Bostonwheeler

I assume that, in general, folding bikes are less likely than regular bikes to be stolen, because folding bikes can be brought inside many places when regular bikes would be left outside.

But my question is whether a folding bike locked up in a public place outdoors is less likely to be stolen than a regular bike locked up in the same place using the same lock. One reason this possibly could be the case is that folding bikes are perceived by thieves to be more dorky, and therefore less desirable for thieves to ride themselves and/or less profitable to resell. It also may (or may not) be that if a folding bike is folded when locked, it's even less likely to be stolen than if it's unfolded, as thieves might not be sure how to deal with unfolding it.

Anyone have any data, personal experiences, or insights on this topic?

linberl

I think bikes with smaller wheels are less likely to be stolen in general. There's a more limited "resale" market and parts market. However, if the bike thieves are even a little bit knowledgeable, I would not consider a quality folder safe. I am sure bromptons would be stolen if left locked in the wrong location along with some other folders. They'd probably be targets of opportunity rather than stolen bikes thieves are looking for, like high end roadies or mtbs. The local homeless folks don't mind riding smaller wheeled bikes so there's that to consider as well.

Pahana

There is a saying Trust in God and tie up your camel. If someone is looking to borrow your bike and not return it I don't think it matters if it's a folding bike or not. I personally bring my folding bike into stores as it fits in the shopping cart. As a guy who I rode with years ago told me. If I can't bring my bike in the store then they don't want my business.

tomtomtom123

Most 20" folding bikes are a bit heavy and sometimes too large to fit in shopping trolleys. Also, I've tried it before at a few stores and some wanted to put on a sticker on everything, to make sure that it was something that I brought inside, and not something that they sell in the store. I just lock it up outside in a visible place with a lot of foot traffic, but never overnight.

I use 2 U-locks, both gold rated, one from each of 2 main bike lock companies. Having 2 different models, someone would have to use 2 different techniques to pick them, although I've seen Youtube videos of them being picked in about 2 minutes each by an experienced person. To cut the locks, you'd have to cut all 4 bars of the 2 locks with an electric grinder, which would probably take about 2 minutes.

BromptonINrio

with bromptons, the game changes a lot.
you can virtualy enter anywhere, even banks, and no one bother to ask what are you rolling.

Jipe

The Brompton is the best bike to steal for a thief !

It is relatively expensive and there is a huge demand for used Brompton, so it is very easy to sell used and the price used is high.

Never leave a Brompton outside, even with two high end U-lock.

Since the folded Brompton is very small and easy to carry, it is also very easy to steal folded. There are many reports of stolen Brompton in restaurant, trains... and even in open space offices.

tim24k

I would never leave my Brompton or folding bike unattended anywhere. If I go grocery shopping it goes in the shopping cart, if I go in a restaurant it gets bagged and put under the table, and etc.

linberl

I've got 2 folding bikes for this reason. My lovely Bike Friday pakiT which never leaves my hand, and my Dahon Mu Uno (which I bought used) which I lock up when I go places where taking the pakiT inside might be an issue. If someone steals my Dahon, I'll be sad cuz it's a nice bike, but I only out two hundred bucks, not two thousand+.

john m flores 

I just started spending more time in Washington DC and like any metro area there's a risk of theft. Many of the cafes and restaurants are small inside, so bringing the bike in is not always practical or considerate. I've replaced the quick release skewers of my Zizzo Liberte wheels with Pinhead locks but I still worry about my seatpost. I can get a Pinhead lock for it but that will slow the fold.