Removing the hinge clamps on Bromptons is a good way to prevent opportunistic thefts. The bike cannot be ridden and it's really difficult to carry one when the whole bike just flops about.
Yes! With a Brompton it is definitely an option. I have thought of it myself and the only concern is damage to the bike if they attempt to ride it! Thanks for the reminder.
It's not that hard to carry a Brompton!!! Locking one up when folded might marginally decrease it's attractiveness to steal but it didn't work for my first Brompton which was folded and D-locked through the frame to an Oxford stand.
@@alexmorgan3435 I didn't say folded. You leave the thief to do that part...If they knew how. Besides, you can't fold a Brompton with a massive pack on the rack. It's just one technique to slow down the stupid or encourage the more intelligent to look somewhere else. I don't own a lock. If I can't rely on the safety of the surroundings I never leave it unattended. Even the best lock will only last a minute for a thief with right tools. There's probably nothing you can do to stop a thief with a getaway vehicle but you can certainly stop people riding away on them or make it a lot of effort to carry it.
@@daelraEhh???? You've lost me. Doesn't matter whether they are folded or not. Well it's your bike. My first one was stolen which you will know if you read my other comment. My replacement never leaves my sight, I don't leave it unattended even if I can see it. Do what ever you want. I'm tired of arguing with people on the internet who point score. I'm out.
I recently was a victim of an attempted bike theft while touring. I made many mistakes while securing my bike overnight at a campground, but I was able to stop the thief in his tracks. Not a pleasant experience. Many people commented on having alarms on their touring bikes, recommending ones similar to yours. I will certainly be getting a loud alarm to attach to my touring bike while sleeping. Thank you for a great, informative video.
Sorry to hear about your experience, at least it ended well and you still have your bike! The only issue with these alarms at night is that, in my experience, they are very sensitive to the slightest movement or even gusts of wind at times! You need to make sure the bike is not going to move at all unless you want to upset the whole campsite. Another option is tying a thin fishing line and attach bike to a tent pole so that if anybody tries to take the bike they end up taking you and the tent along and that will probably put them off from trying. Thanks!
Thanks for the information. I tour with a Brompton in Europe, and nearly all town/city railway stations have secure luggage lockers, which make an excellent safe store if visiting for a few hours.
The problem would be ameliorated, maybe cured, if there were sufficient numbers of steel street bicycle lockers provided by local authorities, which can have electronic locks, like modern toilets, and you pay for them via your credit card so car nuts and ratepayers can't complain that cyclists are getting expensive privileges. The authority could even promise if the bike is stolen, they'd pay for a replacement through an insurance scheme. . Remove sufficient car parking spaces and there's plenty of room in every city. It's really strange how we allow drivers to park their cars on streets, taking up room even when they're not moving, but allowing bicycles the same privileges is beyond our capacity. You could have lockers for 6 bicycles for each parking space I imagine.
Thanks for the video. The alarm is an interesting idea, in principle. I have one that serves also as bike rear light. The problem with it is that it's very sensitive and it gets triggered if anyone locking their bike next to yours on the same rack accidentally touches your bike (which is a very common thing to happen). It's annoying and sometimes even embarrassing for the alarm owner because I don't own the bike rack and other people are entitled to park their bikes without getting scared by the alarm accidentally going on. So I'd say turn the alarm on only if you park your bike free standing and no one can park theirs next to yours. Or you put a flashy warning sticker saying "alarm protected. Gets triggered at the slightest touch".
Yes, definitely! As you say it is very sensitive to movement...so one needs to be sure there is not a good chance of another bike being next to yours as well as being sure that you fix the bike and that it is stable and not moving about. While touring I mostly park the bike attached to a fence or a road signal as bike parking is not often available in most countries. Good idea to highlight that for sure! Thanks
That would be a bummer! Especially nowadays when it takes many months to get a new one... :) If you get a chance to give some feedback on Amazon it would be tremendous help... :) Many thanks!
You should never use a cable lock in the USA. I bicycled thru Japan from December to September. The safest country in Asia w/the most considerate drivers.
@@BromptonTraveler , in Japan i used a cable lock that was recommended to me by a bicycle shop. i'm back in San Francisco now. I sold my road bicycles and bought a used Brompton. I'm ready to travel. Unfortunately I have a USA passport. Where's your Japan video?
@@BromptonTraveler , Americans will recommend that you use a U-Bolt lock. Just 2 weeks here and my cell phone was stolen from a gym. I think the lack of theft & civility are hallmarks of a superior people.
@@pali_aha2781 You in one of my favourite areas in the world! I love the ocean and the big trees you have around there... My Japan tour was on a mountain bike when UA-cam barely existed! :) I hope to cycle again there soon, with my Brompton. Thanks!
Thank you for the tips! I do all the same things you do to protect my bicycle while touring and I never had anything stolen during more than 30 years of spending almost all of my vacations bicycle touring. Maybe I was just lucky. I used an alarm gadget similar to the one you show in the video for only one year in 2018. It was not very well made and stopped to work after only one year. I'll try again with the one you use.
