Folding Bike Locks represent a significant advancement in bicycle security, ingeniously engineered to overcome the limitations of traditional u-locks and cumbersome chains. These modern marvels consist of interconnected steel plates, offering unparalleled flexibility in securing your bike to various objects, while also folding into a remarkably compact form for effortless portability.
Let’s delve into the world of folding bike locks, starting with a balanced look at their pros and cons. Following this, I’ll guide you to the top folding bike lock recommendations tailored to different risk scenarios, drawing from rigorous user testing and the latest security assessments.
The Upsides of Folding Bike Locks
While folding bike locks might tip the scales ever so slightly heavier than u-locks providing similar locking space and protection levels (though notably lighter than comparable chains), their design unlocks a world of locking possibilities unmatched by any u-lock. The secret lies in their adaptable structure; by manipulating the folding plates, you gain the freedom to secure your bike in situations where u-locks simply fall short.
Folding lock securing to a thick lamppost
Imagine trying to secure your bike to a thick lamppost – an impossible task for most u-locks. Similarly, locking two bikes together with a single standard u-lock is often a frustrating endeavor.
Folding lock securing two bikes together
Folding bike locks effortlessly tackle these challenges thanks to their shape-shifting ability. In fact, they emerge as the optimal lock type for securing multiple bikes at once or when standard bike racks are not an option.
Compact folded folding lock
Beyond their versatility, folding locks are champions of portability. Their ability to collapse into a compact form factor makes them exceptionally easy to carry. Whether tucked into a bag or mounted on your bike frame using the provided mount, they are the epitome of hassle-free transport. In a bag, they occupy significantly less space than a u-lock. Cyclists who have wrestled with noisy and unstable u-lock frame mounts will truly appreciate the snug, silent fit of a folding bike lock against their frame.
Folding lock mounted on a bike frame
No more rattling, no more shifting, and no more worrying about your lock detaching mid-ride! Folding locks stand out as user-friendly and undeniably the easiest to carry. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge their downsides too.
The Downsides of Folding Bike Locks
While folding bike locks offer greater practicality compared to u-locks and chains, securing your bike might require a tad more time. Positioning the plates correctly, particularly in crowded bike parking areas, can be slightly more involved.
Furthermore, their intricate construction makes them potentially less resilient after enduring a forceful theft attempt. While damaged rivets or bent plates might not compromise the lock’s primary function of securing your bike, they could hinder its ability to fold neatly afterwards.
High-quality folding locks also tend to be pricier than many u-locks, although their cost is generally comparable to that of chain locks.
Unfolded folding lock showing plates and rivets
The most critical consideration is security. Due to their thinner plates compared to u-lock shackles, and the vulnerability of rivets to drilling or shearing attacks, low-quality folding locks offer minimal security. Discerning between a robust and a flimsy folding lock can be challenging for the untrained eye.
This underscores the importance of heeding independent security ratings for folding locks and meticulously aligning your personal risk profile with the appropriate security level. When these precautions are taken, folding locks remain a superb choice.
Selecting the Ideal Folding Bike Lock for Your Needs
If your priority is a lock that combines effortless portability with versatile locking options, a folding bike lock is an outstanding choice. The pivotal question then becomes: which model is right for you? Finding the best bike lock for your specific circumstances involves a straightforward two-step process.
Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Security Level
The first crucial step in choosing a bike lock is assessing the security level that matches your risk exposure. Answering the three quick questions in the quiz below will provide a reliable recommendation.
Based on your responses, the quiz will suggest a Sold Secure Silver, Gold, or Diamond rated bike lock as the most suitable for your situation.
If you’re unfamiliar with Sold Secure, it’s a renowned independent, UK-based security testing organization. They rigorously test bike locks (and other security products) to destruction, rating them based on the time it takes to defeat them.
Sold Secure Ratings Explained. Bronze signifies the lowest security, while Diamond represents the highest level of protection.
Locks are awarded Bronze (least secure), Silver, Gold, or Diamond (most secure) ratings. Given their extensive testing and expertise, Sold Secure ratings are the most dependable indicator of a lock’s true security performance.
