Originally Posted by
fumblewhat
Hey all,
I'm starting graduate school in a few months, and after a month or two of research on folding bikes, I'm looking at getting a Brompton.
Here's my question. I don't see how I could lug the thing into my (small, seminar style) classes, and its unlikely I'll be able to bring it into the library -- where I'll be spending a lot of my time. So that means I'll be locking it to the campus bike racks for 2-6 hours at a time.
Is there any lock that would make this a good idea? I'm not going to be in a big city -- it's a college town, and I'll only be leaving it out during daylight hours... But is this just a recipe for a stolen bike?
What do you think?
".....While many types of property theft have declined in recent years, bicycle theft is on the rise according to FBI statistics. The increasing popularity of bicycling as a sport and a means of transportation have made bicycles an easy target for thieves. It is estimated that over 1.5 million bicycles are stolen every year. No where is bicycle theft a bigger problem than on college campuses, over half of the property crime in the University of California involves the theft of bicycles....."-
http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/theft.html
http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/college.html
http://www.kstatecollegian.com/news/burglary-rates-high-in-college-towns-1.2234309
And A Sampling Of Specific Cases of Brompton Theft
http://sillyoldtwit.com/2009/08/15/brompton-bike-stolen-dublin/
http://www.bikecrime.co.uk/2011/04/17/brompton-m2l-bike-stolen/
A little background about myself. I am a Brompton owner. I have owned my
Brompton CE3 since December, 2005. I live near not just one college, but several. I also live in a high crime area where the local police department abandoned the residents (not businesses) many years ago. Plus I live right down the street from a known and actively practicing professional bike thief (or thieves rather). What is my secret of keeping my bikes safe? Answer: constant and never ending vigilance. I only keep folding bikes at present and probably the future that can be carried and/or wheeled about by luggage cart. I sold all my nonfolding bikes after even my cheapie nonfolding bike's u-lock was smashed several years ago. I have soft cloth bags & slipcovers for both of my present bikes to hide them from critical bike prejudiced eyes and possible separation from the bikes. I own no locks for them save very simple cable ones to discourage the opportunistic spur-of-the-moment grabbers or snatchers without tools when my hands are not on the bike). When not used they stay indoors only.
Don't lull yourself into wishful thinking of 'bikes belong outside chained or whatever up because I'm lazy or they told me to." If you value your bike keep it with you at all times. Seminars? I went to graduate school seminars myself-along with my bike right beside me. Libraries? Ditto with a bagged bike on the luggage cart. If you want a bike to lock up (and get stolen), buy a cheapie and prepare to replace it several times a year (not a easy task if you are a financially struggling student like I was). Or take the student shuttle buses instead and never again have to worry about what others think of you or tell you what to do.
If you are worried about rolling your bagged bike about especially indoor classrooms and libraries, don't be. When bagged the bike becomes just more luggage and most would think it is just books or a projector or something like that. If security must look inside, let them if pressed to, then verbally state "these are mechanical parts." You won't be accused of lying or any other wrongdoing.
Plus check out more of my thoughts on the subject here:
http://sites.google.com/site/compactcycling/security
Originally Posted by
fumblewhat
I have some lingering doubts about rolling the bike into an academic building uncovered. This would sell me though: Can you roll the bike with the saddle up while the cover is on? If it's easy enough to pull and discreet, I might be able to pull it off. But the Dahon Curve D3 is looking better and better.
I until recently owned the
2006 Dahon Piccolo (the
predecessor of the
Curve). The Brompton is more square-ish in shape and much easier to handle whether you carry it or roll it about on a luggage cart. The Piccolo was not as compact or easy to handle in crowded situations (i.e. bus aisles, restaurants, narrow walkways) as it was more rectangle in shape making it not as compact. The Brompton's own
Bike Cover & Bag is a perfect fit for the bike. Retailing at around 40 dollars is a reasonable cost.
Dahon's version is a bit more fancy (and pricey) at about 50 dollars, it comes with Velcro carry straps. Be warned that it is a multi bike size (one size fits most of their bike models), and on smaller bikes, it will likely resemble a balloon.
Originally Posted by
pathlesspedaled
Again. Just roll it in. Cover it at your destination. If you're going to leave it outside and constantly worry about it, then get a Dahon.
If you think leaving a Dahon outside will lessen you worries (and possible theft), think again. The Curve has already hit 600 dollars.
Originally Posted by
ddez
Perhaps this will help. After having one too many expensive bikes disappear to never be seen again and not really liking beaters i decided to by a folder (Brompton). Never to leave a bike outside again. Had a few other cheaper brands first but all too big a fold and/ or crappy bikes. The Brompton was picked for a number of reasons. Small fold which meant not likely to be hassled taking it inside anywhere. Lack of room at my abode. My motorized vehicles are getting smaller the higher gasoline goes in price. I like to throw it in the trunk when i go visit friends in other cities so i can ride around there towns to see the sites. I have never been hassled bringing it in even libraries, museums etc. The one time i was, i just asked if i put it in a bag would it be alright. The answer was yes so out came a large garbage bag and in i went.
If you are going to leave it outside buy something cheaper like a low end Dahon used or new, or the equivalent. Dont buy whats considered higher end folders like Bromptons or Bike Fridays etc. Better to lose couple hundred bucks and attract far less bad guy attention than expensive bikes. People are starting to know folders over here in North America and many for sure know the higher end ones.
People put Bromptons in those bags you can get for $2-3 bucks at Ikea stores,surely you will be allowed that in a class room. Im sure some students carry that size stuff with books etc. in them.
Guess im reiterating what nearly all the others here have said. Your asking alot of folks here with lotsa experience. Hope it works out for you.
Rule of thumb from someone who lives practically next door to thieves. If the bike is rideable, it has value either in being sellable to a third party or kept for the thief him or her self. Begin to think like a rational person as these thieves usually are. Never underestimate them.