Do you lock your Brompton on public transport...

[StuartG]

http://popey.com/blog/2009/05/15/Someone_Stole_My_Brompton/

I have heard others but it is hard to estimate the risk. Easier to avoid it.
Keep it within reach/sight or lock it.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

I don'y lock mine, and I leave it in the vesibule by the doors. You're making me paranoid now... maybe I should try and keep it next to me... I do keep an eye on it but I think you could nick it if I was not looking at the right moment. Hmm.

It's a calculated risk really. I wasn't comfortable leaving mine out of sight, and bobbing up and down every time you hit a station to check it's still there/safe really sucks.
I think the odds of it being taken by a random person are pretty small on most trains. However, on trains where Bromptons are regulars, it makes sense for a bike thief to take advantage. Usually down South (London/Oxford) would be a profitable journey IMHO.

I might add I normally don't carry a lock, but do take a cheap cable lock for when I know I'll be on a long-distance train.

 

[dellzeqq]

I keep it in sight.

 

[Arch]

I don't bother on local trains where the whole point is you can keep the Brommie within reach.

Only if you can get a seat near and facing the vestibule, and the train isn't packed like a tin of sardines!

I haven't locked mine yet on the trip over to Manchester which I do often, but I think I'll get a little cable lock for it, I get too stressed craning my neck to watch out for it at each stop. I have managed to get it under my legs in a seat, when the rack was full, but it wasn't a comfortable ride.

 

[TheDoctor]

On an InterCity I try to sit near the Brommie, and I watch it every time we stop.
On Eurostar I kept a firm eye on it till the doors closed.
Having had one stolen, I'm a wee bit paranoid about the safety of the replacement.

 

[StuartG]

Yes, on long distance if you have it locked you don't have to worry about having a snooze ...

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I am tending towards the idea that mine may get a lock.

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

I am tending towards the idea that mine may get a lock.

I've got a decent Squire chain and padlock that I use if I need to lock mine up - if you fold the Brompton it can be threaded through the triangle of the frame and both wheels as well as around the bikestand or whatever you're locking it to.

Even though it's quick, easy and secure, I still see Bromptons that have been left unfolded (not even 'parked') and just locked through the back wheel...

 

[StuartG]

Yes a light/medium cable lock thru the triangle and rack is all I use. The threat is the opportunist thief picking up as they alight. I really don't think any thief is going to be brave enough to reveal a pair of boltcutters in front of disembarking passengers.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Yes a light/medium cable lock thru the triangle and rack is all I use. The threat is the opportunist thief picking up as they alight. I really don't think any thief is going to be brave enough to reveal a pair of boltcutters in front of disembarking passengers.

I've got a Tesco one I plan to use at first. I'm aiming to deter the grab'n'dash as the doors close type thief rather than the determined scrote. I have been told by someone local that someone got mugged for their Brompton on a late evening local train service a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Paulus]

I always put mine where I can see it at all times. Not locked it to anything though.

 

[Beebo]

My work mate used to put his in the overhead luggage rack, then one moring it fell off nearly hitting an elderly lady. It could have killed her, but in just grazed her shoulder.

He keeps it on the floor now. Much safer.

 

[StuartG]

My work mate used to put his in the overhead luggage rack, then one moring it fell off

Been there, still got the lump. If there is one safety message the company should stick on a label - is don't do that.

 

[cloggsy]

I wouldn't have thought it'd be an issue locking it, even with a cheap cable lock.

I would have thought it would be dead easy sticking a Brommie under your arm and hopping off a train just before the doors close...

 

[Arch]

My work mate used to put his in the overhead luggage rack, then one moring it fell off nearly hitting an elderly lady. It could have killed her, but in just grazed her shoulder.

He keeps it on the floor now. Much safer.

Jeez!

No way I'd even be able to lift it up there, even if I thought it was a good idea, which I don't...