Reading your blog on Sicily I was quite impressed by all those times you left your bike parked to go for a hike up a mountain or to spend time at a beach. There are times I am afraid to leave mine around too long and I might skip visiting a place which is a pity. Maybe that is the only downside to traveling by bicycle. I should take your example and trust a little more I suppose. All the rest is bliss.Thanks.
@@BromptonTraveler Yes, because of fear that my bicycle gets stolen I sometimes did weird and inconvenient things. 1993 in Venice I pushed my loaded touring bicycle around the city which was very hard because of the many bridges over canals with stairs. I locked it when I wanted to go inside somewhere, but most of the day I spent lifting the bicycle up and down stairs. In 2003 I visited Venice again with my brother, we locked our bicycles and left them for a whole day and nothing bad happened. In winter 1993 my brother and me left our bicycles for several hours in front of the cathedral in Mexico city but there was police around and a policeman had offered to watch our bicycles.
Some street louts have been known to kick in the spokes of a bike if they are unable to steal it. I remember a bike chained to a 20 foot tree. The thieves cut down the tree to get the bike! Great video with great advice for the bike traveller.
Yes Johnny. Not much one can do about those! It's a good idea to be careful where you lock as much as with what. Best of all try not to leave it when it is not necessary. Thanks
That looks scary and cheap too...Well you can only do so much to try and not fall victim of it. Some of the advice is still valid I guess...mostly keep a visual contact with the bike. Cheers
As usual good advice. Can I recommend another lock option which works fantastically. If you invert your rear triangle lever so its facing up towards the seat instead of pointing down, you can actually fit an abus bordo folding lock in the area around the seatpost sleeve. You may have to slightly pad the lock to stop it rattling around or protect the area with rubber to stop the serial badge from being destroyed but works excellently without any obstructions. I may have a photo from my little tour down the gulf of Thailand somewhere?
Such a good tip! Thanks. I didn't even know you could invert that lever :) Even without that fit I suppose it is a compact lock that one can easily take along on a trip. Heavy I guess but that is a trade off for extra security. I also like that it uses a combination rather than keys. I will look into these for the future...
Thank you for the tips. I have to say I never had any problem touring on Spain with my Brompton. People are always polite and nice. During El Camino (I’ve done it three times) you can even leave the bike near the door without any lock. Just make sure you take your wallet and your phone with you. For the lock I rather use a chain lock. A cable one is just too easy to cut with a pair of clippers. This is the one I use everyday in Madrid and on my trips: www.amazon.es/Abus-5805K-Candado-Unisex-Negro/dp/B01J9IGAZ2 You just need to lock the bike right in front of the grocery store where lots of people go in and out of the store. Difficult times to go touring. I hope things will change next year. 😉
Thanks Perico! Nice looking lock. Mine as I say, is mostly a deterrent for those that would not hesitate to steal the bike if it wasn't locked. I am planning El Camino on my Brompton in the future! I would still recommend you lock the bike even in the safest of places but I also at times might feel so safe that I don't do it... While touring India a friend of mine thought it wasn't necessary to lock it and one day he got a shock when we returned and his bike was not where he had left it! Luckily it was just kids who had taken the bike and moved it somewhere else but still....Not worth the risk of spoiling a trip if it happens...
funny thing is i always fold my bike to take inside the supermarket trolley when buying food. i find lidel and Aldi supermarkets in Europe are almost in every location and are reasonable priced. i place the folded bike in side a bag with long shoulder carry straps to take the bike inside a cafe. i never leave my bike alone unsafe outside where bike theft are looking. in Britain you can steal a bike and never be concerned about prosecution. the police no longer are concerned about low lever crime such as shop lifting or bicycle theft and house burglary. you would have to have stolen 4000 bicycles before the police begin to show an interest in prosecution for your crimes. it a terrible situation no thing is safe left unattended in UK.
Sure Andy, that is what I would normally do but it is not possible when touring as I am carrying much more than the bike and removing the bag each time you stop is not as practical. Some supermarkets do have oversized trolleys though so next time I will consider that too!
That is always a good option but then you are also relying on a good heavy lock to secure the bike or still need to be extra cautious which is what I suggest here. Thanks!
Everywhere I go I take my electric bike with me, when I go on holiday abroad I also take my ebike with me. When I book a Hotel room I always book a room with a king bed so my ebike can safely sleep with me. I have never had a bike stolen in my life thanks to this safety measures.
@@BromptonTraveler it is a folding ebike, it has never been a problem to travel abroad with it, I have saved a lot of money in riding on it while abroad
I just came back from a folding bike /wild camping tour from Brandenburg (east Germany). I was visiting a lot of castles. They did not offer proper locking fachilities to store the backpack or the panniers. Like nearly everywhere in the world, it is made for cars. I tried to hide my heavy stuff under a camouflage tarp hidden in small forests near the castles I wanted to visit. It is a bit of work, but it kept me relaxed during the long period I was not there. but one time a theft happened also to me. I was for a short time in a supermarket and did not want to take all my heavy stuff from the bike. I think one unemployed Alcoholic hanging araound at the supermarket trolleys and starring at the bikes stole a shirt and a longarm shirt strapped on the back rack of my parked folding bike. Gianni, your camping setup is more or less for summer time. Do you also travel by Brommi in colder situations and what kind of equipment do you use for that conditions?
