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?

The best part of the Brompton is folding it up and bringing it inside places. We don't carry locks anymore because we don't lock them up outside. Get the one with a rack and EasyWheels upgrade and push it inside with you. Buy the cover and throw it over it. Build up the grumption and learn to use the Jedi Mind Trick and get your Brompton inside.

We've flown with ours, passed the check in gate, through TSA scanners and gate check our bikes.

https://pathlesspedaled.com/2011/03/t...is-not-a-bike/

If you're just going to lock it up outside, save yourself the $$$$ and buy a beater bike and don't worry about it.

R
www.pathlesspedaled.com

This doesn't answer your question, but you may be surprised where you can lug a folded Brompton to. I've lugged my Brompton to business meetings, buses, cars, trains, cheap restaurants (went under the table), fancy restaurants ("coat checked" it) and all sorts of supermarkets, shops and stores big and small. I don't remember being declined and in fact, most people are quite fascinated by it. I believe the trick is to have it folded in the first place and the small folded size isn't very intimidating. You can also try the cheap cover to camouflage it, but I have not found that necessary at all.

Well, I'm really in need of a folding bike. I'll be riding public transportation (including Amtrak) and I'm going to have to stash whatever bike I get in my studio apartment. I'd also hoped to take it to Japan to do some touring next spring.

The thing is, even if I were allowed to wheel the bike around inside academic buildings, it wouldn't be practical to do so.
It's sad that a bike so well designed for my needs, is so well designed I can't use it!

I welcome suggestions. Surely someone on this board locks their folder outside?

Just out of curiosity, why wouldn't it be practical? Is it because it's too physically heavy to carry? If so, the rear rack has casters and can be pushed around without a problem (see vid). I run errands everyday with the B and take it into restaurants, coffeeshops, supermarkets, libraries, bookstores, electronic stores, malls, clothing stores, etc.,

If you want to lock it, get the standard issue locks. Krypto U lock and locking it through the frame and to a post. 'Nuff said. They have nutted axels so the wheels don't have QRs. I'd get it spec'd with the telescoping seat post so you can pop your seat off and make it more unrideable.

Part of getting the B is folding it and taking it inside. Otherwise, you've just a bought yourself a very small bike. For me, I wouldn't leave it locked outside because it is a spendy bike and it sort of defeats the purpose of having a bike that folds so small.

I regularly lock my good quality folder up outside - including outside classroom buildings at the nearby campus. Depending on where it is I use either a cheap cable lock and/or a better U-lock and haven't had any problems in the 16 years that I've had the bike. My impression is that most bike thieves are looking for something with a known high resale value that they can resell easily. Folders are relatively uncommon so they 1) don't know what different makes/models are worth, and 2) they might be worried that the stolen bike would be more easily identified when they try to sell it.

When our daughter went away to college we heard lots of stories about the high theft rate of bikes on her campus. But a walk around the area revealed lots of bikes with either very cheap locks or that were just locked to themselves rather than a fixed object. We figured she just needed to make her bike less attractive to a thief than other bikes there and got her both a cable and a U-lock. Except when being ridden, the bike was locked outside 24/7 during her time at college and now, years after graduation, she still has the same bike.

Obviously there are no guarantees, but my feeling is that with a good locking strategy your bike is unlikely to be stolen.

Is there any way you can have an outdoor beater bike AND a Brompton? I would stress about locking anything of value for up to 6hrs on a bike rack..

I guess it might make sense to buy a used Brompton with visible wear and tear. And one of those revolting saddles that the M-types had until just a couple of years ago.

I know that we're not answering your question, but with good reason.

• Folders are thief magnets, particularly the nicer ones. I would never lock my tikit up outside.
• Most locks are fairly straightforwardly defeated and people just don't care. A standard U-lock is breakable using just a 2x4 hunk of wood.
• Campuses are high-value targets for bike thieves.
• One of the advantages of a folder is that you can take it inside.

I'm a professor so I have somewhere inside to stash my bike of course. But trust me, you can bring a bike in a class if it's covered. Even if it's not covered, if it's folded the amazement factor sets in: people are so wowed by the folded form that they forget you just brought a bike into class. I've brought the tikit into an NSF grant panel. We have lots of students who bring their longboard skateboard into class. Be brave.

That being said, if you're planning on touring longer distances on it in Japan, you may wish to consider a folder other than a Brompton. Look into a tikit too.

1. i think you're limiting yourself. i have a 20" wheeled dahon that i've never locked up. i bring it with me almost everywhere. most people do not mind - i think they are sometimes too fascinated by it to remember their policies. lol. a brompton is even smaller and has a more compact, less conspicuous fold. rolling it around folded shouldn't be a problem in most places. i'm in l.a.

2. i would not lock up a $1500 brompton outside. that's just me and that's partially why i don't think i'd want one. i'd constantly worry. i imagine people who steal bikes for a living know how much bikes cost. if i was a bike thief and saw it outside of your class, i'd know you probably have it there all the time, giving me an opportunity to plan my theft. good thieves do scout your crap and watch your patterns and habits.