I advise against Bronze-rated locks for any scenario, thus they are not recommended in the quiz. Currently, no folding locks have achieved the Sold Secure Diamond rating.
Therefore, for folding locks, we are left with Sold Secure Silver (for lower-risk situations) and Sold Secure Gold (for higher-risk scenarios). If the quiz recommended a Diamond-rated lock, my top high-security choice below might suffice. However, exploring u-locks could also be worthwhile for ultimate security.
Step 2: Choose a Folding Bike Lock Based on Security Level
The subsequent step is selecting a specific lock model. The choice is relatively straightforward with folding bike locks due to the limited yet quality options available!
Sold Secure Silver Folding Locks
| Model | Thickness | Weight | Cans of Coke Equivalent | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foldylock Classic | 4.5 mm | 1.34 kg (2.95 lb) | 3.5 | |
| AXA Foldable 1000 | 10 mm | 1.97 kg (4.34 lb) | 5.5 | 41.3″ (105 cm) |
| Foldylock Mini | 5 mm | 0.89 kg (1.96 lb) | 2.5 | |
| Foldylock Clipster | 5 mm | 0.9 kg (1.98 lb) | 2.5 | 29.5″ (75 cm) |
| Foldylock Compact | 5 mm | 1 kg (2.2 lb) | 2.5 |
Sold Secure Gold Folding Locks
| Model | Thickness | Weight | Cans of Coke Equivalent | Length | ART rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foldylock Forever | 6.5 mm | 1.76 kg (3.88 lb) | 4.5 | 35.4″ (90 cm) | 3 stars |
| Abus Bordo Granit X Plus 6500 85 | 5.5 mm | 1.76 kg (3.88 lb) | 4.5 | 33.5″ (85 cm) | |
| Abus Bordo Granit X Plus 6500 110 | 5.5 mm | 2.16 kg (4.76 lb) | 6 | 43.0″ (110 cm) | 2 stars |
| Abus Bordo 6500a SmartX | 5.5 mm | 2.3 kg (5.07 lb) | 6 | 43.0″ (110 cm) | |
| Abus Bordo 6500a SmartX RC | 5.5 mm | 2.32 kg (5.11 lb) | 6 | 43.0″ (110 cm) | 2 stars |
| Abus Bordo 6405 85 | 5.5 mm | 1.7 kg (3.75 lb) | 4.5 | 33.5″ (85 cm) | |
| Abus Bordo 6405 110 | 5.5 mm | 1.95 kg (4.29 lb) | 5 | 43.0″ (110 cm) | 2 stars |
| Trelock FS 580 Toro | 5.5 mm | 1.58 kg (3.48 lb) | 4 | 35.4″ (90 cm) | |
| Kryptonite Evolution 790 | 5.4 mm | 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) | 4 | 35.4″ (90 cm) | 2 stars |
| AXA Fold Ultra | ? | 1.44 kg (3.17 lb) | 4 | 35.4″ (90 cm) | |
| Squire Stronghold FL/850 | 5 mm | 2.04 kg (4.5 lb) | 5.5 | 33.46″ (85 cm) | |
| Foldylock Elite | 6.5 mm | 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) | 5 | 43.3″ (110 cm) | |
| Oxford LinkLockGL | 5 mm | 1.64 kg (3.62 lb) | 4.5 | 35.4″ (90 cm) | 2 stars |
Leading Folding Bike Lock Brands
As highlighted in the tables, the landscape of folding locks offering acceptable security levels is not vast.
It’s crucial to reiterate: more so than with other lock types, I strongly recommend steering clear of folding locks lacking Sold Secure or ART (more on ART later) ratings. Their inherent vulnerabilities mean unrated folding locks can be exceptionally insecure.
Notably, a few manufacturers dominate the folding lock market: Abus, Foldylock (also known as Seatylock on Amazon), and Allegion (the parent company of Kryptonite, AXA, and Trelock).
Having personally tested many of these locks, Foldylocks consistently emerge as my favorites. They offer a comprehensive range of security levels and features, and their dedication to user-friendliness is evident, a critical factor often overlooked.
