Rare custom mountain bikes valued over $20,000 stolen in Ancaster

Hamilton police are asking the public to help find two high-end custom bicycles valued over $20,000 stolen last week.

The bikes were stolen during a nighttime break-in of an unattached garage in the area of Halson Street and Golf Links Road in Ancaster, Feb. 20.

The bicycles stolen include a blue 2016 Yeti SB6, valued over $14,000 and a black and pink 2015 Santa Cruz Bronson, valued over $6500.

New World Cycle and Fitness Owner Jeff Bayani says the two high-end mountain bikes are hard to come by.

"They're pretty rare, typically that kind of bike is not going to be sold in this market because they are so unique," Bayani explained. "Typically they will be shipped out of the market or out of province even."

However, Bayani says the stolen bicycles were most likely pieced out into parts and sold separately.

Despite their hefty price tags, Bayani says the owner lost much more than just their money.

"[The owner] would be an enthusiast who really loves the sport," he said. "[They're someone who] is really invested in the sport who's been doing the sport for a long time and enjoys riding high-performance equipment. "

Such high-performance bicycles are typically sold for roughly half their retail value, when stolen, the resale price typically falls even lower.

Hamilton police did not respond to calls for more information.