Originally Posted by
MartinOne
Folders are lockable. That was my point. Further, there are many reasons for owning one besides that fact that you can carry them, like a precious child, wherever you go. And the alternative need not be to leave the bike at home. I am fresh off of my early-newbie purchasing experience so I'm speaking from that perspective (compare my 5 posts here with the 2,428 from Folder Fanatic,) but sometimes a beginner's eye picks up a point or two neglected by old timers.
As a general impression, I'd say there is a strong bias against even discussing folder security beyond the "fold-and-carry" strategy. There's almost a sense that locking violates the "spirit" of folder bikes. Likewise, the very helpful sales people at several shops I visited all discouraged any detailed discussion of locking.
I'm not being cavalier about security and theft, but I'd discourage anyone from buying a folder (or car, or cellphone, whatever) unless factoring into the cost sensible security options----and these might include owning more than one locking choice to suit different circumstances and uses. The expense of owning a helmet or night lights should not be not contingent on the rider's personal wealth or value of the bike. In this respect, making full use of a bike on a college campus requires, IMO, the option of a beefy locking system.
Your right that we are somewhat reluctant to entertain locking a folder. For me there would be no point to owning one if i felt good about locking it up outside. I recently moved to a building where bikes are not allowed in the building. I sold my beautiful Surly LHT which i loved. At a considerable loss i might add to live here. However i walk past the office often with my Brompton folded and nothing has been said even though they know what it is as they see me ride up on it. Im guessing theres alot of folks on here who bought a folder to ride to work or other reasons where "regular" bikes are not allowed inside. I guess many on here see no reason to own one if we werent keeping it by our side. Except once you own one you get folderitis.
To answer another question bought up here. If they dont let me in with it i would just would not go in. However ive not had that experience. Ive been only questioned once and when i offered to cover it which i dont usually do they said go ahead. Ive taken it everywhere,even places you would guess would not allow it like movies, museums. Some places you just check it at coat check,one can get creative about it. However there probably are some folders that dont fold as small as a Brompton where one might have trouble. I cant say from experience that way.