Folding bicycle locks are a modern solution designed to overcome some limitations of traditional u-locks and chains. These innovative locks consist of interconnected steel plates that offer exceptional flexibility in securing your bike to various objects, while folding compactly for easy portability.
Let’s delve into the pros and cons of folding bike locks to understand if they are the right choice for your security needs. Following that, I’ll provide recommendations for the best Fold Bike Locks across different risk levels, drawing from user tests and current security ratings to guide your decision.
Advantages of Folding Bike Locks
While folding bike locks might be slightly heavier than u-locks offering comparable locking space and security, they are significantly lighter than chains of equivalent protection. The real strength of a fold bike lock lies in its adaptability. Their unique construction allows them to be shaped in multiple ways, providing far more locking possibilities than a standard u-lock.
Folding lock around thick lamppost
A folding bike lock easily secures a bike to a large lamppost, an impossible feat for most u-locks.
For instance, securing your bicycle to a large lamppost or bulky street furniture is often impossible with a u-lock. Similarly, locking two bikes together with a single u-lock can be challenging, if not unachievable.
A folding lock securing two bikes
Fold bike locks excel at securing multiple bikes simultaneously due to their flexible design.
These scenarios are effortlessly handled by a folding bike lock. Their shape-shifting ability makes them arguably the best type of lock for securing two bikes together or for anchoring a bike to less conventional, larger objects.
Folding locks are really compact
The compact folded form of a fold bike lock makes it exceptionally easy to carry and store.
Furthermore, the compact nature of a fold bike lock when folded is a significant advantage for portability. They are incredibly easy to carry around, whether you prefer to place them in a bag or utilize the provided frame mount. A fold bike lock occupies considerably less space in a bag compared to a u-lock. Cyclists who have struggled with noisy or insecure u-lock frame mounts will appreciate the snug, silent fit of a folding bike lock against the bike frame.
Folding lock in case on bike
Frame mounts for fold bike locks ensure a secure, rattle-free attachment to your bike frame, enhancing your ride experience.
No rattling, no shifting, and no uncertainty about the lock staying put – folding locks are among the most user-friendly and definitely the easiest to transport bike security options available. However, it’s important to consider some drawbacks as well.
Disadvantages of Folding Bike Locks
Despite their practicality advantages over u-locks and chains, securing your bike with a fold bike lock can sometimes be slightly slower. Maneuvering the plates into the right position, especially in crowded bike parking areas, may take a bit more time.
The more complex construction of folding locks means they might be more susceptible to damage after a forceful attack. While damaged rivets or bent plates might not immediately compromise the lock’s protective function, they could hinder its ability to fold and unfold smoothly.
High-quality fold bike locks also tend to be pricier than many u-locks, although their cost is generally comparable to that of good quality chains.
Abus Bordo 6000 unfolded
The intricate design of fold bike locks, with thin plates and numerous moving parts, presents potential vulnerabilities if not manufactured to high standards.
Crucially, due to the thinner plates compared to u-lock shackles and the vulnerability of rivets to drilling or shearing, low-quality folding locks can offer very minimal security. Distinguishing between a high and low-quality fold bike lock isn’t always straightforward at first glance.
This is why it’s especially critical to pay close attention to independent security ratings for folding locks and to carefully assess your risk level to choose an appropriately rated lock. When you prioritize security ratings, folding locks remain an excellent and versatile security solution.
Choosing the Best Folding Bike Lock for You
If you prioritize ease of carrying and versatile locking options, a fold bike lock is an outstanding choice. The key question then becomes: which fold bike lock should you purchase? Finding the best bike lock for your specific needs involves a straightforward two-step process.
Step 1: Find the Right Security Level
When selecting a bike lock, the initial step is to determine the security level that aligns with your risk exposure. A quick assessment of your cycling environment and habits will provide a good indication of the necessary security level.
Based on your risk assessment, you should aim for a Sold Secure Silver, Gold, or even Diamond rated bike lock. Sold Secure is a renowned independent security testing organization based in the UK. They rigorously test and evaluate bike locks, among other security products, subjecting them to various attack methods and rating them based on their resistance time.