That's the hardest thing I find when bike touring. There are times when it is not practical or safe to lock the bike and visit places without worrying about all the stuff you leave behind. I suppose staff at those castles were not helpful when you asked. In my experience in such places I usually ask at the ticket office if I can lock the bike somewhere visible and if they can keep an eye on it... Of course they usually say that it is at your own risk but having it locked in a visible place in front of a ticket office or something similar helps. You found your creative solution by hiding in in the forest under a tarp! The theft you experienced is not something that happens often if you don't plan to leave the bike long there. Best one can do is have a look around and if I do see someone that I feel I don't trust hanging around a carpark I would move to another supermarket! Cheers!
The alarm is very good, however the cable lock is next to useless. A small pair of electricians side cutter will cut through that in about four snips. A small chain would be much more effective. Regards Stewart
Agree. Like I say in the video it is a deterrent only but I wouldn't say a useless one. It prevents opportunity theft from anybody that sees an unlocked bike and decides to run away with it. For professional thieves that go around carrying special tools for the job, most locks are not good enough anyway. That is the impression also from some of the comments here and that is why I think other ideas on safety are as important. The alarm is one of those and I think it is a good idea as you get alerted. Cheers.
One has only to watch a few episodes of _The Lock Picking Lawyer_ to see any lock is no match to a highly-skilled thief. Best to take your bike inside.
I agree with you. That is why I don't bother taking a very expensive and really heavy lock. When touring though it is not always convenient to bring the bike with you so you have to find some compromises ie. eat at a restaurant or cafe and ask if they can keep an eye on it ( still lock it! ).
OMG I have this same alarm. But I cut down the housing so I can stuff inside the frame. USE AIRTAGS people! 😛 1)airtag. I can track 2)I have the same alarm. USEFUL! Even if lock some people try to lift up your bike. It happen to my friend. He now uses an alarm. 3) ziplok. It’s like a reusable zip tie. I use the Alarm and ziplok for quick locking for example convenient store. No excuse not to lock. 4)small combo coil lock for long term if necessary. But try to bring your bike INSIDE folded. What’s the point of a folding bike lol.
@@BromptonTraveler it’s wedged in there. It’s not small enough that it’s loose. But not big enough to get stuck. The problem with putting in the frame is that the remote range is less.
Thank you for sharing. We are about to visit Utah-Zion National Park. Since we only can ride the shuttle for the Spring season and cannot drive our own car inside the park, so thinking to ride the bike to some of the trail head for the hike. There are bike racks at each shuttle stops, and thinking to use the alarm, but also afraid the distance might be too far to dis-alarm during the hike (or not even hears it). Did you ever have the experience parking your bike at the trail head for the hike?
Lucky you! One of the best places I have ever seen! I haven't left the bike unattended while hiking. As you say in that situation the alarm would not work. The best thing would be to maybe have a coffee or a meal in one of those places not far from the trail and ask if they don't mind you leaving the folded bike there... Not sure if there are any kind rangers that would let you lock the bike where they are? You want to leave it with someone in those cases where you are away and far for hours... Have a great time.
If the bike is packed I would have the same care as if it was a suitcase which means still trying to keep an eye on it especially when people get on and off. I would never leave a folded Brompton out of sight on a train even if locked. When folded it is easy to bring somewhere closer to you if not right where you are. On trains most luggage racks seem to be close to the exit doors and I think the bike there without a lock is very vulnerable. A lock might help but again I would rather keep it close to me and not bother. Thanks
They used to have one but it was then removed due to maintenance issues. Countries also have their own systems in England for example this is an option www.bikeregister.com/
I did have a mountain bike stolen in Kyoto once though! Partly my thought for leaving it locked near the main train station but I doubt it was a police job as they usually leave a note and I haven't found anything once I got back! :) Anyway I know well Japan and it is true that it is generally a far safer country than most. Only alcohol can sometimes play havoc over there and people missing the last train! :)
Yes Ian that is a common suggestion. I am only concerned that anybody trying to take the bike that way will end up breaking the frame as well as themselves...
Taking the bike to the restroom is a bit much even for a folding bike! Depends on situation. If you are at a cafe or restaurant and trust it will be safe I leave it unlocked. Otherwise lock it!
Useful tips thanks, especially about staying in a hotel on a day of heavy sightseeing. I have left my Brompton unattended for a minute or two in small rural towns or villages. But elsewhere I either don’t leave it outside at all, or lock it as briefly as possible with a LiteLok Silver. It’s a bit flexible, and I have a second one if necessary which together can encompass a tree or a thick gate post if I want to go on a mountain hike. But I prefer not to carry the weight of a lock so usually I just leave it/them at home and resolve not to leave the bike. My other tip if leaving the bike is to take the saddle with you (if you have telescopic), partly fold the bike and lock the back end, and fold the left pedal - all to make it more perplexing to use! www.litelok.com/products/litelok-silver-flexi-o?variant=31864923291722
Thanks Peter. That seems a nice option for a lock. I agree that a Brompton can only be left unlocked in small and quiet places and even then I do feel a little jittery as they are well sought after and the resale values of Bromptons is as good as it gets... Cheers.
