Paddington Station - Free work Stand & Tools

Just seen this today inside Paddington Station - haven't used it yet but looks good. (officially opens on Sunday)

Basically just a bike stand and it has all sorts of tools wired up to it for quick jobs.

Made by Cyclehoop

Pump too

Not sure how long it will last unvandalised and even with al the new cameras I wouldn't lock my bike up there.

But anyone know how dodgy paddington station is for bike theft?

I once left a bike locked at Paddington for 2 or 3 days after getting accidentally pissed and then a birthday party that went on for far too long rendered me incapable of leaving the house for a few days.

High on paranoia and fatigue I was convinced it had gone when I finally pulled myself together to get to Paddington - turns out I couldn't remember exactly where I'd locked it. Was v pleased to find it all in one piece.

Not sure one single report is enough quantifiable data for me to rely upon.
What sort of bike was it?
Looking at most the bikes parked up in Paddington today most were rust commuter buckets.

The standard reported paddington as one of the worst places to leave your bike in 2010 - although only 28 thefts, thought it would be higher.

http://lydall.standard.co.uk/2010/06/revealed-the-worst-places-in-london-to-leave-your-bike.html

there is a workstand and pump here as well

Pretty neat idea, with tools on wires.

There's a pump here as well, but no work stand. I think there are a few pumps and probably a thread on them somewhere but I can't be bothered to look now...

It was a fairly new Trek hybrid - not nice in terms of this place, but still was pretty nickable/sellable.

If you want to crunch figures to find somewhere to lock your bike and it still be there, then good luck with that - nowhere out of your sight is truly theftproof, eh?

I've been using the Paddington racks (with the tools next to them) for the last few weeks - the pump is pretty good & seems really solid. I'm not sure if they will get vandalised as they're right at the front in full light next to where all the people stand.

In terms of theft safety; I don't know, my bike has been fine but it is a particularly ratty looking old tourer with a camo effect of brown paint & rust. I bought it so I didn't have to leave my nice bikes there.

With decent locks I imagine your bike wouldn't get nicked as using power tools in a station will draw attention - but damage IS going to occur as everyone that uses the racks seems to be pretty clumsy as bikes get knocked around a lot!

I have been using the Paddington racks for the past month and a half since getting a job in Reading. No theft concerns so far, although agree with IAmNotARobot re bikes getting knocked around a lot. Tend to go to the racks at the far end of the platform which are less congested.

nice pump !

Half-thinking of leaving my bike at the station for a couple of nights while I head out of town for the weekend.

Anyone know if this place is notoriously bad for bike theft?

Since the new stand has opened security seems much improved judging by the amount and quality of bikes being locked up there now.

Also seems to be a fair few police walking around just right now.. not sure why and not sure if thats a good sign or not.

But in answer to your question ... no its not 'notorious'
But over night.?. over a weekend?..seems like a bad idea anywhere.

Depends how nice your bike is & how good your locks are. But no it's not notorious for theft.

Thanks. I bottled it in the end and got the bus, even though my bike is not that nice.

It looks like a good facility. I'd risk it next time.