Folding bicycle locks, also known as Collapsible Bike Locks, represent a significant advancement in bike security, addressing some of the limitations inherent in traditional u-locks and chains. These innovative locks are constructed from a series of interconnected steel plates, offering exceptional flexibility for securing your bike in various scenarios. They can be easily manipulated to fit around diverse objects and then neatly folded into a compact form for effortless portability.
Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of collapsible bike locks to understand if they are the right choice for your needs. Following this, we’ll explore the top collapsible bike lock recommendations tailored to different security risk levels, drawing upon user testing and current security ratings.
Advantages of Collapsible Bike Locks
While collapsible bike locks might be slightly heavier than u-locks providing comparable locking space and security (and considerably lighter than equivalent chains), their adaptable design offers significantly more locking versatility than any u-lock.
Folding lock around thick lamppost
A collapsible bike lock easily secures a bike to a large lamppost, something impossible with a u-lock.
For instance, securing your bicycle to a substantial lamppost or oversized street furniture is often impossible with a u-lock. Similarly, locking two bikes together with a standard u-lock can be challenging, if not unattainable.
A folding lock securing two bikes
Securing two bikes is straightforward with a collapsible bike lock.
However, these scenarios are easily managed with a collapsible bike lock due to its shapeshifting capability. In fact, collapsible bike locks are arguably the optimal lock type for securing multiple bikes simultaneously or for anchoring a bike to unconventional fixtures beyond standard bike racks.
Folding locks are really compact
The compact folded form of a collapsible bike lock makes it incredibly portable.
Furthermore, their compact folding design makes collapsible bike locks exceptionally easy to transport. Whether stored in a bag or utilizing the provided frame mount, they are the least cumbersome lock type to carry. They occupy minimal space in a bag compared to u-locks. Cyclists who have struggled with noisy and insecure u-lock frame mounts will appreciate the snug, silent fit of a collapsible bike lock against their bike frame.
Folding lock in case on bike
Frame mounts ensure a secure, rattle-free transport for collapsible bike locks.
No rattling, no movement, and no worries about the lock detaching during your ride! Collapsible bike locks stand out as user-friendly and highly portable. However, it’s important to consider their drawbacks as well.
Disadvantages of Collapsible Bike Locks
While generally more practical than u-locks and chains, securing your bike with a collapsible bike lock can be slightly slower. Maneuvering the plates into position, especially in crowded bike parking areas, might take a bit more time.
Due to their more intricate construction, collapsible bike locks may be more vulnerable to damage after a forceful attack. While bent plates or damaged rivets might not completely compromise the lock’s protective function, they could hinder its ability to fold correctly.
Higher-quality collapsible bike locks tend to be pricier than many u-locks, although their cost is generally comparable to chain locks.
Abus Bordo 6000 unfolded
The design of collapsible bike locks, with thin plates and numerous joints, presents potential vulnerabilities.
Crucially, because the plates are thinner than u-lock shackles, and the rivets are susceptible to drilling or shearing, low-quality collapsible bike locks often offer very limited security. Distinguishing between low and high-quality collapsible bike locks isn’t always easy.
Therefore, it’s particularly vital to pay attention to independent security ratings for collapsible bike locks and carefully align your personal risk assessment with the appropriate security level. When chosen wisely, they remain an excellent security solution.
Selecting the Best Collapsible Bike Lock for Your Needs
If you prioritize portability and versatile locking options, a collapsible bike lock is an outstanding choice. The key question is: which one should you choose? Finding the ideal bike lock for your circumstances involves a straightforward, two-step process.
Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Security Level
When selecting a bike lock, the initial step is to assess the security level that aligns with your risk profile. Consider factors like where you typically park your bike and for how long.
Independent security rating organizations like Sold Secure provide valuable guidance.
Sold Secure. Bronze = less secure. Diamond = most secure.
Sold Secure, a UK-based independent testing organization, rigorously tests and rates bike locks and other security products based on their resistance to attack. They award ratings ranging from Bronze (least secure) to Diamond (most secure). Their ratings are widely recognized as a reliable indicator of a lock’s actual security performance.
For collapsible bike locks, Sold Secure Silver and Gold ratings are the most relevant. Currently, there are no Sold Secure Diamond rated collapsible bike locks available. Silver rated locks are suitable for lower-risk situations, while Gold rated locks are recommended for higher-risk scenarios.
Step 2: Choose a Collapsible Bike Lock Based on Security Level
The next step is to select a specific collapsible bike lock model. The choices within each security level are relatively focused.
Sold Secure Silver Collapsible Bike Locks
| Model | Thickness | Weight | Cans of Coke | 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 Collapsible Bike Locks
| Model | Thickness | Weight | Cans of Coke | 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 |
Collapsible Bike Lock Brands
As highlighted in the tables, the availability of collapsible bike locks with acceptable security levels is limited. It is crucial to prioritize locks with Sold Secure or ART ratings, as unrated collapsible bike locks can be exceptionally vulnerable due to their inherent design characteristics.
The market is dominated by a few key manufacturers: Abus, Foldylock (also known as Seatylock on Amazon), and Allegion (owner of Kryptonite, AXA, and Trelock).
Foldylocks consistently stand out due to their broad range of security levels, user-friendly features, and commitment to ease of use.
The Best High-Security Collapsible Bike Lock
Among the Sold Secure Gold rated collapsible bike locks, the Foldylock Forever emerges as the top choice.