Ich weiß es nicht ob du in London lebst aber ich habe gehört dass die Londoner Diebe sollen sehr aggressiv sein. Viel Glück und bleib gesund. Grüße aus Düsseldorf.
Yes, London is a risky place to be locking a bike! I would never lock my Brompton outside there. This is true of most large cities, no matter where you are. Danke!
@@BromptonTraveler This was extremely informative. It helps knowing many of my folks in Toronto, Canada often think that it's broken or incomplete when folded since it's so compact. Therefore, in certain circumstances, it is better to lock it up folded.
@@cirodirosa6752 Thanks Ciro that is also good advice. When the bike is without luggage the best is to take it inside of course, if possible... The trouble when you are touring is that you don't want to remove all the bags when say you walk into a grocery to get some food so the bike cannot be folded. Thank you!
I am disappointed I thought this video was going to give some tips on how to steal bikes when touring :@(. Seriously, the only bike that has been stolen from me was my first Brompton. They are highly desirable. The only time I was refused entry to a building with it was London University HQ in Malet street when attending my masters graduation so had to leave it locked up to an Oxford stand. When I came out it was gone. I cannot explain the grief, the anger I felt. I had used a Kryptonite New Yorker D lock which as good as cheese. I also left it under a CCTV camera by the main entrance. When I tried to get footage from the cameras from when I left it, I was told the cameras weren't working by security and the police weren't interested in the slightest. Security told me to take a look at Brick Lane market as that is where all the stolen bikes go in London. So now I don't let my Brompton out of my sight. I now never ever leave it unattended anywhere. If it cannot come with me, I do not leave it, I go elsewhere. The only place I would leave it would perhaps be a robust lockable locker. It is different for other non folding touring bikes as you can carry heavier locks and tbh they are not quite so desirable as a Brompton. Of course the other risk is if you get bike jacked because you rode into the wrong area. Two cycle tourists a German and a Hungarian were beheaded and dismembered and dumped in a deep ravine in I believe Mexico a couple of years ago. The police are so corrupt they closed the case claiming they had fallen off their bikes. I think their luggage was missing. The trouble with the Brompton is that it is too easy to carry and thieves want to strip them for parts.
I feel for you Alex! Few decades ago I had a Bianchi racing bike stolen in central London and the only thing that made me cope with it was heading to a shop and buy a new bike there and then...That you had a proper quality lock and it still didn't save your bike confirms a bit what I think. To lock the bike where cameras are didn't work for you but I suppose it might also be a good idea. I am sure whoever tries to take the bike might be put off by the fact that a camera might be filming him. One thing I find with Bromptons ( not sure how long that is going to last... ) is that they look kind of odd and abroad often people have no clue as to what they cost and how good they are. If I am correct those two cyclists did take the risk of cycling a part of Mexico which is well known for crime and should be avoided?
@@BromptonTraveler When I have toured France on my Brompton, so many people have been interested in or amused by it. All have been friendly, but you still can't ignore it's desirability factor to a thief. I had thought about fitting a tracker to it such as the Monomoto that bikers use which was about £100, but I decided instead to just not let it out of my sight when away from home as I could not afford to buy another and in any case at the moment there are hardly any in shops due to CV which makes theft an even greater possibility. Any way I am not using it at the moment so it's safe at home.
Removing the hinge clamps on Bromptons is a good way to prevent opportunistic thefts. The bike cannot be ridden and it's really difficult to carry one when the whole bike just flops about.
Yes! With a Brompton it is definitely an option. I have thought of it myself and the only concern is damage to the bike if they attempt to ride it! Thanks for the reminder.
It's not that hard to carry a Brompton!!! Locking one up when folded might marginally decrease it's attractiveness to steal but it didn't work for my first Brompton which was folded and D-locked through the frame to an Oxford stand.
@@alexmorgan3435 I didn't say folded. You leave the thief to do that part...If they knew how. Besides, you can't fold a Brompton with a massive pack on the rack. It's just one technique to slow down the stupid or encourage the more intelligent to look somewhere else.
I don't own a lock. If I can't rely on the safety of the surroundings I never leave it unattended. Even the best lock will only last a minute for a thief with right tools.
There's probably nothing you can do to stop a thief with a getaway vehicle but you can certainly stop people riding away on them or make it a lot of effort to carry it.
@@daelraEhh???? You've lost me. Doesn't matter whether they are folded or not. Well it's your bike. My first one was stolen which you will know if you read my other comment. My replacement never leaves my sight, I don't leave it unattended even if I can see it. Do what ever you want. I'm tired of arguing with people on the internet who point score. I'm out.
