Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   Folding Bikes (https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/)
-   -   Why Folding Bikes Work So Well-Case In Point (https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/777419-why-folding-bikes-work-so-well-case-point.html)

folder fanatic 10-24-11 11:06 AM

Why Folding Bikes Work So Well-Case In Point
 
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2011/05/muni_diaries_bike_theft.php

http://www.munidiaries.com/2011/05/03/bikes-stolen-off-muni/

I came to the world of folding bikes first and foremost of all was the problem of rampant bike theft. I was victimized over the years of regular bike ownership and I needed to solve the problem-at least for me. Locks failed, "watching" failed, not owning a bike failed....you might get the idea where this is leading. Once your hands-or bottom-leaves the bike, it is up for grabs as these articles seem to indicate-even around large groups of people. These losers are not bother sneaking around anymore probably making them even more dangerous. Solutions are so easy to come by. Read and ponder for yourselves.

I will discuss my solutions a bit later-spurred on by living right down the street from "professional" bike thieves.

vmaniqui 10-24-11 11:24 AM


Originally Posted by folder fanatic (Post 13406442)
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2011/05/muni_diaries_bike_theft.php

http://www.munidiaries.com/2011/05/03/bikes-stolen-off-muni/

I came to the world of folding bikes first and foremost of all was the problem of rampant bike theft. I was victimized over the years of regular bike ownership and I needed to solve the problem-at least for me. Locks failed, "watching" failed, not owning a bike failed....you might get the idea where this is leading. Once your hands-or bottom-leaves the bike, it is up for grabs as these articles seem to indicate-even around large groups of people. These losers are not bother sneaking around anymore probably making them even more dangerous. Solutions are so easy to come by. Read and ponder for yourselves.

I will discuss my solutions a bit later-spurred on by living right down the street from "professional" bike thieves.

it's in san francisco - my city. now i know why i bought and using a folding bike. can't they put a lock when putting their bike on a bus bike rack ?

CSG 10-24-11 03:15 PM

One day, folders will rule the streets of all major cycling cities.

folder fanatic 10-24-11 09:23 PM


Originally Posted by vmaniqui (Post 13406515)
it's in san francisco - my city. now i know why i bought and using a folding bike. can't they put a lock when putting their bike on a bus bike rack ?

Actually, if I was forced by circumstances to use a front bus rack, I would use a simple lock like a cable one-wrapping it around both the bike and at least one wheel. It would require me to have the key ready when I unload the bike and a few seconds more to lock/unlock the bike. Better than nothing at all plus it would force a would be thief to flash his/her cutting tools in public. A really good way to call attention to oneself, showing one's true intent, and a excellent warning, wouldn't it?

ro-monster 10-25-11 09:32 AM


Originally Posted by vmaniqui (Post 13406515)
it's in san francisco - my city. now i know why i bought and using a folding bike. can't they put a lock when putting their bike on a bus bike rack ?

Muni doesn't allow you to lock your bike to the racks. You can see that rule on their website. And, until May of this year, folding bikes were not allowed inside the buses. Most of the time, just riding to your destination is faster than taking the bus anyhow!

folder fanatic 10-25-11 02:25 PM


Originally Posted by ro-monster (Post 13410766)
Muni doesn't allow you to lock your bike to the racks. You can see that rule on their website. And, until May of this year, folding bikes were not allowed inside the buses. Most of the time, just riding to your destination is faster than taking the bus anyhow!

Thanks for letting us know about that. I don't live or work in SF, so I not affected by this rule. When I take either the Brompton (prefered) or the Raleigh Twenty on board (yes, the R20 does fit inside now using my augmented straps), I take the bags along too. I now prefer to ride to the destination if possible just like before "bikes on board" became a catch phrase.


Originally Posted by CrimsonEclipse (Post 13409595)
I've seen people secure bikes on the hanging racks on the Tri-MAX trains using a cable.
Just to be safe.

A Brompton is in my future.

More like it is here in the Los Angeles area-providing you bag the bike before boarding.

superpants 10-26-11 11:59 AM

i didn't know about the no locks on the front rack on muni. i never saw anything info like that for ac transit. when i rode the bus i'd put my bike in the lowest gear and then i'd use like a velcro strip or a nylon buckle strap and then put in on the bike and rack in a not too obvious spot. so at least if someone ran u and tried to grab it, they'd need to hassle with it for a little bit and then they'd be in low gear if they tried to ride away. hopefully one of these things would help me catch them if needed. sitting in front is a good idea but depending on the bus line and time of day it can be pretty packed and tough, even if you are pushing to get out quick.