Sold Secure ratings range from Bronze (least secure) to Diamond (most secure), offering a clear indication of a lock’s security performance. As security experts who test and rate a vast number of locks, Sold Secure ratings are a reliable benchmark for assessing real-world lock security.
I generally advise against Bronze-rated locks for most situations, as they offer insufficient security. Currently, there are no Sold Secure Diamond rated folding locks on the market. For fold bike locks, this leaves us with Sold Secure Silver for lower-risk scenarios and Sold Secure Gold for higher-risk environments. If your risk assessment suggests a Diamond-rated lock is necessary, a high-security u-lock might be a more appropriate choice, although the top-rated Gold folding locks can also provide substantial protection.
Step 2: Choose a Fold Bike Lock based on its Security Level
Once you’ve determined the necessary security level, the next step is to select a specific fold bike lock model. The selection process for folding locks is relatively simple, as the market doesn’t offer an overwhelming number of high-quality, security-rated options.
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 |
Folding Lock Brands
As evident from the tables, the selection of fold bike locks offering truly robust security is limited. It’s crucial to remember that, even more so than with other lock types, I strongly advise against considering folding locks without Sold Secure or ART ratings (more on ART later). Due to their inherent design characteristics, unrated folding locks can be exceptionally vulnerable.
The market is clearly dominated by a few key manufacturers in this category: Abus, Foldylock (also known as Seatylock on Amazon), and Allegion (which owns Kryptonite, AXA, and Trelock).
Having tested the majority of these locks, Foldylocks consistently emerge as my favorites. They offer a diverse range of security levels and features, and they prioritize user-friendliness in their designs, which is a crucial aspect of everyday lock use.
The Best High-Security Folding Bike Lock
While several Sold Secure Gold rated fold bike locks are available today, one model distinctly surpasses the rest: the Foldylock Forever.
Foldylock Forever| Foldylock Forever |
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What sets the Foldylock Forever apart?
The steel plates of the Foldylock Forever are an impressive 6.5 mm thick, a full millimeter thicker than other Gold-rated folding locks such as the Abus Bordo 6500, the Kryptonite Evolution 790, and the Trelock FS 580.
Foldylock Forever plate thickness
The Foldylock Forever boasts unparalleled 6.5 mm thick steel plates, setting a new standard for folding lock security.
It is the first fold bike lock to utilize such substantial steel plates, significantly elevating its security level. My own attempts to cut through these plates with heavy-duty bolt cutters were unsuccessful, and I am confident that they would resist most common theft attempts.
Foldylock has also incorporated an additional layer of protection to the nuts connecting the steel plates. This is a recognized weak point in many folding locks, where bolt cutters or nut splitters can be used to compromise lower-quality models.
Foldylock Forever nut protection
Enhanced nut protection on the Foldylock Forever addresses a common vulnerability in folding lock designs, further bolstering its security.
While it’s true that a thief would need to position the lock precisely to exploit this weakness with bolt cutters, and nut splitters are not typical tools used by street thieves, Foldylock’s proactive approach to addressing this vulnerability is commendable and enhances overall security.
While maintaining the Sold Secure Gold rating of its competitors, the Foldylock Forever stands alone as the only folding lock to achieve a 3-star rating from ART. ART is another respected independent security testing organization, which rates locks on a scale of one to five stars.
A 3-star ART rating signifies that the lock is deemed suitable for securing mopeds and scooters, in addition to bicycles, indicating a significantly higher level of security. The Foldylock Forever is the first and only folding lock to attain a 3-star ART rating, making this a noteworthy achievement.
A 3-star ART rating validates the Foldylock Forever’s suitability for high-value vehicles like mopeds and scooters, highlighting its exceptional security.
In fact, if your risk assessment recommended a Diamond rated lock, the Foldylock Forever is the closest folding lock option that might suffice. However, for the absolute highest level of protection, consider exploring angle grinder resistant u-locks.