Smart. I also have QR pedals so I can take those
I recently was a victim of an attempted bike theft while touring. I made many mistakes while securing my bike overnight at a campground, but I was able to stop the thief in his tracks. Not a pleasant experience. Many people commented on having alarms on their touring bikes, recommending ones similar to yours. I will certainly be getting a loud alarm to attach to my touring bike while sleeping. Thank you for a great, informative video.
Sorry to hear about your experience, at least it ended well and you still have your bike! The only issue with these alarms at night is that, in my experience, they are very sensitive to the slightest movement or even gusts of wind at times! You need to make sure the bike is not going to move at all unless you want to upset the whole campsite. Another option is tying a thin fishing line and attach bike to a tent pole so that if anybody tries to take the bike they end up taking you and the tent along and that will probably put them off from trying. Thanks!
@@BromptonTraveler Good idea about the fishing line. Invisible and a good deterrent.
Thanks for the information. I tour with a Brompton in Europe, and nearly all town/city railway stations have secure luggage lockers, which make an excellent safe store if visiting for a few hours.
Good option indeed! Will have to look into those more…
The problem would be ameliorated, maybe cured, if there were sufficient numbers of steel street bicycle lockers provided by local authorities, which can have electronic locks, like modern toilets, and you pay for them via your credit card so car nuts and ratepayers can't complain that cyclists are getting expensive privileges. The authority could even promise if the bike is stolen, they'd pay for a replacement through an insurance scheme. . Remove sufficient car parking spaces and there's plenty of room in every city. It's really strange how we allow drivers to park their cars on streets, taking up room even when they're not moving, but allowing bicycles the same privileges is beyond our capacity. You could have lockers for 6 bicycles for each parking space I imagine.
Right John that would be the ideal long term solution, especially in cities where leaving a bike always comes with risks.
Thanks for the video. The alarm is an interesting idea, in principle. I have one that serves also as bike rear light. The problem with it is that it's very sensitive and it gets triggered if anyone locking their bike next to yours on the same rack accidentally touches your bike (which is a very common thing to happen). It's annoying and sometimes even embarrassing for the alarm owner because I don't own the bike rack and other people are entitled to park their bikes without getting scared by the alarm accidentally going on. So I'd say turn the alarm on only if you park your bike free standing and no one can park theirs next to yours. Or you put a flashy warning sticker saying "alarm protected. Gets triggered at the slightest touch".
Yes, definitely! As you say it is very sensitive to movement...so one needs to be sure there is not a good chance of another bike being next to yours as well as being sure that you fix the bike and that it is stable and not moving about. While touring I mostly park the bike attached to a fence or a road signal as bike parking is not often available in most countries. Good idea to highlight that for sure! Thanks
Phew I thought you had lost your bike. Great video as always. The book is very good would recommend !
That would be a bummer! Especially nowadays when it takes many months to get a new one... :) If you get a chance to give some feedback on Amazon it would be tremendous help... :) Many thanks!
You should never use a cable lock in the USA.
I bicycled thru Japan from December to September.
The safest country in Asia w/the most considerate drivers.
Are you referring mostly to cities or everywhere? Would be interested to hear what lock you use while touring. Thanks!
@@BromptonTraveler , in Japan i used a cable lock that was recommended to me by a bicycle shop. i'm back in San Francisco now. I sold my road bicycles and bought a used Brompton. I'm ready to travel. Unfortunately I have a USA passport. Where's your Japan video?
@@BromptonTraveler , Americans will recommend that you use a U-Bolt lock. Just 2 weeks here and my cell phone was stolen from a gym. I think the lack of theft & civility are hallmarks of a superior people.
@@pali_aha2781 You in one of my favourite areas in the world! I love the ocean and the big trees you have around there... My Japan tour was on a mountain bike when UA-cam barely existed! :) I hope to cycle again there soon, with my Brompton. Thanks!
Thank you for the tips! I do all the same things you do to protect my bicycle while touring and I never had anything stolen during more than 30 years of spending almost all of my vacations bicycle touring. Maybe I was just lucky. I used an alarm gadget similar to the one you show in the video for only one year in 2018. It was not very well made and stopped to work after only one year. I'll try again with the one you use.
Reading your blog on Sicily I was quite impressed by all those times you left your bike parked to go for a hike up a mountain or to spend time at a beach. There are times I am afraid to leave mine around too long and I might skip visiting a place which is a pity. Maybe that is the only downside to traveling by bicycle. I should take your example and trust a little more I suppose. All the rest is bliss.Thanks.
@@BromptonTraveler Yes, because of fear that my bicycle gets stolen I sometimes did weird and inconvenient things. 1993 in Venice I pushed my loaded touring bicycle around the city which was very hard because of the many bridges over canals with stairs. I locked it when I wanted to go inside somewhere, but most of the day I spent lifting the bicycle up and down stairs. In 2003 I visited Venice again with my brother, we locked our bicycles and left them for a whole day and nothing bad happened. In winter 1993 my brother and me left our bicycles for several hours in front of the cathedral in Mexico city but there was police around and a policeman had offered to watch our bicycles.
