George3

In a criminal neighbourhood, where many bikes get stolen, it may be risky to park an expensive folding bike outside. But sometimes you won't like to take your bike inside. For example at a visit to a hospital, doctor, dentist or dance club. Or if you go for a job application. Or if you visit someone that is angry with you, etc.

You can then fold your bike, and secure a hole in the frame or rear wheel to a heavy metal welded gate or a traffic sign post. You can do that using a very good chain lock and chain, that are tested by an objective institute.

Then hide the folded bike in a large garbage bag. You might even put some garbage, used newspapers, branches, dirt, leaves, scrapwood, etc. over it, that you can scavenge in the street. A garbage truck will probably not take this bike away, since it is chained to the gate. And bike thieves probably won't notice it.

First check on local regulations for leaving garbage, since this might be fined in some cities, outside the officially assigned times and locations.

BikeLite

Or someone will think it is a bomb.

sdwphoto

Then again,you could just buy a Brompton and take it inside with you,even to the table in the resturant and shove it under the table.In 5years I have owned and ridden one I have never been refused entry,the only time some one has stopped me is to ask, "wow,cool where can I get one of those?"
I take mine to supermarket,the dentist,the library,and to the movies.If I should ever be refused entry in the future I will just go somewhere else.It one of the reasons it is so popular it may not be everyone idea of the perfect bike,but it's the one that was first designed to do it all.

George3

You are right, so this should not be done close to a building.

tdonline

How about not doing it at all? I'm stupidly paranoid about bike theft considering my bikes, combined, couldn't get $175 off Craigslist...but I'm not going to scavenge garbage to stop bike thieves!

George3

My experience is that there are situations, where I would definitively feel uncomfortable taking my folded bike inside, not including malls, shops and libraries. Eg, I wouldn't risk irritating my dentist with a dirty, dripping wet folded bike in his hygienic surgery, prior to a dental treatment. The wheels could even have picked up soms dog's poop.

maxxevv

Get a suitable canvas bag that can cover the folded bike while still allowing it to be wheeled.

If security guards or management comes along, just point to the nearest baby pram and ask why that its allowed instead.

sdwphoto

I don't take my Brommie into the area where dental work is preformed.Mine folds up and goes just outside in the hallway where the receptionist watches it tucked nicely where other folks put their shopping bags,baby prams,etc.I asked if it was alright to bring it in and no one gave it a second thought,been doing it for five years. As for picking up dog poop and other messes baby carriages do that as well as people's shoes.the same goes for rain drops too.If there is definately a mess just carry a rag to wipe the stuff off before going in,saves time when you get home.
In time you will overcome the fear of takeing your folder into places of business and will get comfortable with it.You will also be amazed how most places accept it without question.

jur

+1

Diode100

Why do urban cyclists assume it's ok to lock their bike up to what ever Street furniture is available ? In London it's not uncommon to find pavements partially blocked by bikes chained to lampposts and general signage. It can't be long before there is a backlash against this practice.

bhkyte

I have had 2 problems with this in about 10 years.
Once a train ticket manager asked me to fully fold my Mezzo up rather than half fold it.
I had a Quaker house receptionist take issue for "higene reasons" to my birdie.
I pointed out it was on roller wheels that where cleaner than people shoes. I asked how is it any different from a wheeled suitcase. She didnt want to argue/ reason with me. And was not going to examine the logic of her stance.
Other that that birdie or Mezzo have been into hospitals, doctors appointment, dentists,cloths shops, cafe's,work, under desk at work, physiotherapy appointments, CT scans, job interviews, union meetings with virtually no issues.

bhkyte

I once had a train station annoument from an over zelaous train staff.
Would the owner of the small silver bike please report to enquires. I could see enquires and still watch my bike so I went over and he asked me to please stay with my bike, not seeing the irony. He claimed I was wondering all over the station before, but all I had done was sit down next to the bike I think he didn't have enough to do!