Originally Posted by
Bacciagalupe
IMO a better option, although not the cheapest one, is to get a folding bike -- specifically a Brompton.
Bromptons have a very compact fold and a decent ride. It won't take up much room in your apartment or at the office. This dramatically reduces the chances of damage or theft.
You can get a bag for them as well; this may satisfy the building management to let you carry it using the normal elevator, since it won't scuff it up. I'd discuss it with the building management first though, since otherwise the security staff may still just say "it's a bike" and make you use the freight anyway.
+1, though I will say that one of the front desk guys at my old office building (1 Penn Plaza) decided one morning that my small luggage sized Brompton was a hazard. I asked to see the head supervisor, who barely glanced at the folded bike and said there was no problem.
I'm very lucky that my current building is super cool with bikes. I've had no problem bringing a road bike and the folder in. The folder I stash in my cubicle. The road bike is stored in a safe place in the basement.