Some street louts have been known to kick in the spokes of a bike if they are unable to steal it. I remember a bike chained to a 20 foot tree. The thieves cut down the tree to get the bike! Great video with great advice for the bike traveller.
Yes Johnny. Not much one can do about those! It's a good idea to be careful where you lock as much as with what. Best of all try not to leave it when it is not necessary. Thanks
The Cordless angle-grinder has made bike locks redundant. They also make it challenging to confront a bike thief wielding one.
That looks scary and cheap too...Well you can only do so much to try and not fall victim of it. Some of the advice is still valid I guess...mostly keep a visual contact with the bike. Cheers
As usual good advice. Can I recommend another lock option which works fantastically. If you invert your rear triangle lever so its facing up towards the seat instead of pointing down, you can actually fit an abus bordo folding lock in the area around the seatpost sleeve. You may have to slightly pad the lock to stop it rattling around or protect the area with rubber to stop the serial badge from being destroyed but works excellently without any obstructions. I may have a photo from my little tour down the gulf of Thailand somewhere?
You have to choose one of the smaller bordo lfolding ocks though.
images.app.goo.gl/ud9SSd8BsZRM4n1w5
Is a good example of what I'm talking about.
@@Me_and_My_B The Lock Picking Lawyer fairly easily broke the plates apart of the Abus Bordo lock. It's not that secure.
I have this same setup, works well for me. No footprint and more secure than a cable lock.
Such a good tip! Thanks. I didn't even know you could invert that lever :) Even without that fit I suppose it is a compact lock that one can easily take along on a trip. Heavy I guess but that is a trade off for extra security. I also like that it uses a combination rather than keys. I will look into these for the future...
Thank you for the tips. I have to say I never had any problem touring on Spain with my Brompton. People are always polite and nice.
During El Camino (I’ve done it three times) you can even leave the bike near the door without any lock. Just make sure you take your wallet and your phone with you.
For the lock I rather use a chain lock. A cable one is just too easy to cut with a pair of clippers. This is the one I use everyday in Madrid and on my trips:
www.amazon.es/Abus-5805K-Candado-Unisex-Negro/dp/B01J9IGAZ2
You just need to lock the bike right in front of the grocery store where lots of people go in and out of the store.
Difficult times to go touring. I hope things will change next year. 😉
Thanks Perico! Nice looking lock. Mine as I say, is mostly a deterrent for those that would not hesitate to steal the bike if it wasn't locked. I am planning El Camino on my Brompton in the future! I would still recommend you lock the bike even in the safest of places but I also at times might feel so safe that I don't do it... While touring India a friend of mine thought it wasn't necessary to lock it and one day he got a shock when we returned and his bike was not where he had left it! Luckily it was just kids who had taken the bike and moved it somewhere else but still....Not worth the risk of spoiling a trip if it happens...
@@BromptonTraveler That’s right. It’s the worst way to spoil your trip. I hope we can ride again normally soon.
Have a good day!
funny thing is i always fold my bike to take inside the supermarket trolley when buying food. i find lidel and Aldi supermarkets in Europe are almost in every location and are reasonable priced. i place the folded bike in side a bag with long shoulder carry straps to take the bike inside a cafe. i never leave my bike alone unsafe outside where bike theft are looking. in Britain you can steal a bike and never be concerned about prosecution. the police no longer are concerned about low lever crime such as shop lifting or bicycle theft and house burglary. you would have to have stolen 4000 bicycles before the police begin to show an interest in prosecution for your crimes. it a terrible situation no thing is safe left unattended in UK.
Sure Andy, that is what I would normally do but it is not possible when touring as I am carrying much more than the bike and removing the bag each time you stop is not as practical. Some supermarkets do have oversized trolleys though so next time I will consider that too!
Sometimes if travelling with my partner or with friends we’ll lock two or more bikes together - including locking together front wheels
That is always a good option but then you are also relying on a good heavy lock to secure the bike or still need to be extra cautious which is what I suggest here. Thanks!
Everywhere I go I take my electric bike with me, when I go on holiday abroad I also take my ebike with me. When I book a Hotel room I always book a room with a king bed so my ebike can safely sleep with me. I have never had a bike stolen in my life thanks to this safety measures.
Is it difficult to take an electric bike along? It must be a little harder to take it on flights I wonder?
@@BromptonTraveler it is a folding ebike, it has never been a problem to travel abroad with it, I have saved a lot of money in riding on it while abroad
I like your style 😊
what is your home country? what class e bike is it (top speed it can reach with assistance)?
Do airlines allow you to travel with your bike battery? Does it go in hand baggage or in the hold?
I just came back from a folding bike /wild camping tour from Brandenburg (east Germany). I was visiting a lot of castles. They did not offer proper locking fachilities to store the backpack or the panniers. Like nearly everywhere in the world, it is made for cars. I tried to hide my heavy stuff under a camouflage tarp hidden in small forests near the castles I wanted to visit. It is a bit of work, but it kept me relaxed during the long period I was not there. but one time a theft happened also to me. I was for a short time in a supermarket and did not want to take all my heavy stuff from the bike. I think one unemployed Alcoholic hanging araound at the supermarket trolleys and starring at the bikes stole a shirt and a longarm shirt strapped on the back rack of my parked folding bike.
