eh...decent hardware fits on an old steel frame. and while yes, it does suck to lose a bike...I still end up way way ahead of someone paying to park, fuel, and maintain a car. and I'm much more fit and enjoy my commute more.

I’ve had a $300 used bike service me just fine for over 11 years now.

There was a period right during/after the pandemic where things were really bad but it’s settled to a fairly decent situation.

If you ride a $500 bike then you will probably be fine factoring in a $50-$100 theft cost at most.

Finally, most bike theft is covered under rental insurance, which isn’t all that expensive to begin with, and is highly recommended anyways.

Might want to check the deductible on your renters insurance. For me it'd be a total loss. Basically only worth it if someone drives up with a moving truck and just steals half the house or if someone gets hurt and sues me for medical bills.