The Best High-Security Folding Bike Lock
While the selection of Sold Secure Gold folding locks has expanded, one model stands out as the premier choice: the Foldylock Forever.
Foldylock Forever| Foldylock Forever |
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What distinguishes the Foldylock Forever?
Its steel plates are an impressive 6.5 mm thick, a full millimeter thicker than other Gold-rated folding locks like the Abus Bordo 6500, Kryptonite Evolution 790, and Trelock FS 580.
Foldylock Forever plate thickness comparison
It’s the first folding lock to incorporate such thick steel plates, significantly boosting its security. My attempts to cut through them with giant bolt cutters proved futile, and I doubt any thief would have better luck.
Foldylock has also fortified the nuts connecting the steel plates, a known weak point in lesser folding locks vulnerable to bolt cutters or nut-splitters.
Foldylock Forever nut protection detail
While opportunistic thieves may not always position the lock optimally for bolt cutter attacks, and street thieves rarely carry nut splitters, Foldylock’s proactive approach to this vulnerability further enhances security.
Despite sharing the Sold Secure Gold rating with competitors, the Foldylock Forever is unique in achieving a 3-star ART rating.
ART Security Rating is another respected independent security testing organization, rating locks from one to five stars.
3 stars from ART certification signifies suitability for mopeds and scooters, indicating a substantially higher security level.
The Foldylock Forever is the sole folding lock to earn 3 ART stars, a testament to its exceptional security.
If the quiz suggested a Diamond-rated lock for your needs, the Foldylock Forever is the closest folding lock contender. However, for the absolute pinnacle of protection, consider angle grinder resistant u-locks.
Beyond its superior security, the Foldylock Forever outshines other Gold-rated folding locks in user experience.
Unlike the Abus Bordo 6500 which can feel stiff, the Foldylock Forever’s plates move with remarkable smoothness. Its plastic housing is smooth and tactile, contrasting with the Abus’s somewhat sticky rubber coating. The carry case features a clever design that eliminates the need for a retention strap, allowing for quicker and easier lock access and storage.
Foldylock Forever size comparison with u-lock
I also prefer the 35.4″ (90 cm) length of the Foldylock Forever over the 33.5″ (85 cm) or 43.3″ (110 cm) options of Abus folding locks. It strikes a balance, offering more locking space than a standard u-lock without excessive weight.
Minor drawbacks of the Foldylock Forever include the plastic keyhole cover. While the indented design that automatically splits upon key insertion is convenient, a metal cover, like those on Abus locks, might offer greater long-term durability in this high-wear area.
The Foldylock Forever is undeniably a heavy-duty lock, weighing 3.88 lb (1.76 kg), equivalent to 4.5 cans of Coke. Higher security inevitably means greater weight, an unavoidable trade-off. When using the frame mount, the weight is hardly noticeable. However, carrying it in a bag will make its heft apparent.
For those prioritizing lighter weight, the AXA Fold Ultra, Kryptonite Evolution 790, or Trelock FS 580 Toro (essentially rebranded versions of the same lock) are slightly lighter at around 4 cans of Coke equivalent. However, the security trade-off compared to the Foldylock Forever is significant.
The Best Mid-Security Folding Bike Lock
The selection of Sold Secure Silver folding locks is even narrower, with only Foldylock and AXA offering viable options.
The AXA Foldable 1000 employs a different design with joined cylindrical bars. Again, Foldylock models take the lead, offering lighter, more user-friendly options, including a wearable variant.
Foldylock Compact| Foldylock Compact |
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The Foldylock Compact is arguably the top pick, striking an excellent balance between weight and length for most cyclists. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs.
Foldylock Compact size compared to u-lock
The Foldylock Compact, at 33.5″ (85 cm) long, offers roughly the same internal locking space as a standard u-lock while weighing a mere 1 kg (2.2 lb), about 2.5 cans of Coke. This provides ample locking versatility with minimal weight burden.
