I read this earlier and it brought memories of my first "proper" bike I owned.

I was 15, and I liked owning nice things, I wanted a silver Marin bike I had seen, after working all summer I managed to save enough to buy it, I rode every day to school, I rode my bike everywhere.

Until one morning, it wasn't there, just a sad looking kriptonite lock broken in 2. It took me a what felt like hours to understand what just happened, my baby, my means of transport, my freedom had been taken away from me, I was devastated.

Today I read this letter left by someone who must have felt the same way, and it brought back memories, and also made me realise how truly revolutionary the folding bikes we own are.

I dont own a lock, I dont worry if "my bike will be here when I come back" I take my bike everywhere I go.




Source: sh itlondon.co.uk

So I wonder, do you own a lock? do you ever lock your folder outside?


Happy riding,

Juan

I rarely, if ever, use a lock on a folder.
I once locked up four folders and a MBT in York to catch a boat. They were all locked to a steel post and intertwined with each other than it would have took a long time to extract any one of them. I was only gone 1/2 hour. No problems. Although I realised that they I had not really connected to the post when I returned.

Other than that I sometimes lock a folder at bike shows as any thief would stick out a mile.

As a rule I never lock up a non standard bike that would be difficult to replace on insurance. Ie my black upgraded Mezzo. I always take my bike indoors at work.

what's a lock? I rode my tiny folder for 3 years and have NEVER locked it once. One time I needed something in a grocery store so I folded it up and just walked in and no one complained. I even took off my quick release pedals so I was like some weirdo with a walking stick and wheels. when going to work the bike is folded up and under my cubicle. I've heard stories from co workers who lost bikes and one who even had his wheel kicked and bent. I didn't need any of that hassle so I stuck with a folder and was never happier! Eventually I've gotten so used to the geometry that I just use it as my only bike since all we do we pootle around with friends and I don't race or do randoneering with it that would really call for a better folder

I also rarely lock up my bike. However, I do bring 2 bike locks with my all the time just in case I need to. (I feel like having to carry locks half defeats the purpose of bringing a bike inside :-/ ) Anyways, In the last year I've haven't been able to bring my bike inside a total of 3 times. Ironically, one time was into a government building where I was there to volunteer for a bike program!

I don't own a lock.

I seem to be running against the trend, I almost always lock my folder outside. I only need the foldability at certain times, mostly I ride this bike because it's the most fun and it gets used numerous times a day. This is not a huge crime area, pop. 80,000 or so, but I use a U-lock, anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or so. I have also caulked the saddle bolt and put lock-nuts on the inside of the frame fold knobs. None of these things will stop a determined maggot, but they will at least slow him/them down.

I assume the 'bike' in the letter was as said, a Triumph Bonneville ie A motorcycle.

I resolved some bicycle theft issues, by Moving.
got out of a college/bicycle town, that had a trafficking in stolen bike stuff..

My bike has never had a lock.

I've never locked up my foldie. It always comes with me, wherever I'm going.