You are so much more helpful than the salesperson in my local Brompton junction, who tried to shut me down when I asked him for tips on locking the bike when I have to do it.

Insurance + approved lock + a picture every time you lock your bike to make claiming easier is my way to go. Or the budget-friendly way of leaving a note asking thives to leave the broken Kryptonite on the scene so you can get Kryptonite to reimburse you.

Someone tried to steal mine a few years ago in the centre of Dudley,unfortunately he got a bit of a punch in the mouth and was still unconscious when I rode away (shame)

Tips on locking your Brompton outside: 1. You don't lock it outside

I think in the last year I have locked my Brompton outside my destination once (Uni campus dentist, next to their CCTV). I have a shoulder-bag for the buses, bars and restaurants who don't like to see a folding bike.

This channel is a real gift. Useful, thoughtful (and often ingenious) info, well produced and presented enthusiastically. Thanks for making these excellent videos.

I know this video is over a year old but here's a couple of lesser known top tips that might be useful: 1)Leave your bike in a high gear. It makes it more difficult to pedal away quickly. 2)Spin your seat post around backwards. Again it makes riding it off quickly more difficult. 3)Use several different types of locks. A thief is unlikely to carry a bunch of different tools, an angle grinder for example is good for cutting shackle locks but not so good for cables. 4)Try to secure your bike in an awkward, high up position. Tools like bolt cutters are much more difficult to use above your head because you can't use your body weight as leverage. 👍

NEVER leave you beloved Brommie locked outside. There's also vandals to consider as well as thieves.

But the last configuration is: Look at me, I'm Brompton - I'm very expensive.

It’s good that you provide very basic instructions. Viewers might be new to riding a Brompton, or to cycling, even. And starting with the basics is brilliant. 😀

Very sensible approach - and what I took away is use the locks and cables to create extra deterrent and if you can, keep the bike with you.

Good job man, really enjoy your content. Just bought my first Brompton which is a M6L Raw Lacquer -- arriving tomorrow so trying to get up to speed how to use the bike, tips and tricks. You do a fab job explaining everything I'm thinking about for my first couple of months. Thanks! From London.

Many thanks from Germany/Sweden for your great Brompton Tips and Tricks!

Excellent stuff, thank you. I have a Pitlock on the front wheel (with a Schmitt SON generator), so I folded the rear wheel and passed an Abus folding lock through the rear wheel and the rack/object it was tied to; it is too tight to remove the wheel and walk away with the frame & the rest of the bike. The saddle (Brookls B17Special) is unaccounted for, of course; so, after a few times, I decided never to lock it outside. (Brompton M6R Ti 2012)

Another brilliant video! I very rarely lock my B in town but I have two LiteLok Silver Secure locks which can be used singly or together to form a very long loop or two interlocking loops. I use them in rural areas to lock to trees or solid gate posts. Not as secure as the NY U-lock but has more opportunities for use.

Great video Victor. Thanks

you deserve more subsribers. great video, content, audio and tips! cheers

Recent sub, love your channel. I use Pitlock (German company) for my wheel skewer locks, seatpost binder and also Hexlox on all my allen key bolts (saddle rails, stem, oury slip on grips, folding mirror, etc). Your second example of lock through frame & wheel would be better imo with a second u-lock connecting both wheels. I always use two u-locks and bikes survived SF/Oakland, LA, NYC and Montreal from theft. My bike is just a really pain in the ass to steal anything. I have the same saddle -- people would def cut the cable just to pinch it.

I love your videos! Really helpful info. Thank you!

I received my 2020 Brompton electric a few weeks ago and also had a question about locking outside. It appears keeping the bike with me at all times is the way to go, but thank you for the very informative video. Thanks, Chris

Good product and appears well made. Easy to use.

I use a good quality D lock too when I have to leave the bike outside. If riding without a bag, then I lay it on the rear rack, as the locking bar part of the lock fits in the 'niche' at the front of the rack. It can then be held in place using the 2 elastic straps, thereby saving the need to have a lock swinging abut when riding! Cheers.