Gianni, your camping setup is more or less for summer time. Do you also travel by Brommi in colder situations and what kind of equipment do you use for that conditions?
That's the hardest thing I find when bike touring. There are times when it is not practical or safe to lock the bike and visit places without worrying about all the stuff you leave behind. I suppose staff at those castles were not helpful when you asked. In my experience in such places I usually ask at the ticket office if I can lock the bike somewhere visible and if they can keep an eye on it... Of course they usually say that it is at your own risk but having it locked in a visible place in front of a ticket office or something similar helps. You found your creative solution by hiding in in the forest under a tarp! The theft you experienced is not something that happens often if you don't plan to leave the bike long there. Best one can do is have a look around and if I do see someone that I feel I don't trust hanging around a carpark I would move to another supermarket! Cheers!
@@BromptonTraveler 😀
The alarm is very good, however the cable lock is next to useless. A small pair of electricians side cutter will cut through that in about four snips. A small chain would be much more effective. Regards Stewart
Agree. Like I say in the video it is a deterrent only but I wouldn't say a useless one. It prevents opportunity theft from anybody that sees an unlocked bike and decides to run away with it. For professional thieves that go around carrying special tools for the job, most locks are not good enough anyway. That is the impression also from some of the comments here and that is why I think other ideas on safety are as important. The alarm is one of those and I think it is a good idea as you get alerted. Cheers.
One has only to watch a few episodes of _The Lock Picking Lawyer_ to see any lock is no match to a highly-skilled thief. Best to take your bike inside.
I agree with you. That is why I don't bother taking a very expensive and really heavy lock. When touring though it is not always convenient to bring the bike with you so you have to find some compromises ie. eat at a restaurant or cafe and ask if they can keep an eye on it ( still lock it! ).
OMG I have this same alarm. But I cut down the housing so I can stuff inside the frame.
USE AIRTAGS people! 😛
1)airtag. I can track
2)I have the same alarm. USEFUL! Even if lock some people try to lift up your bike. It happen to my friend. He now uses an alarm.
3) ziplok. It’s like a reusable zip tie. I use the Alarm and ziplok for quick locking for example convenient store. No excuse not to lock.
4)small combo coil lock for long term if necessary.
But try to bring your bike INSIDE folded. What’s the point of a folding bike lol.
Interesting to know! Good idea but how do you keep it stable inside, velcro? As we know they are pretty sensitive to tiny movements. Cheers
@@BromptonTraveler it’s wedged in there. It’s not small enough that it’s loose. But not big enough to get stuck. The problem with putting in the frame is that the remote range is less.
@@SingaporeUntold Many thanks. I might give it a try myself one day.
@@BromptonTraveler or tape under the seat like my friend did
@@SingaporeUntold good option too! Cheers
Thank you for sharing. We are about to visit Utah-Zion National Park. Since we only can ride the shuttle for the Spring season and cannot drive our own car inside the park, so thinking to ride the bike to some of the trail head for the hike. There are bike racks at each shuttle stops, and thinking to use the alarm, but also afraid the distance might be too far to dis-alarm during the hike (or not even hears it). Did you ever have the experience parking your bike at the trail head for the hike?
Lucky you! One of the best places I have ever seen! I haven't left the bike unattended while hiking. As you say in that situation the alarm would not work. The best thing would be to maybe have a coffee or a meal in one of those places not far from the trail and ask if they don't mind you leaving the folded bike there... Not sure if there are any kind rangers that would let you lock the bike where they are? You want to leave it with someone in those cases where you are away and far for hours... Have a great time.
Really interesting, would you ever use the lock to secure your Brompton in a train luggage rack if it was out of your line of site? Thanks
If the bike is packed I would have the same care as if it was a suitcase which means still trying to keep an eye on it especially when people get on and off. I would never leave a folded Brompton out of sight on a train even if locked. When folded it is easy to bring somewhere closer to you if not right where you are. On trains most luggage racks seem to be close to the exit doors and I think the bike there without a lock is very vulnerable. A lock might help but again I would rather keep it close to me and not bother. Thanks
Extremely practical advice 😀. Thanks!
We are keeping each other busy! :) Cheers!
Brompton should make a registry of stolen bike registration numbers and make it public. That way they can always be checked by 2nd hand buyers...
They used to have one but it was then removed due to maintenance issues. Countries also have their own systems in England for example this is an option www.bikeregister.com/
@@BromptonTraveler great share, thanks!
Thanks for the tips!
Thanks Em!
Hi new subscriber. Found you from *chris by bike* UA-camr
Welcome and thanks!
Generally safe in Japan.... not so in many Asia cities, esp Brompton looks as valuable asset and it's tantalizing to have one. haha.... take care bro.
I did have a mountain bike stolen in Kyoto once though! Partly my thought for leaving it locked near the main train station but I doubt it was a police job as they usually leave a note and I haven't found anything once I got back! :) Anyway I know well Japan and it is true that it is generally a far safer country than most. Only alcohol can sometimes play havoc over there and people missing the last train! :)
unscrew and take with you the frame clamps !!
