Locking up Bikes on road in ED

[JW92]

So I'm looking to buy a bike in the next week or so but I don't have any space to keep the bike in my flat. So I pose the question to you lovely folk - what is the risk of a low cost road bike being stolen outside on a bike loop?

Anyone have any positive or negative experiences to feedback?

[SpringTime]

The risk is high. And stop saying "so."

[JW92]

The risk is high. And stop saying "so."

 

Thanks for the insightful response.

[cohen22]

Oh dear. ....'SpringTime' (the local so and so).

Judging by their previous posts they have singularly failed to get any English Key Stage 1 tutoring jobs that they seem to perpetually advertise for in the Dulwich area.

They do though seem to have had more success in the 'Tools For Sale' (as advertised) section on this site!!

I wouldn't advise locking your bike outside. Wall bike brackets that can be placed in a hallway will work if you have space.

I wish you all the best.

[SpringTime]

"Judging by their previous posts they have singularly failed to get any English Key Stage 1 tutoring jobs that they seem to perpetually advertise for in the Dulwich area.

They do though seem to have had more success in the 'Tools For Sale' (as advertised) section on this site!!"

Think you've got me mixed up with someone else.

It's high risk anyway Josh so keep the bike indoors.

Happy New Year

[malumbu]

What would be the value of your bike second hand? If not worth say a ton or more I can't see 'professionals' nicking it. My last one was definitely stolen to order, the one before little value, an opportunist, maybe to score some class A drugs (assumptions, assumptions)

If you personalise it, distress it, it will be less desirable. If it looks dumped, particularly near a station (flat tyres, dirty), you will get it stripped of most parts.

So it is as much about the value to you. I, and many others, have a 'pub' bike, to leave outside the shops, station etc, Get it marked - Bike Register - the police have regular stalls doing this on Lordship Lane.

My main issue would be damage from weather, if not looked after chains will rust, cables will seeze etc

On a national scale not enought being done to reduce cycle theft such as the ease of sale on Gumtree, and virtually no secure casual secure (ie bike racks with locking mechanisms) street bike parking,

https://www.bikeregister.com/events

[ed_pete]

Info on Southwark Cycle Hangers here, including a link to request one in your street.

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/transport-and-roads/sustainable-travel/cycling/cycle-parking-and-security?chapter=3

[exdulwicher]

There are various wall-mounted options - some pretty simple and temporary, others getting a bit more involved with screws and nails but unless it really is a tiny flat or single room place, there's almost always some sort of option:

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/how-to-store-your-bike-indoors/

https://www.cyclist.co.uk/buying-guides/4550/best-bike-storage-ideas

Something like this that expands against floor and ceiling is completely tool free:

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/250-dual-touch--bike-stand

You've not said what type of bike you're buying (or budget) but have you considered a folding bike? Doesn't have to be a full on "folds up tiny" thing like a Brompton, loads of options for "half fold".

[cookie]

If you have a front yard, a wall anchor with top quality lock is an option.

I store my bike in my front yard, attached to a wall anchor with top of the range Abus Granit D lock. It gets locked there in the evening with a cable through the wheels and a bike cover. It's a bit of a faff, but never been stolen. Wheels were stolen before I started using a cable through them though.

[Earl Aelfheah]

You may be able to get a space in a bike hanger.

If it's not an expensive bike and you double lock it though - it should be OK imo. Depends on where you are really.

[JW92]

What would be the value of your bike second hand? If not worth say a ton or more I can't see 'professionals' nicking it. My last one was definitely stolen to order, the one before little value, an opportunist, maybe to score some class A drugs (assumptions, assumptions)

If you personalise it, distress it, it will be less desirable. If it looks dumped, particularly near a station (flat tyres, dirty), you will get it stripped of most parts.

So it is as much about the value to you. I, and many others, have a 'pub' bike, to leave outside the shops, station etc, Get it marked - Bike Register - the police have regular stalls doing this on Lordship Lane.

My main issue would be damage from weather, if not looked after chains will rust, cables will seeze etc

On a national scale not enought being done to reduce cycle theft such as the ease of sale on Gumtree, and virtually no secure casual secure (ie bike racks with locking mechanisms) street bike parking,

https://www.bikeregister.com/events

 

Looking at getting something second-hand around the £100 mark but beginning to edge towards a foldable now after the feedback on here. My car is only around the corner so my thinking is I can quickly dump it in and out of the boot. Problem solved. Thanks for the advice.

[JW92]

You may be able to get a space in a bike hanger.

If it's not an expensive bike and you double lock it though - it should be OK imo. Depends on where you are really.

 

No space available in any of the hangers near my flat - a shame as this would have been ideal.

[sunbob]

Over the course of just over a couple of decades we have had our bikes stolen/parts taken an average of approximately once every 7 years. This is from a side yard, locked to downpipes with gold level bike or light "motorbike" chains and covered in locked tarpaulins. Not particularly valuable bikes.

Also they gradually rust outside. If I had any more space inside, I would definitely buy superlight bikes and hang them on the wall inside.

[JW92]

Over the course of just over a couple of decades we have had our bikes stolen/parts taken an average of approximately once every 7 years. This is from a side yard, locked to downpipes with gold level bike or light "motorbike" chains and covered in locked tarpaulins. Not particularly valuable bikes.

Also they gradually rust outside. If I had any more space inside, I would definitely buy superlight bikes and hang them on the wall inside.

 

The only option available to me is a public bike hoop on a busy road so if you are experiencing this then I think I had best leave it! Thanks for the advice.

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

So I think you have two options:

- buy a foldable, which is a bit more expensiv3 but actually very useful because you can do multimodal transport more easily - in and out your car, on and off the train... The good ones don't lose value so you can just sell it if it doesn't work out for you

- you can rent from Buzzbike. As I understand it - check the details - it's fully maintained, with a lock etc and if it gets stolen THEY bear the loss and replace it

So don't give up yet...!

[Earl Aelfheah]

There are bikes that are kept double locked on my street and they seem to be fine. As long as you lock the frame to something solid and also the front wheel, then it should be OK (unless it's a very expensive bike).

[Gabe]

With a low cost second hand bike, you'll probably be fine. And if you lose one now and again, so be it.

A folding bike you keep in your car is probably more risky because they're worth more -- there's a chance someone will notice and break into your car for it. This happened to me once -- they stole the car, crashed it, and took the brompton from the boot.

[Natty]

A good folding bike should live in flat/house definitely not a car.

I wouldn't leave a folding bike outside on the railing even for a quick nip into a store.

I had one nicked from locked up inside the grounds of a sports center, right by the front doors and it had a really good lock on it. 2 mins with an axle grinder and gone.

It now goes inside everywhere with me.

[nipperpenrose]

You may be able to get a space in a bike hanger.

If it's not an expensive bike and you double lock it though - it should be OK imo. Depends on where you are really.

 

I have just been allocated a bike hangar on Goodrich Road in ED. It only took two and a half years on the waiting list.