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How to lock a Brompton if you can't bring it inside?

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How to lock a Brompton if you can't bring it inside?

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Old 07-19-18 | 10:24 AM
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How to lock a Brompton if you can't bring it inside?

Hi,
I know most of the time for a haircut or maybe even a cafe, we can fold it and bring it in.
But if not, is it possilbe to properly lock a brompton when leaving it outside? and if so any tips on how to thread the cable thru everything?
thanks
JP
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Old 07-19-18 | 10:35 AM
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From: NW,Oregon Coast

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location may vary..

I use the triangular hole on the frame, bordered by the curved brace,
seat and top tubes.
folded up or not..

armored cable.. interlocking steel segments make it look bigger,
cable runs thru them..

an Abus Folding link lock can stow behind the seat tube,
if you flip the release lever over..



..

Last edited by fietsbob; 07-19-18 at 10:41 AM.
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Old 07-19-18 | 01:25 PM
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Depending on the area, one or two tight U locks of different brands around the frame.

To make it less conspicuous, you might want to fold and bag it into a trash bag before locking it down to a bike rack or something similar.


Boss - Flo. Yellow : Oxford Products
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Old 07-19-18 | 01:47 PM
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I currently use the folding Abus 6500 lock for securing a Brompton, but it is too bulky to stash behind the seat tube. The standard is to place its bracket over the top tube. I use to thread this and other locks through the triangle in the frame and wheels but now I just try to get it through the triangle.
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Old 07-19-18 | 04:01 PM
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I have the Abus 6100, not as safe as the 6500 (above ^), but it does store nicely between the seat tube and rear wheel triangle, after flipping the rear triangle release lever upside down. However, in addition to the frame triangle, I like looping in the seat rails. I know you cannot easily remove the Brompton seat post (like most folders) but by locking the seat post down, you also lock the fold making it more difficult to remove the rear wheel, or access the wheel bolts, which somewhat protects the wheels when you don't have enough slack to lock the wheels directly.



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Old 07-19-18 | 09:48 PM
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When touring I use a Kryptonite or Abus U lock, through the triangle. Chains are a waste of time. The lock attaches to the front stem
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Old 07-20-18 | 06:17 AM
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Originally Posted by avole
When touring I use a Kryptonite or Abus U lock, through the triangle. Chains are a waste of time. The lock attaches to the front stem
Actually chains are one of the best locks provided they are thick. its cables that are useless. Ultimately you want a U lock with almost no space in its hoop to shove a rod to twist it, failing that you want a chain (if you dont care about weight).
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Old 07-20-18 | 07:19 AM
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Actually I've not read a review or test that says chains are anything but second best, which is why I chose an U lock. However, I do use a motorbike chain lock at the moment, but that's only because I inadvertently left my Kryptonite lock in the UK and the Brompton is basically used only for commuting between home and the supermarket in a town where everyone knows the bike and to whom it belongs.

The other thiing I do is lock the bike in the most crowded place possible, never hidden away. Other people noticing attempts on bike locks are a great deterrent.
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Old 07-20-18 | 09:30 AM
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Like one of the posters above I use the ABUS Bordo 6500 and mount it to the top tube. It was a recommendation from someone on this forum that turned me onto the Bordo series for Bromptons. So far I like it. I don't think it offers the same protection as my Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit but it is certainly easier to carry.
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Old 07-20-18 | 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by 2_i
I currently use the folding Abus 6500 lock for securing a Brompton
Around here, a lot of Bromptons are stolen when locked with a folding lock à la Abus Bordo.

YMMV.
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Old 07-20-18 | 10:06 AM
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Price of being in a big city...
in a economic system based on selling and coveting stuff ...
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Old 07-20-18 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Winfried
Around here, a lot of Bromptons are stolen when locked with a folding lock à la Abus Bordo. YMMV.
Are Bromptons getting stolen with U locks or is it just folding locks? Maybe Bromptons are just not safe anywhere in Paris. I have always contemplated bringing my Brompton to Paris, maybe with this new information I will think better of this.
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Old 07-20-18 | 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Winfried
Around here, a lot of Bromptons are stolen when locked with a folding lock à la Abus Bordo.
Obviously 'a la' is a broad category.

*
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Old 07-20-18 | 05:39 PM
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I used to use an Abus Granite Ulock and carried it like this.



I later changed to lock and chain in order to have a greater variety of things to chain it to. In order to keep the weight down I used a Pewag 7 mm square link chain with a Viro lock. I used a 2'-6" chain with an old tube around it. Weight is 2 pounds and 2 ounce which compares well against a U-lock. The Pewag is hardened to 63 Rockwell which is equal or better than the best bolt cutters.



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Old 07-20-18 | 08:46 PM
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I remember a group ride and I was in the rear with this guy on a recumbent. I remember him saying that if the store or place of business wouldn't let him in with his bike they didn't want his business .
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