Amuro Lee 10-27-11 04:16 PM


Originally Posted by CSG (Post 13407741)
One day, folders will rule the streets of all major cycling cities.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...olee/agree.gif

folderfan550 10-27-11 11:34 PM

I've seen the no locking to bus rack rule in other cities as well. Locking the bike to itself could at least slow a thief down without incurring the wrath of the bus driver.

vmaniqui 10-28-11 12:02 AM


Originally Posted by Amuro Lee (Post 13421425)

+1

lbj 11-02-11 11:12 AM

After I had a bike stolen, I decided I was going to get a folding bike that I could take on transit, inside, at home and at work, etc. I took me a while to decide, but I would up getting a Montague folding bike, because I didn't want to compromise on ride quality at all. I have a fairly long commute, and the small wheels just weren't going to do it for me. It's been a great decision - if only I'd done it sooner, I wouldn't have been out my last bike.

matchpoints 11-04-11 12:29 PM

The area I'm in doesn't seem bad at all but your never know. I carry a bike lock and use it to lock the bike to the trash can outside of coffee shops while I keep an eye on it. The problem is the paranoia. I got a Wally World special bike stolen when I was a little kid. That never goes away. I'm always peeking outside making sure it's still there. Going to the bathrooms has to be quick. Some places like the bank or the local pub I'll actually bring it in and put it aside somewhere. I figure worst case scenario, they at least have cameras. Plus taking off with a folded folder....it's gotta be a planned attempt.

I put my new saddle on today and was nervous someone would just take the whole seatpost with the quick release and all and just happened to forget the key to my lock at the house as well....not wanting to take any chances at the local Starbucks....:innocent:

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8684/starbucksbike.jpg

That's the beauty of folders. Not intimidating at all as long as I fold it outside then bring it in. I just have to make sure the place isn't packed with people. I've even coat checked it once at a banquet hall before. No one ever says a thing to me besides, "that's wicked man".... Yay Us! :D

bjorke 11-04-11 02:36 PM

Yesterday my Bike Friday had its lights nicked while I was on Caltrain -- right next to the conductor (hopefully not by the conductor!). At least they left my pump behind... :) even a folder can get hit! Sad but true.

vmaniqui 11-04-11 08:22 PM


Originally Posted by matchpoints (Post 13453122)

That's the beauty of folders. Not intimidating at all as long as I fold it outside then bring it in. I just have to make sure the place isn't packed with people. I've even coat checked it once at a banquet hall before. No one ever says a thing to me besides, "that's wicked man".... Yay Us! :D

yes. same thing with me. when i went one time to rite aid pharmacy, i just folded my bf tikit and roll it inside the store as if it is a grocery cart. went in and out without any hustle. i don't even have to worry about locking my bike outside. the beauty of folding bike.....

folder fanatic 11-05-11 08:59 PM


Originally Posted by bjorke (Post 13453728)
Yesterday my Bike Friday had its lights nicked while I was on Caltrain -- right next to the conductor (hopefully not by the conductor!). At least they left my pump behind... :) even a folder can get hit! Sad but true.

Wow, something like that happening to a folded up Bike Friday's accessory. But having a conductor physically nearby is no guarantee of preventing trouble. He/she most likely has a real juggling act as cutbacks in personnel (and more work placed on the remaining workforce) is a given in these desperate times. I think that the opportunistic thieves are very aware of this and do take advantage whenever they can.

Sorry for your loss of your bike lights. I hope you were not put into danger riding in the dark because of this.

matchpoints 11-10-11 05:25 PM

I didn't even think about this until yesterday. It was raining and I had to lock my bike outside under a coffee table umbrella. In the winter those umbrellas will be gone. What do you guys do in the winter? I can't really bring a wet bike in full of snow....can I? Maybe bring a rag with me and rest it on top of it? Thoughts?

Also from what I read, it's best not to have the bike go from warm weather to cold back to warm, etc... especially here where they salt the bejesus out of the roads.

I could leave it outside and hope bike thieves take winters off :)

michaelnel 11-10-11 05:42 PM


Originally Posted by bjorke (Post 13453728)
Yesterday my Bike Friday had its lights nicked while I was on Caltrain -- right next to the conductor (hopefully not by the conductor!). At least they left my pump behind... :) even a folder can get hit! Sad but true.

What I really find disturbing about this is that it was very likely a fellow bicycle commuter who ripped you off (assuming your BF was unfolded and riding in the bicycle car).

bjorke 11-14-11 12:45 PM

yup. And yes I had a slow spooky ride home :/ Lights replaced now...


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:05 AM.


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.