Foldylock Forever| Foldylock Forever |
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What sets the Foldylock Forever apart? Its 6.5 mm thick steel plates are a significant upgrade, 1 mm thicker than other Gold-rated competitors like the Abus Bordo 6500, Kryptonite Evolution 790, and Trelock FS 580.
Foldylock Forever plate thickness
The Foldylock Forever boasts unparalleled 6.5 mm thick steel plates for enhanced security.
These thicker plates substantially elevate its security level, making it resistant to bolt cutters. Foldylock has also reinforced the nuts connecting the steel plates, a known weak point in lesser collapsible bike locks.
Foldylock Forever nut protection
Nut protection on the Foldylock Forever adds an extra layer of security.
While maintaining a Sold Secure Gold rating, the Foldylock Forever uniquely holds a 3-star ART rating. ART, another independent security organization, awards ratings from one to five stars. A 3-star ART rating signifies suitability for mopeds and scooters, indicating a significantly higher security level and making the Foldylock Forever the only collapsible bike lock to achieve this.
3 stars from ART = suitable for mopeds and scooters
For those recommended a Diamond rated lock, the Foldylock Forever comes close in security, although for ultimate protection, angle grinder resistant u-locks remain the top choice.
Beyond security, the Foldylock Forever excels in usability. Its plates move smoothly, unlike the stiffer Abus Bordo 6500. The plates are encased in a smooth, tactile plastic, and the carry case features a strap-free design for quick lock access.
Foldylock Forever vs standard size ulock
The 35.4″ (90 cm) Foldylock Forever offers more locking space than a standard u-lock.
Its 35.4″ (90 cm) length provides ample locking space, exceeding standard u-locks without excessive weight. Minor drawbacks include a plastic keyhole cover, which might be less durable than metal, and its weight (3.88 lb or 1.76 kg). However, the weight is typical for high-security locks and manageable with the frame mount.
The Best Mid-Security Collapsible Bike Lock
The selection of Sold Secure Silver collapsible bike locks is even more limited, primarily featuring Foldylock and AXA. Among these, Foldylock models are generally preferred for their lighter weight and user-friendliness.
Foldylock Compact| Foldylock Compact |
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The Foldylock Compact stands out, balancing weight and length effectively. Its 33.5″ (85 cm) length offers comparable locking space to a standard u-lock, while weighing only 2.2 lb (1 kg).
Foldylock Compact vs Kryptonite Kryptolok
The Foldylock Compact provides similar locking space to a standard u-lock in a more versatile format.
The 5 mm thick steel plates are more secure than the Foldylock Classic, and it includes rivet protection like the Forever model. It shares the smooth plate movement, frame mount, and user-friendly keyhole cover of the Foldylock Forever. While not for high-risk situations, the Foldylock Compact is a practical, lightweight choice for moderate security needs.
Foldylock Compact around fat lamp post
The versatile length of the Foldylock Compact allows for securing bikes to various objects.
For bikes with smaller frames or wheels, the shorter Foldylock Mini or Clipster are also excellent options. These are identical to the Compact but shorter at 29.5″ (75 cm) and lighter, with the Foldylock Mini being the lightest collapsible bike lock with reasonable security at just 1.96 lb (0.89 kg).
Foldylock Clipster on belt
The Foldylock Clipster’s belt clip offers convenient, wearable portability.
The Foldylock Clipster adds a belt clip to the Mini, providing a convenient, wearable carrying option.
The Competition
Among other tested collapsible bike locks, the Trelock FS 580 Toro, Kryptonite Evolution 780, and AXA Fold Ultra stand out, being essentially the same lock with different branding.
The Trelock FS 580 Toro, despite a Sold Secure Gold rating like the Foldylock Forever, is less secure due to thinner 5.5 mm plates and no nut protection, reflected in its 2-star ART rating.
Trelock FS 580 Toro plate thickness
The Trelock FS 580 Toro features 5.5 mm thick plates, offering a balance of security and weight.
However, at 3.48 lb (1.58 kg), it is lighter than the Forever and excels in usability. Its rotating mechanism and spring-loaded arm enhance ease of use, and it includes a quick-release frame mount.
Folding lock around thick lamppost
The 35.4″ (90 cm) length of the Trelock FS 580 Toro provides ample locking options in various situations.
Trelock FS 580 Toro rotating mechanism
The rotating mechanism of the Trelock FS 580 Toro contributes to its user-friendly design.
While less secure than the Foldylock Forever, the Trelock FS 580 Toro, along with the Kryptonite Evolution 780 and AXA Fold Ultra, offers a good intermediate security option with exceptional usability. Price comparison among these three is recommended for the best deal.
Best Collapsible Bike Lock Summary
Collapsible bike locks are a compelling alternative to u-locks and chains, offering enhanced locking versatility, lighter weight than chains, and superior portability. However, inherent vulnerabilities necessitate careful security level selection.
Always prioritize collapsible bike locks with Sold Secure Silver or Gold ratings based on your risk assessment.
Folded Foldylock Compact
The folded form of the Foldylock Compact highlights its portability and ease of storage.
For mid-level security, Foldylock Compact, Classic, Mini, or Clipster models are excellent choices, offering user-friendliness and various lengths and carrying options.
For high-security needs, the Foldylock Forever is unparalleled as the only 3-star ART rated collapsible bike lock, providing robust protection for high-risk environments.
Foldylock Forever in frame mount
The Foldylock Forever, shown in its frame mount, combines high security with convenient portability.
For a balance between security and usability, consider the Trelock FS 500 Toro, Kryptonite Evolution 780, or AXA Fold Ultra.
If you disagree with these recommendations, please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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