Thankyou yes l fold the bike when l lock my Brompton. Only when l visit a public toilet. People laugh at me, because l do have a disability key, so where possible l wheel the bike into the cubicle. I’ve noticed in some places, that people are monitoring my bike. (Two people were discussing its value and possibly were hoping to steal it, as they hung around the public toilet area and decided to move away when l took the bike inside the cubicle. ) Best wishes to you and all the viewers. ☺️🌈👌

Very informative and handy tips i have just purchased a foldable bike, so am just getting myself all up to speed with tips and the best ways to lock my bike. I will be subscribing to your channel. Happy riding ❤

I dangle my U-lock on the handlebars, and there have been enough times where it would jump up and out of place, so now I use a garden wire (wire wrapped in silicone or some kind of rubber) that I wrapped around my front basket (would be head tube, in your case), and the other end I secure around the shaft of the lock.

I lock my brompton entirely folded with the lock going through both wheels and frame and then the bike post too with the extra long New York kryptonite M18.

I only did it twice and I never saw anyone locking their Brompton outside here 🙂 Thanks for the tips though. 👍🏼

Ive never ridden a Brompton, in fact I dont even ride a bike regularly, but this is probably the 4th video of yours ive watched. Keep it up!

Good work on the videos.... very useful and well made

I have the same lock - we call then D locks in the UK! I have the extending seat post and tend to take my seat and short extension with me on the very rare times I leave my bike.

Thank you for this video! I sometimes avoid riding my Brompton because I'm not sure where to lock it, in the case where some establishments won't let me bring it in. The tips and techniques are valuable!

Great video. Please have a look at the Abus Bordo 6000 Alarm. It's very versatile, secure and convenient!

What I used to do on my racing bike was detach the front wheel and take it with me in the shop, it’s amazing how doing that totally prevents bike theft…

When I have been forced to lock my Brompton I have used the second method you demonstrated. There's been a few places where I have not been allowed to bring it in: a few department stores, some movie theaters, and when I go swimming to my local sporting club and I cannot attend to the bike, I leave it in the parking lot. Fortunately, there's a guard there, and besides locking it, I ask him kindly to keep an eye on it.

For my travel, Lightweight Brompton, I have bought some different wire cables to bring. Just entering a store, I hopefully won't need that much, but I have also a double loop, thick wire, for a little more heavy jobs, both locking wheels, frame and a nearby pole! But don't leave it outside, as it is double the price of an ordinary bike.

One thing you could do is put a tracker in the bike, put it under the saddle or somewhere very well hidden, that way is if the bike is stolen you can track it and get it back with the police. The apple trackers are really cheap and excellent for this.

Hanging the lock on the handlebar makes sense. An easy way to stop it swinging and knocking is to just tie the lower end to the steering upright - use any piece of string or a lace from a discarded pair of shoes.

Love how there are two KLR650s locked to those racks... Seriously a good moto commuter!

Good and concise tips sire cheers

Things like anti-theft skewers or even putting a little magnet in the seatpost bolt to make it hard to get a wrench in there also help. I've also taken to putting an ugly saddle cover over my saddles to make the bike look cheaper. Never had a single noticeable theft attempt. Of course locking a bike in a very visible and high traffic area also helps.

When it comes to bike locking, it doesn't have to be perfect, just obviously harder than the lock the other guy is using. If there's a place you park often, try leaving a good locking system there. When I was doing a lot of research at a university library, I had a very thick chain and sturdy lock in their under-cover bike storage area. Leaving it there made sense. It was far too heavy to carry about with me. The advantage of a chain is that you can quickly loop it through all the major elements of your bike.

One of the Brompton's greatest features is the fact that you can fold it up and bring it with you, while simultaneously raising your middle finger to bike thieves. No way l'm locking it up. It goes with me, or I go home with it.

Good video. I’ve been doing exactly ‘Method 2 ‘ for the last 2 years on my M3L at various places in London. I use a Kryptonite New Yorker and a coiled cable lock for the seat post. I never leave the Brompton locked outside for more than 2-3 hours though. An obviously in a place where there’s lots of footfall if possible

A Brompton is a $1500+ investment. I would find a way to sneak it in or just go to another place (cafe, store, restaurant) that's Brompton-friendly.

Good post but I would never leave my Bromie. If it is not allowed I I don't go in. Regards

TAKE THE SEAT WITH YOU!

Thanks so much for all the tips you show. Question: what is the size of the Kryptonite U that you use in this video?

