incidents of gangs on bicycles attacking people, which prompted a community group in the Dwight/Edgewood neighborhood to form an armed bicycle patrol of Edgewood Park and environs.

Bikes should be used for commutation, recreation,fitness and as a means of deriving income from bicycle-related businesses, not for committing crimes.

We need to see that our kids are occupied with creative and productive activities under watchful (but not overbearing) supervision. And yes, we need to show kids that there are consequences for their actions…in this case, not juvenile detention I would hope, but community service, as in helping with a charity bike-a-thon or learning how to fix bikes and recycling used bikes to put them in the hands of low income people in our fair city.

posted by: William Kurtz on November 13, 2009  10:08am

Paul H. might be on to something.

And yes, we need to show kids that there are consequences for their actions…in this case, not juvenile detention I would hope, but community service, as in helping with a charity bike-a-thon or learning how to fix bikes and recycling used bikes to put them in the hands of low income people in our fair city.

  Any prosecutor or juvenile court officials reading? In the end that these young people are found guilty, any chance of some creative sentencing?  I imagine that some community service hours could be arranged.

posted by: ChrisB. on November 13, 2009  10:19am

To Matt and Everybody at the Devil’s Gear, I’m very sorry that this happened.

For sake of public record, The Devil’s Gear is if anything, a common ground, a melting pot which transcends the “class warfare” that permeates so much of American society.

Walk in and you’ll see neighborhood kids, college students, elite bicycle racers, musicians, artists, college professors, commuters and regular old folks just looking for a used bike to ride around the canal trail or to get to work.

Friendly, courteous and thoughtful they are. Elitist, they are not.

posted by: Rider on November 13, 2009  10:21am

ANIMALS….These kids have NO remorse and a sense of entitlement that just amazes me!!  I guarantee you none of their parents questioned them when they came home with a bicycle that evening.  Where else would they get those attitudes?  Sorry to hear about this incident Matt.  I purchsed two GREAT bikes a couple of years ago for less than $800 and would gladly give you my business again!

posted by: Greg on November 13, 2009  10:59am

andrew garrow, your comments have got me thinking.  I think that I’ve got a solution for your problem . . .

I’ve got a bicycle that I’d be happy to sell you.  It’s worth around $200, but I could sell it to you for $175.

Let me know.

posted by: mitch d. on November 13, 2009  11:31am

thanks to everyone from the community for the support and love(save andrew garrow ...). i love where i work and this totally blows. we have all the right people on our side at least. probably one of the most difficult things for me is that one of my personal bikes was stolen but at the cost of a distracted and bored youth culture in new haven. yeah, i’m a relatively young person, but instead of getting jazzed on cocaine and busting a few windows after an all ages party, my experiences were far more constructive and positive.

as for andrew, we offer many affordable ways to go “car-free” for your family. there are several homes in new haven that use a vehicle to supplement their bicycles for transportation, not the other way around.

be on the look out for a white trek multitrack 750 with red decals!

xoxo

posted by: illisa on November 13, 2009  12:41pm

matt and co. you and the DG provide new haveners with wonderful bikes, service, and a smiles and my little family feels sad and angry at the callous treatment you have received. youth that commit crimes like these need constructive life lessons. and strictly enforced and long term curfews.

posted by: robn on November 13, 2009  1:03pm

To the kids who got away and think that this was really funny, check out this link. Matt helped give away bikes to needy kids becuase he has a big heart.
http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/06/joseph_mullo_ho.php
If you’re not ashamed of this, you should be.

posted by: JMS on November 13, 2009  1:16pm

Matthew,

We had a big break-in back when I was working out at Cheshire Cycling (formerly La Chance). Not so huge like this one… but depressing none the less. I had literally just finished assembling my newest custom dream bike and it got stolen that night… before I ever got a chance to ride it.

And I laughed out loud when I read those accusations of bike snobbery. Anyone who has spent any time working in the bike “industry” has got to laugh at those comments. What’s the old joke? How do you make a million dollars in the bicycle business? Start with two million.

Your reputable shop is a valuable resource in New Haven and I hope you are not too put off by this ugly incident.

Illegitimi non carborundum.

JMS

posted by: cba on November 13, 2009  1:25pm

This burglary is not about community demographics; it is about a bunch of moronic little felons.  The one little felon who is caught should be subjected to the full weight of the law and be made to pay full restitution, and his sentence should be publicized so that his cowardly cohorts are aware of consequences.  When society starts enforcing its laws with vigor and dispatch, all residents will be safe and secure.

posted by: Steve on November 13, 2009  1:41pm

These roving bands of animals rob and mug people all the time. No one should be surprised by this. The only solution is to hold the parents responsible for their child’s behavior. Trust me, if the mother or (gasp) father of the 6 kids who got caught had to come down to the shop with cash to pay for the damage or to help clean up the mess, they will keep better track of their kids next time. Hold BOTH parents, who ever they are, responsible for the behavior of their kids and they will have the motivation to control them.

posted by: Ralph Ferrucci on November 13, 2009  2:13pm

It is unfortunate that Devils Gear got robbed. I have know Matthew Feiner for years and he is a great guy and a benefit to the community. He does a lot for bicycle safety with working with Elm City Cycling pushing for safer streets for bicycles and also training kids of safety.

I do a lot of carpentry and maintainence work. If you need any help matt email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

posted by: Tessa Marquis on November 13, 2009  2:55pm

Sorry to read about this. Thank you New Haven Independent for good reporting and coverage and thank you for providing the opportunity for the community to respond. (The Connecticut Post shut off their comments forum.)

Devil’s Gear gave a generous donation to a recent not for profit fundraiser and will always be heroic for that as well.

I am one of those people who never forget things like that!

posted by: jawbone on November 13, 2009  4:13pm

Tessa,
I’m guessing, but don’t know for sure, that the CT Post had to turn off their comment forum because a story like this attracts tons of really ugly, racist comments.  Unfortunately, there is a really vocal, very angry and hateful community out their in cyberspace that uses these type of forums to spread hatred.  I’ve seen it on the Register website.  Luckily not so much on the NHI forum.
I think that the lesson from this incident is to pick up, figure out how to move forward, and actually work constructively with the community to help guard against this type of thing happening again.  (Although we all know it most certainly will.)
Mr. Feiner and crew understand and live this credo and hence they, down at the Devil’s Gear, are a credit to us all and our community.  But thats been said already about 50 different ways…
I hope you bounce back, Matt, and grown even bigger.  We should all dream up some business to give this guy and help him get back on his feet doing what he does best, bikes.

posted by: streever on November 13, 2009  9:01pm

099555858211,
I hope the police read this too. How worthless. If you buy one of those bikes, knowing they are stolen, you are an accessory and I would love to see you featured on the NHI after the cops pull you in. What a jerk. I think NHI should delete the comment as it’s a statement of intent to break the law.

posted by: Jay on November 14, 2009  2:30pm

What a shameful incident. Devil’s Gear has done SO MUCH for the biking community, with their free check-ups and recoveries of our bikes that got stolen in New Haven.
It is disgusting to think that a whole entourage of teenagers would be involved in a heinous crime as such.

Our prayers and good wishes are with you, Matthew.

posted by: Jack on November 16, 2009  11:47pm

Don’t give up Matt, a lot of folks depend on you guys. Your an asset to the Community in the truest sense of the word. Your Shop is one of the things about NH that makes it worth living here.