Beyond its superior security, the Foldylock Forever also excels in usability compared to other Gold-rated folding locks, particularly the Abus Bordo 6500. The plates of the Foldylock Forever move much more smoothly (the Abus can feel stiff), and they are coated in a smooth, tactile plastic (the Abus has a stickier rubber coating). The carry case also features a clever design that eliminates the need for a strap to secure the lock, making it quicker and easier to access and store.
Foldylock Forever vs standard size ulock
With a length of 35.4″ (90 cm), the Foldylock Forever offers more generous locking space than a standard u-lock, enhancing versatility.
I also find the 35.4″ (90 cm) length of the Foldylock Forever preferable to the 33.5″ (85 cm) or 43.3″ (110 cm) lengths offered by Abus folding locks. It provides more internal locking space than a standard u-lock without adding excessive weight.
There are a couple of minor drawbacks to the Foldylock Forever. While I appreciate the indented keyhole cover that automatically splits open when the key is inserted (simplifying unlocking), I would prefer it to be made of metal, like the Abus locks, rather than plastic. The keyhole cover is a high-wear part, and metal might offer greater long-term durability.
Foldylock Forever plastic key hole cover
The Foldylock Forever utilizes a plastic keyhole cover, which, while convenient, may not offer the same long-term durability as a metal alternative.
It’s also important to note that this is a substantial lock in terms of weight. At 3.88 lb (1.76 kg), it weighs about the same as 4.5 cans of soda. Increased security inevitably comes with added weight, which is unavoidable. When carried in the frame mount, the weight is hardly noticeable. However, if you need to carry it in a bag, you will definitely feel the weight.
If weight is a primary concern, slightly lighter options exist, such as the AXA Fold Ultra, Kryptonite Evolution 790, or Trelock FS 580 Toro (which are essentially the same lock with different branding), weighing approximately 4 cans of soda. However, the weight difference is minimal, and these alternatives are demonstrably less secure than the Foldylock Forever.
The Best Mid-Security Folding Bike Lock
The selection of Sold Secure Silver folding locks is even more limited, with only Foldylock and AXA offering viable options.
The AXA Foldable 1000 employs a slightly different design, using joined cylindrical bars instead of plates. Again, I favor the Foldylocks in this category as they are lighter, more user-friendly, and even offer a wearable option.
Foldylock Compact| Foldylock Compact |
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The Foldylock Compact is likely the best all-around choice, striking a good balance between weight and length for most cyclists. However, the ideal option for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
Foldylock Compact vs Kryptonite Kryptolok
The 33.5″ (85 cm) length of the Foldylock Compact provides a similar locking space to a standard u-lock, offering practical security for everyday use.
The Foldylock Compact measures 33.5″ (85 cm) in length, providing roughly the same internal locking space as a standard u-lock. It weighs a mere 1 kg (2.2 lb), comparable to about 2.5 cans of soda. This offers ample locking flexibility at a weight that is barely noticeable.
Foldylock Compact around fat lamp post
The Foldylock Compact’s length and flexibility easily accommodate locking around larger objects like this substantial lamp post.
The steel plates of the Foldylock Compact are 5 mm thick, making it slightly more secure than the Foldylock Classic, despite both having the same Sold Secure Silver rating. It also incorporates the same rivet protection as the Foldylock Forever, designed to deter splitting attacks.
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 intended for the highest risk environments, the Foldylock Compact is a reliable, lightweight, and practical choice when maximum security is not paramount.
Foldylock Compact on bike
The Foldylock Compact is a lightweight and practical security solution that integrates seamlessly with your bike for everyday riding.
If you ride a bike with a slimmer frame or wheels and can manage with a shorter lock, the Foldylock Mini or Clipster are also excellent options. These locks are essentially identical to the Compact, but slightly shorter at 29.5″ (75 cm).
This shorter length naturally results in even lighter weights. The Foldylock Mini is currently the lightest folding lock available that still provides a reasonable level of security. Weighing just 0.89 kg (1.96 lb), it’s approximately the same weight as 2.5 cans of soda.
Foldylock Clipster on belt
The Foldylock Clipster offers a unique wearable carry option, attaching conveniently to your belt for easy transport.
