First time I’ve seen this. On an intercity train in Andalusia, Spain.
Doubly useful because they also serve to hold the bike in place. In France some trains have (lockless) racks with bungees which you pull over the bike.
Both ideas seem to be experimental replacements for the more common hanger racks (where you hang the bike by the wheel). Those were never great for tourists with paniers and they’re becoming untenable in the era of weird-geometry bikes and, um, fat lazy electric ones like the one you see there.
You must log in or # to comment.
Oh, such an interesting rack-lock! I avoid using hanger racks if possible, also because I have rather broad handlebars and the hanger racks on the trains I use often are rather closely spaced. So I prefer to lean the bike, however with my U-lock it is almost impossible to lock it to something (which is a good idea if I don’t sit close, although I haven’t heard of a bike theft on the trains here in Slovenia yet).
Indeed, I haven’t heard of bike theft on trains either. Problem is, if the thief can pull it off, it makes the perfect crime. As the victim you’re basically screwed the moment the doors close and the train starts to move. This is why I never let my eyes off luggage or bikes when on a train. Even more so on a bus.
I don’t fully understand the coin-operated part yet! Is it like a shopping trolley where you get the coin back at the end? And does anything stop someone else coming and unlock it? Or do you use your existing lock to tie it to this cable?
I certainly prefer these to the hanger racks. Those are just awful and add so much stress, especially when you join the train in the middle of a route, people are milling around, and you’re trying to jam this bike into a really awkward space while people stream past you. I actively avoid taking my bike on those routes because it’s so stressful, the strap/bungee alternatives are much better.
Is it like a shopping trolley where you get the coin back at the end?
Yes.
Is it like a shopping trolley where you get the coin back at the end?
You turn the key and out comes the key! Like coin-operated lockers in train stations. Better not lose the key!
Agreed about the hangers. It’s always a mess, they only really suit skinny racing bikes. And everyone else needs to babysit their bike if only to stop it rolling away.
This time with the lock I actually went and sat in a normal seat elsewhere for once! I’m sold.
You turn the key and out comes the key! Like coin-operated lockers in train stations
Ohhhh, that’s awesome! I want one of these on my trains :D
