Leaving a bike at Clapham Junction

[jay clock]

I have a possible job which is in Chiswick. I can get a train to Clapham Junction (from WInchester) and cycle from there. One option is taking a folder and another is to leave a bike at Clapham Junction

I would only be there 3-4 days a week on average, and may have business trips when I would be away for a week, so the bike would be all on its lonesome for 10 days.

Plan would be a cheap hybrid made to look crap (gaffer tape/paint job) with decent locks.

Anyone know what facilities there are and how good or bad an idea this would be?

 

[Hill Wimp]

I personally wouldn't leave a bike at Clapham Junction. If SouthWesterns policy allows and fits in with your timings cycle to Chiswick but get off at Putney or Barnes.

 

[jefmcg]

It will disappear. It's just depressing to see low end halfords bikes stripped to their frames. No amount of gaffer tape will deter them. And trains run from from CLJ to Chiswick. Lock the bike up safely at work, and go for a ride at lunchtime. Or get a folder.

 

[leemo]

I've locked up a low end hybrid at clapham in the daytime with 2 decent locks and it was ok. Wouldn't do it for ten days though.

Folder would be the preferred option.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

back in the day... drones on.... it got stolen.

Take a folder.

 

[slowmotion]

If you have bike insurance, look at the small print. Some policies treat bikes as being uninsured if they are left for more than 24 hours (or whatever) in one place.

 

[jay clock]

Ok! Sounds like a no.... the folder would be ok if I have to. There is a train from CJ to Kew Bridge, but I fancy cycling, as it gets some exercise into my day which I will miss.

Other option is to run a couple of times a week. It is 10k so ideal for a workout

 

[CopperBrompton]

Brompton. Cycle as little or as much as you like, get on/off the train anywhere you like.

 

[Bromptonaut]

I'd say folder too.

 

[Dayvo]

There are plenty of taxis in London!

 

[jefmcg]

Exercise? You are missing the obvious: http://goo.gl/maps/7zv8P

And folders have their place, I hadn't cycled much, got a folder and it was my only bike for a few years. The last year before a purchased a road bike I did 8000km on it, including a FNRttC and the Dunwich Dynamo.

 

[jay clock]

I have dahon which will do fine. Would have preferred to leave a bike there though so as not to have the lugging to do

 

[vickster]

Lugging will add to the workout