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 exceptionally light weight makes this a remarkably convenient way to carry your bike lock.
The Competition
Among the other fold bike locks I’ve tested, the Trelock FS 580 Toro, the Kryptonite Evolution 780, and the AXA Fold Ultra stand out as noteworthy alternatives. These three locks are essentially the same product, rebranded by different companies within the same parent corporation.
(Remember, Allegion owns Kryptonite, AXA, and Trelock).
Let’s use the Trelock FS 580 Toro as our representative example.
Despite sharing the same Sold Secure Gold rating as the Foldylock Forever, the Trelock FS 580 Toro is demonstrably less secure. This is primarily due to its thinner 5.5 mm steel plates and the absence of the nut protection found on the Forever.
Trelock FS 580 Toro plate thickness
The Trelock FS 580 Toro utilizes 5.5 mm thick steel plates, offering a robust level of security, though slightly less than the Foldylock Forever.
This difference in security is reflected in its 2-star ART rating, compared to the 3-star rating of the Foldylock Forever. However, despite being the same 35.4″ (90 cm) length as the Foldylock Forever, the Trelock FS 580 Toro is 10% lighter at 1.58 kg (3.48 lb), weighing about the same as 4 cans of soda.
Folding lock around thick lamppost
The 35.4″ (90 cm) length of the Trelock FS 580 Toro provides versatile locking options for various urban fixtures.
In terms of usability, the Trelock FS 580 Toro arguably surpasses even the Foldylock. This is attributed to its rotating mechanism, which always orients towards the end of the arm that secures into the lock body. Additionally, the spring-loaded arm mechanism automatically anchors the arm once inserted, freeing you from having to hold it in place while turning the key to lock.
The Trelock FS 580 Toro also includes a convenient quick-release frame mount, making it exceptionally easy to remove and replace the lock in its cradle.
Trelock FS 580 Toro rotating mechanism
The Trelock FS 580 Toro’s rotating mechanism and spring-loaded arm enhance ease of use and locking speed.
While not as secure as the Foldylock Forever, the Trelock FS 580 Toro offers greater security than the Sold Secure Silver rated Foldylocks and provides a highly user-friendly locking experience, making it a compelling intermediate security option.
The Kryptonite Evolution 780 and AXA Fold Ultra share virtually identical features with the Trelock FS 580 Toro, with minor design variations. There is no significant performance difference between these three models. If you require a Gold-rated lock but don’t feel the need for the absolute maximum security of the Foldylock Forever, consider comparing prices among these three locks to find the best deal.
Best Folding Bike Lock Summary
Folding locks are a fantastic alternative to traditional u-locks and chains, offering greater locking versatility than u-locks, being significantly lighter than chains, and providing superior portability compared to both.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent security vulnerabilities associated with folding locks. Their relatively thin steel plates and numerous moving parts make them susceptible to certain types of attacks.
Therefore, when selecting a fold bike lock, prioritizing security ratings is paramount. Always opt for models rated Sold Secure Silver or Gold, depending on your assessed risk level.
Folded Foldylock Compact
The Foldylock Compact, shown here in its folded state, exemplifies the compact portability of folding bike locks.
For a mid-security fold bike lock, the Foldylock Compact, Classic, Mini, or Clipster are all excellent choices. They offer exceptional ease of use, with various lengths and carry options to perfectly suit your needs.
If you require a high-security folding lock, the Foldylock Forever is the clear frontrunner. It is the only folding lock with a 3-star ART rating, and undoubtedly the only model that provides adequate protection for high-risk scenarios.
Foldylock Forever in frame mount
The Foldylock Forever in its frame mount, ready for secure and convenient transport on your bike.
However, if you find yourself in a security risk category somewhere between mid and high, the Trelock FS 580 Toro, Kryptonite Evolution 780, or AXA Fold Ultra (essentially the same lock) are worth considering. These three models are the most user-friendly of all folding bike locks and, while not as secure as the Foldylock Forever, offer enhanced protection compared to the Sold Secure Silver rated Foldylocks.
If you disagree with my assessments, please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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