Another idea (I didn't test because i own a brompton since only one week) : Removing the screw of the frame will make impossible for anyone to ride the bike... The only solution is to hold it while walking, and it can gives time to identify the theft...

I suggest if you lock it folded, would help to cover it with some kind of covering. Just to add another layer of prevention.

Good tips. A friend of mine had his electric Brompton stolen (he had locked it using the most expensive kryptonite u lock) it was gone within the hour. Unless I was going inside somewhere for less than 5 mins or my bike was constantly in view I would never risk locking it outside.

My Brompton will be arriving on the 21st! Thank you so much for this informative video.

Thanks so much - gotta have a back up!

I'd never leave my Brompton outside - far too valuable. I'd cycle back home. I only use ABUS locks. Brooks saddles are valuable and a thief would definitely go to the trouble of stealing one.

yeah good advice. Mine is 'DON'T!'

Thanks!

My first Brompton was stolen in central London. I used a Kryptonite New York D lock just like yours to secure it in a bike rack under a CCTV camera. This bike D lock was as good as cheese. Luckily my house insurance paid quickly for a replacement Brompton which I now do not let out of my sight when riding it away from home. I now also use Abus Granite D-locks instead. I wouldn't touch Kryptonite locks with a barge pole, certainly not lock up any of my bike(s) with them because Kryptonite locks are rubbish.

Hi again Victor, I wondered if you had heard anything from GoRack about the availability of their M2? I joined the list to be informed of availability and William Ho of GoRack emailed that the estimate was early November. I've heard nothing - now 2 months later and wondered if you'd heard anything? Best wishes, Robert ps I had the local Brompton bike shop do your modification to a Titanium kick stand and yep, it has increased stability and works well - thanks for the tip video! Note you need the right drill bit for Ti. Also unscrewing the hex screw exposed what appeared to be a tiny metal spring that may have acted to help keep the screw tight since it seemed to follow the threads and was way too flimsy to act as any kind of sprng. Anyway, they added a washer on the outside to help stabilize it all after this little spring got bashed up during removal.

Great video! Big help. I like your helmet, what make and model is that?

Fabulous videos! I like the leather-looking cover on the top tube; is it a Brompton product?

Yeah I'll look up or call ahead to see if i can bring in my brompton in with me if im not sure cause i would never want to leave it lock outside. Their are new ways to break the locks and with many people around thiefs will still go for it.

Just got my Brompton today in the nyc store. Peter, who does demonstration videos for Brompton I believe he is the media manager assisted me! I had the cute smart guy from KZfaq! Everyone is great there. I love your videos and I told everyone about your channel. the technician was impressed. I had to get a seat cover gel or foam Not a fan of the seat comfort. Other than that I was zipping along. I did have intermittent battery issues. We’ll see .the button wasn’t responsive. Getting used to folding. Tricky but I’ll get it. Come to nyc!

after locking it up like the way you showed, wrap the entire bike with a regular black garbage bag and most people probably wouldn't even realize there's a bike

Bonjour, toujours content de voir tes vidéos l ami, toujours des bon trucs et bon conseil 🙂Mon brompton,je ne l attacherai jamais,car les Brompton sont trop convoité par les voleurs......

Nice and calm talked through the valuable content - as always - underrated and followed channel 🚴🏻‍♂️💨🌈👍🏻😷

In my country Indonesia, the bike price is $10.000 right now for brompton explorer series

Hi Victor, thanks for this super helpful video! I'm in the market for a Brompton, and after watching this video I was wondering if you could tell me some examples of those times you absolutely had to lock up the bike outside? Thanks!!

which bottle bag you are using? thanks for the great video

Hexlox are good for saddles to,prevent theft..they do them for other parts ie wheels etc

Believe you me they WILL definitely cut a cable to steal a saddle ESPECIALLY if it's a Brooks , best to just take the seat post with you.

I have a great system for locking my brompton outside; remembering that thieves carry angle grinders and brompton's are No 1 on their shopping list, it's something that never happens.

The title should be "tips on locking your Brompton outside" 1. DON'T! 2. DON'T 3. Always take it with you.

Hi Victor. A great video. Like all of us I'm really enjoying your channel. I just have a simple question for you. What camera/phone/selfie stick set up do you use for filming when cycling on the Brompton? Thanks very much. Gus.

