PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — A prototype all-wheel-drive bike valued at $100,000 was stolen from a shop here specializing in AWD bikes.
Christini All Wheel Drive Bicycles reported the burglary, which occurred June 11 at 7:01 a.m. The Philadelphia Police Department said a Black male wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and dark shoes broke the shop's back door window, opened the door and rolled out the bike, which was manufactured in 1996.
There is an initial $1,000 reward, Steve Christini told BRAIN, who added the bike is the first all-wheel drive model built.
"It was built as our college design project and was used to launch the brand," Christini said. "It was essentially the cornerstone museum piece of our company. Think Gary Fisher's first or Joe Breeze, etc. Not implying we are like them but maybe someday. ..."
He said his shop has been broken into many times. "We've had an $8,000 e-bike stolen and this one was by far the most valuable."
Christini Bicycles has built all-wheel-drive mountain bikes for more than 20 years in Philadelphia. It bills itself as the only company in the world with a production AWD bike "with true Traction Control."
Anybody with information about the theft is asked to call or text the Philadelphia Police Department at (215) 686-8477. This electronic form also can be used to submit a tip anonymously. The Central Detective Division is handling the investigation and can be reached at (215) 686-3093 or (215) 686-3094.