Foldylock Compact securing to a large object
The 5 mm thick steel plates of the Foldylock Compact offer slightly enhanced security compared to the Foldylock Classic, despite both holding the same Sold Secure Silver rating. It also incorporates the same rivet protection as the Foldylock Forever, deterring splitting attempts.
Furthermore, it shares the smooth plate movement, clever frame mount, user-friendly keyhole cover, and tactile yet durable plastic housing of the Foldylock Forever.
While not designed for high-risk environments, the Foldylock Compact is a commendable lightweight and practical option when maximum security is not paramount.
Foldylock Compact mounted on a bike
For cyclists with bikes featuring thinner frames or wheels, or those comfortable with a shorter lock, the Foldylock Mini or Clipster are viable alternatives. These models are identical to the Compact but slightly shorter at 29.5″ (75 cm).
This reduced length naturally translates to lighter weight, making the Foldylock Mini the lightest folding lock currently available that still offers a reasonable level of protection. At just 0.89 kg (1.96 lb), it weighs about the same as 2.5 cans of Coke.
Foldylock Clipster worn on a belt
The Foldylock Clipster is essentially the Foldylock Mini with the addition of a belt clip, allowing it to be worn around your waist like a Hiplok. Its featherlight weight makes this a remarkably convenient carrying method.
The Competition
Among other folding locks tested, the Trelock FS 580 Toro, Kryptonite Evolution 780, and AXA Fold Ultra stand out as worthy contenders. These are essentially the same lock, rebranded by their parent company.
Let’s focus on the Trelock FS 580 Toro as an example.
Despite sharing the Sold Secure Gold rating with the Foldylock Forever, the Trelock FS 580 Toro offers demonstrably less security. Its steel plates are 1 mm thinner, and it lacks the nut protection found on the Forever.
Trelock FS 580 Toro plate thickness
This difference is reflected in its 2-star ART rating, compared to the Foldylock Forever’s 3-star rating.
However, while sharing the 35.4″ (90 cm) length of the Foldylock Forever, the Trelock FS 580 Toro is 10% lighter at 1.58 kg (3.48 lb), roughly equivalent to 4 cans of Coke.
Folding lock securing to a thick lamppost
In terms of usability, the Trelock FS 580 Toro might even surpass the Foldylock. Its rotating mechanism allows for consistent positioning of the locking end. The spring-loaded arm mechanism securely anchors the lock, freeing your hand while you turn the key.
Furthermore, the Trelock comes with a convenient quick-release frame mount for effortless lock access and storage.
Trelock FS 580 Toro rotating locking mechanism
While not as secure as the Foldylock Forever, the Trelock FS 580 Toro offers superior protection compared to Sold Secure Silver-rated Foldylocks, making it a compelling intermediate security option with exceptional usability.
The Kryptonite Evolution 780 and AXA Fold Ultra offer identical features with minor design variations. Neither is definitively superior. If a Gold-rated lock is needed but ultimate security is not paramount, prioritize price when choosing between these three models.
Best Folding Bike Lock Summary
Folding locks are a compelling alternative to traditional u-locks and chains, offering enhanced locking versatility, lighter weight than chains, and superior portability compared to both.
However, inherent security vulnerabilities exist in folding lock designs due to their thinner steel plates and numerous moving parts, making them susceptible to various attack methods.
Therefore, careful selection based on security ratings is paramount when choosing a folding bike lock.
As always, prioritize locks with Sold Secure Silver or Gold ratings, aligning the rating with your risk level.
Folded Foldylock Compact for portability
For mid-level security needs, the Foldylock Compact, Classic, Mini, or Clipster are excellent choices, combining ease of use with various length and carrying options to suit individual preferences.
For high-security applications, the Foldylock Forever reigns supreme. As the only folding lock with a 3-star ART rating, it provides unparalleled protection among folding locks, suitable even for high-risk scenarios.
Foldylock Forever in its frame mount
For those seeking a middle ground between security and usability, the Trelock FS 500 Toro, Kryptonite Evolution 780, or AXA Fold Ultra offer a balanced option, providing greater ease of use than the Foldylock Forever while exceeding the security of Sold Secure Silver-rated Foldylocks.
If you disagree with my assessments, please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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