While I love the fact I can take my Brompton everywhere at times it is just not convenient and so I also carry a lock. The downside is the stronger the lock the heavier it is. But only a problem if you use a messenger bag rather than a Brompton bag as you are carrying that extra weight on your back.
I use an Abus Varedo D lock that is 300mm in length. It does come smaller but I got this size to ensure that it will get around the bike wheel and a post. The lock slips into the Timbuk 2 messenger bag and off I go. I choose this lock because it has a security rating and while no lock is unbreakable my insurance company would not be happy if I didn’t attempt to have adequate protection for the Brompton. There are locks with a higher rating but these are too heavy to carry around.
I always lock my bike to a metal post. I avoid those tiny D shaped wheel park posts that are still around some public buildings. They only allow you to lock the wheel to the post. They also don’t support the bike which can be knocked over. I will look for a bike stand and although there has been an increase in Central London there are not enough. In the absence of a bike stand or metal railing I will lock the bike to a tall road sign. I am not overjoyed about this as someone who is very agile and strong could slide the bike up and off the sign.
I have never left the bike locked up outside late at night.
Comments
http://www.velorution.biz/shop/abus-bordo-granit-x-plus/?s=bordo&st=shopp
1. It is not clear where on the frame this lock can be fixed without hindering the folding & carrying system of the Brompton.
2. I personally don’t need a maximum level lock. I have enough protection with a level 9 lock. Getting a more secure lock doesn’t give me any extra benefits. In the end if in doubt I just take the bike with me.
3. The lock you suggest is twice the price of the Varedo lock.
4. The lock you suggest is considerably heavier than carrying a Varedo. The Borodo Granit X Plus weighs 1.625 kg (3llbs 9 oz) versus the Varedo 1.193 kg or 2 lbs 10oz. This will add an additional 3.5lbs in weight to the Brompton. I carry my bike a lot (while transferring on public transport) and this is extra weight on the bike I don’t need. At least with the Varedo it is tucked away in my bag which is on my back. And as we know I don’t have to use or carry a lock at all with the Brompton.
Not locking it and taking it with you all the time is better.
I think that you have also sent me an email which I have replied to. But in case you are different reader here is what I have just sent on the subject of Eazy wheels
Brompton bikes without a rear rack come with two small rollers on the rear frame. If you get a rear rack there are two small rollers at the back. You can see in this link the rear rack with the standard rollers. Two on the frame and two on the rack.
http://www.brompton.co.uk/image_window.asp?i=/images/bikepartoptions/big/Version_R.jpg&a=Version%20R%20%28mudguards%20and%20rear%20rack%29
These are the roller wheels you should switch for Eazy Wheels which are larger and have taken me over all kinds of surfaces when I have been pushing or dragging the bike. To be clear you will need four Eazy wheels as you will be replacing the rollers on the frame and the rack.
I guess that Brompton gives you the option of not having Eazy wheels if you want to keep the bike as simple and light as possible. Don’t worry the wheels are not heavy but some owners do worry about every gramme or ounce and so don’t have the rack or Eazy Wheels.
I have never had a problem with the bike falling over when using the Eazy wheels and I consider them an essential item on my bike.
Best wishes