3. if you're really that concerned about your bike being stolen, get a lower-priced bike. i've had a dahon for a year, ridden just about every day with no problems. it doesn't have the cache or snob appeal as a brompton but they are still very good bikes (50 models or so) that comes in a range of quality and price points.

i once saw a guy in the subway in l.a. with a brompton. he looked like he was guarding that thing with his life. he looked so afraid someone would rip it from his little hands. i don't wanna live like that. i recently test road a brompton and just couldn't find a reason to pay that much for a little foldie. i once saw a bike friday locked up outside of a whole foods but it was black, beaten up, and could have been stock - under $1000 value. it wasn't that attention-grabbing.

so for me, if you think you'll be gutted if it's stolen or don't feel comfortable wheeling it around with you, it may not be the bike for you. just sayin.

Take it inside...I have seen purses and backpacks dragged inside that are larger than a folded Brompton. Or as been suggested get a beater bike to lock outside on the campus. I know several people that have multiple beaters that they keep locked up in different locations for convenience. I have yet to find out what happens if you get to a location and your beater is gone or vandalized...

Aaron

I'd just carry it in. I'm in a post-doctoral position and bring it into buildings, busses, lectures, etc. all the time. People are usually just really interested in it. I always use the cover for it, but I haven't had any trouble.

I used a Tikit before the Brompton.

Don't knock it until you try it! I never was told that I couldn't bring the Brommie in class. I've done so many times, since my first class used to be one of those and I didn't have time to drop the bike off at the lab before class. It really isn't a big deal at all, unless your classroom is the size of a broom closet (which I hope it isn't). After the class, I'd just drop it off at the lab where it would stay under the desk in my office until the next time it was needed. For the library...yeah, I can see the difficulties in that, but if you make friends with the library staff maybe they can show you a place to stash it indoors.

They get stolen in London, England has a lot of Bromptons ,
so statistical probability comes into it..

Well, this is all really, really good food for thought. I appreciate everyone's input!

I think I may wait to get on campus and get a better feel for my commute and so on before making my decision. I suspect that I really can take the bike inside more than I'd thought, as everyone suggests. I also suspect that there will be times when I'll need and want to leave it outside, though. The general consensus seems to be this would be a Bad Thing, and it does make me nervous, so...

Maybe I should be looking at a used Dahon or Tikit. I may even try to figure out a way to make a beater work, but I think I'd lose too much mobility. I'll give it some thought. I don't suppose there are any Brompton covers or bags that allow it to continue rolling effectively? Am I right in thinking it's easiest to roll with the handle bars still up?

I'll join the growing chorus of voices: if you own a Brompton, you will always take it inside. You will never lock it outside, anymore than you'd lock your backpack to a tree. It's.... really small. Get the front luggage, put your books/laptop in it, and wheel the combination from class to class. The only 'problem' you're likely to encounter is a great deal of curiosity and admiration.

If you get it with a rack and the Easy Wheels upgrade you can roll it really easily folded up by pushing or pulling on the saddle. If you don't get the rack, it's a little wobbly. The Brompton cover is open on the bottom so it can roll when put over it. I thought I would do that more, but the cover actually makes the whole thing look A LOT larger than its actual size.

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.

You'll be surprised where you can take it.

Thanks for this thread. Like the OP, I've been looking at folders (though not Bromptons) with some doubts about their convenience.

What do you do with a folder while you're grocery shopping? Put it in your shopping cart? Carry it with one hand and push the cart with the other? If you have to use the restroom, do you take the bike in with you along with your backpack? Seems like a lot to juggle. And couldn't a folder get swiped just as readily from under a desk or restaurant table as from a bike rack outside?

I'm just trying see all angles before taking the plunge. I do like the folder concept. FYI, I'm looking at the Dahon Speed Uno.

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.

Can't speak for the Dahon, but when shopping the Brompton IS the shopping cart. No problem at supermarkets, best buys, REIs, etc.,

Assuming the Dahon folds small enough you could put it in the cart, I suppose.

When using the restroom, I bring it with me. Folds down small enough to fit.

If someone nabs a folded bike under a table while I'm sitting there without me noticing they should get a prize

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.

Check out the Tikit. It looks easy to roll with the cover on.
https://bikefriday.com/tikit

".....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....."-
https://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/theft.html

https://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/college.html

https://www.kstatecollegian.com/news/burglary-rates-high-in-college-towns-1.2234309

And A Sampling Of Specific Cases of Brompton Theft
https://sillyoldtwit.com/2009/08/15/brompton-bike-stolen-dublin/

https://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:
https://sites.google.com/site/compactcycling/security

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.

If you think leaving a Dahon outside will lessen you worries (and possible theft), think again. The Curve has already hit 600 dollars.

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.

Not quite sure what your lingering doubts are. Is it an issue with it not being physically able to roll? weight? Or is it the potential conflict of getting stopped with the bike?

If it's the former, if you get it with the rack it rolls fine. If you're afraid you'll get stopped, you probably won't unless you're going into a clean lab where you have to don space suits.

The trick is to walk inside like there is nothing unusual about what you're doing. The more discreet you try to be, the more attention you'll draw.

If this is the case, just make a Tyvek cover and problem's solved

The Brompton is really heads above the competition when it comes to concealability (among other things). I am continually impressed with what a well engineered device it is

There is not much to be improved upon. It is just a great mobility device!