Yes Ian that is a common suggestion. I am only concerned that anybody trying to take the bike that way will end up breaking the frame as well as themselves...
Can I ask how do you usually attend the restroom if need be, or if you are urgent? Do you lock your bike then, or take it with you?
Taking the bike to the restroom is a bit much even for a folding bike! Depends on situation. If you are at a cafe or restaurant and trust it will be safe I leave it unlocked. Otherwise lock it!
Thanks for the Tips as always:) by the way where can we get that Alarm:) Thanks
In the information box you get a link to all the products I recommend. Cheers
@@BromptonTraveler Thank you very much. stay safe always
@@imbentraveling Thanks! You too.
Great tips. Thanks.
Thanks Peter!
Useful tips thanks, especially about staying in a hotel on a day of heavy sightseeing. I have left my Brompton unattended for a minute or two in small rural towns or villages. But elsewhere I either don’t leave it outside at all, or lock it as briefly as possible with a LiteLok Silver. It’s a bit flexible, and I have a second one if necessary which together can encompass a tree or a thick gate post if I want to go on a mountain hike. But I prefer not to carry the weight of a lock so usually I just leave it/them at home and resolve not to leave the bike. My other tip if leaving the bike is to take the saddle with you (if you have telescopic), partly fold the bike and lock the back end, and fold the left pedal - all to make it more perplexing to use!
www.litelok.com/products/litelok-silver-flexi-o?variant=31864923291722
Thanks Peter. That seems a nice option for a lock. I agree that a Brompton can only be left unlocked in small and quiet places and even then I do feel a little jittery as they are well sought after and the resale values of Bromptons is as good as it gets... Cheers.
Ich weiß es nicht ob du in London lebst aber ich habe gehört dass die Londoner Diebe sollen sehr aggressiv sein. Viel Glück und bleib gesund. Grüße aus Düsseldorf.
Yes, London is a risky place to be locking a bike! I would never lock my Brompton outside there. This is true of most large cities, no matter where you are. Danke!
@@BromptonTraveler This was extremely informative. It helps knowing many of my folks in Toronto, Canada often think that it's broken or incomplete when folded since it's so compact.
Therefore, in certain circumstances, it is better to lock it up folded.
@@cirodirosa6752 Thanks Ciro that is also good advice. When the bike is without luggage the best is to take it inside of course, if possible... The trouble when you are touring is that you don't want to remove all the bags when say you walk into a grocery to get some food so the bike cannot be folded. Thank you!
Never too poor to tour
very true.
I am disappointed I thought this video was going to give some tips on how to steal bikes when touring :@(.
Seriously, the only bike that has been stolen from me was my first Brompton. They are highly desirable. The only time I was refused entry to a building with it was London University HQ in Malet street when attending my masters graduation so had to leave it locked up to an Oxford stand. When I came out it was gone. I cannot explain the grief, the anger I felt. I had used a Kryptonite New Yorker D lock which as good as cheese. I also left it under a CCTV camera by the main entrance. When I tried to get footage from the cameras from when I left it, I was told the cameras weren't working by security and the police weren't interested in the slightest. Security told me to take a look at Brick Lane market as that is where all the stolen bikes go in London.
So now I don't let my Brompton out of my sight. I now never ever leave it unattended anywhere. If it cannot come with me, I do not leave it, I go elsewhere. The only place I would leave it would perhaps be a robust lockable locker. It is different for other non folding touring bikes as you can carry heavier locks and tbh they are not quite so desirable as a Brompton. Of course the other risk is if you get bike jacked because you rode into the wrong area. Two cycle tourists a German and a Hungarian were beheaded and dismembered and dumped in a deep ravine in I believe Mexico a couple of years ago. The police are so corrupt they closed the case claiming they had fallen off their bikes. I think their luggage was missing.
The trouble with the Brompton is that it is too easy to carry and thieves want to strip them for parts.
I feel for you Alex! Few decades ago I had a Bianchi racing bike stolen in central London and the only thing that made me cope with it was heading to a shop and buy a new bike there and then...That you had a proper quality lock and it still didn't save your bike confirms a bit what I think. To lock the bike where cameras are didn't work for you but I suppose it might also be a good idea. I am sure whoever tries to take the bike might be put off by the fact that a camera might be filming him. One thing I find with Bromptons ( not sure how long that is going to last... ) is that they look kind of odd and abroad often people have no clue as to what they cost and how good they are. If I am correct those two cyclists did take the risk of cycling a part of Mexico which is well known for crime and should be avoided?
@@BromptonTraveler When I have toured France on my Brompton, so many people have been interested in or amused by it. All have been friendly, but you still can't ignore it's desirability factor to a thief. I had thought about fitting a tracker to it such as the Monomoto that bikers use which was about £100, but I decided instead to just not let it out of my sight when away from home as I could not afford to buy another and in any case at the moment there are hardly any in shops due to CV which makes theft an even greater possibility. Any way I am not using it at the moment so it's safe at home.