I only lock my bike inside the office or at home that way it isn't super easy to roll off with if there's an uninvited guest

Unless you are living in a Brompton hub like London or Barcelona, where Bromptons are easy to sell, you are most likely overdoing it. In most cities Bromptons will just go unnoticed by thieves. Anyway, great tips!

Some notes about U-locks: The one advantage of Kryptonite is their Theft Protection Plan. For just $35 for 5 years they will reimburse you if your bike is stolen for the base price (not accessories or upgrades) of the bike if you supply a police report and a picture of the broken lock. No other lock maker offers this AFIAK. u-locks up to 14mm can be defeated by bolt cutters and all locks (with the caveated possible exception of the lifelok) can be cut by angle grinders in a minute or less. this includes 16mm locks like the Kryptonite New York and 18mm Foggetaboutit.

0:30 best choice of bike lock 👍🏾

HA, I have the exact same bottle/ handlebar bag on my bikes, TOP TIP, the small 'pocket' kryptonite lock fits inside that bag.

You can just take the seat if you have the extended seatpost.

my best tip : never leave your bike unattended , a cordless grinder can go through these locks in under a minute, GUARANTEED YOU WILL LOSE YOUR BIKE it’s just a matter of time , forget even owning a lock keep your bike with you at all times

Carry it - it is why we bought Bromptons 😀

Can you tell me what kind of shirt you are wearing in this clip. I too am a Brompton user. Love your videos. btw, what do you study and where in the US are you?

Great stuff. One other thing... get some *insurance*... the two bikes I had stolen... one was from my closet in my bedroom, and the other was from my cubicle at work... so... Also, try not to get so attached to your bikes... this can be hard, but unless you're going to keep it with you at all times, there's no guarantees... Bromptons rule! ;-)

What saddle is that? Super nice 👍🏾

Im here again because I when I'm out and about I always struggle to go and use public toilets. Folding it and bringing it with me just to use the urinal for 2mins tops is just too much hassle.

I never rode my Specialised Hard Rock mountain bike anywhere that it couldn't come inside with me because of the theft and vandalism risks were just too great. Likewise with a Brompton, which is specifically designed to enable it to accompany it's rider inside buildings, vehicles, etc. I cannot imagine why one would leave their Brompton outside with the virtual guarantee of theft or vandalism.

This is my main concern for buying a Brompton. I don't need it to commute to work but I would love to have a bike that's easy to take on the train and then ride to go visit castles and nature parks that are usually only accessible by car. However I can't take the bike with me into historical buildings so I would have to lock it outside. Considering how expensive they are, it would be just aweful if it got stolen. I'm not sure I if the convenience if offers outways the financial risk.

What the purposes of foldable, when you must lock your bike outside?

Thanks for the tips.. very useful. I'd like to ask you, Which rearrview mirror do you have? Where did you get it?

Always with me. Thats the only way!

If you put the u lock in your backpack you won't notice the weight at all as its on your back. Surprised you didn't know this?

Poke holes through the Brompton bicycle cover to put the Kryptonite Lock through. That way the bike is covered.

Given the scarcity and value of Bromptons at the moment, I would not take the risk of leaving that bike unattended, ever. This is a bike a thief would work very hard to steal.

There ought to be an ear pearcing lock siren I can't risking leaving my 4K $$ bike unattended without that. I think is the best theft deterrent

The attraction of a Brompton to thieves might be lessened by creating a plastic tube that snaps over the "Brompton" label on the frame, replacing it with a name that sounds like a cheap Chinese/Walmart ripoff. It wouldn't work with the more bike savvy thieves but it might help with the stupider ones.

Of course the question is why would you want to lock your Brompton if locking it takes more time than folding it. I would probably just carry some kind of nice looking bag where I can zip my bike and cary inside pretty much anything without revealing what's inside (nobody will think it is a bike!)

Hi Victor, you mentioned you're inside the university. Were there instances when they don't let the bike inside the building? Do you keep the bike in your cubicle? I'm a PhD student relocating and am thinking if I should bring my brompton haha.

Where can I find that leather around the bar? It's nice!

best lock for a brompton is a security guard

I usually connect a brick of C4 and electric shock spikes to my bike. The only downside is if the C4 goes off the bike will be damaged. I might replace the C4 with poison gas or a good lock.

Get on with it!