The 6 Best Folding Bike Locks in 2020
Folding bike locks offer the best of both worlds when it comes to weight, bulkiness, and security compared to cable and U-locks.
But that said, not all folding locks are created equal.
- How much security do you need?
- What will fit on your bike?
- How much do you need to pay to get the security you want?
Read More : Folding Locks Buyer’s Guide
If you’re doing your research looking for the best ones around, you’re on the right page. We’ve gone through many models available today, tested some of them, and came up with our best picks.
A Quick Glance : Our Folding Bike Lock Recommendations
| Model | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Seatylock | 33.5" | 2.2 lbs |
| Kryptonite Kryptolok 610 | 39.0" | 2.7 lbs |
| Abus Bordo Combo 6100 | 39.0" | 2.3 lbs |
| Sigtuna | 32.0" | 1.0 lbs |
| Inbike | 26.0" | 1.6 lbs |
| Flydeer | 32.0" | 1.8 lbs |
Our Favorite Picks
Seatylock Foldylock
This lock from bike lock specialists Seatylock offers heavy-duty security in a compact and lightweight lock.
Hardened steel links are combined with ultra-protected rivets to resist cutting and sawing from would-be thieves. Foldylock’s compact lock rates a 14 on the company’s 18-point security scale.
Despite all that steel, this lock won’t damage your bike. A rubber coating keeps your frame from being damaged while in use. The Foldylock Compact quickly expands from 7.5” x 2.4” folded to a 33.5” in diameter steel loop.
A portable bike lock case mounts the Foldylock to most bike frames when not in use. And at just 2.2 lbs., this compact lock also won’t weigh you down.
- Pros : High overall construction quality and reliable locking mechanism.
- Cons : Expensive.
Kryptonite Kryptolok 610
This lightweight option from bike lock specialists Kryptonite features 5mm hardened steel links.
Kryptonite rates the lock a 6 on its 10-point security scale, making this a good option for moderate security.
This lock comes in two options; 33” and 39”. The smaller option folds down to 8.7” x 2.0” and weighs 2.4 lbs. The 39” version is slightly larger. It folds down to 9.8” x 2.0” and weighs slightly more than its smaller version at 2.7 lbs.
The Kryptonite Kryptolok 610 includes a bracket that installs easily onto more bike frames with a neoprene strap. A rubber coating on each link protects your frame from scratches while a sliding dust cover keeps your lock free of dust and dirt.
- Pros : Solid mounting ensures it stays secured on the bike when not in use.
- Cons : Heavy.
Abus Bordo Combo 6100
Prefer combinations than bringing the keys around?
Then the Bordo from German security specialists Abus might be the right one for you. The Bordo chain lock combo features a resettable four-digit combination lock for all you key haters.
At 5.0” x 11.0”, it isn’t as compact as others on the market; however, it does offer a larger range of coverage. Its 5mm steel bars give it a security level 9 ratings on Abus 15 point scale. Its bars are covered in a soft-touch coating to prevent scratches to your bike frame.
The Abus Bordo is designed to mount to your seat post via a neoprene case that attaches via adjustable velcro straps. It’s also one of the heavier options on the market at 2.8 lbs.
- Pros : Keyless design eliminates the risk of losing your keys.
- Cons : Expensive.
Sigtuna
This affordable lightweight bike lock from Swedish bike-security specialist Sigtuna offers solid security in a compact form at a very affordable price point.
Hardened 8mm steel bars, special rivets, and a high-quality locking cylinder that resists lock picking provide a strong deterrent for thieves. The lock is rated at 85 on the company’s 100-point security scale.
This compact lock measures about 7.5” long when folded and just over 17” long when extended. It weighs in at 800g or about 1.75 lbs. It mounts to your frame with slip-resistant velcro straps or attaches to your water bottle mount with screws.
- Pros : Highly rated with its 8mm thick steel bars.
- Cons : Heavier than its peers.
Inbike
Inbike, a company that specializes in bike accessories, offers one of the lightest and most compact models on the market.
At just 2.6” x 5.1” when folded and a weight of just 1.6 lbs., this is a great moderate security option for cyclists who don’t want to carry much weight. This lock features 5mm steel bars that are linked with rivets that resist pulling while facilitating easy unfolding.
A rubberized coating protects your bike’s frame from damage. Its small size makes this lock mountable in multiple locations on your bike including the down tube, water bottle position, under the saddle, or even in your jersey pocket.
- Pros : Lightweight and compact size.
- Cons : Shorter overall length decreases its versatility.
Flydeer
Looking for an inexpensive security option for your bike? Not a big fan of key locks?
You can’t get a much better deal than Flydeer’s universal folding bike lock. This lock consists of six 5mm steel bars joined by special rivets for easy folding. With hardened alloy steel, the Flydeer is built to resist sawing, drilling, picking, and even hydraulic clamps.
A rubberized coating protects your bike’s finish from scratches and dents. And don’t worry about keeping track of keys with this lock; it’s secured by a settable four-digit combination lock. Folded, this lock measures about 7.0” x 2.5”. Unfolded, it extends to a length of about 16”.
- Pros : Good value for money for those with a tight budget.
- Cons : Filmsy mounting bracket.
Folding Locks Buying Guide
Not satisfied with cable-style locks that don’t offer enough protection and u-locks that are simply too heavy or bulky to tote around.
Wish there was a middle ground? Folding bike locks offer the best of both worlds.
Their metal plates make them a very secure way of protecting your bike while their foldability makes them perfect for toting on your bike frame.
That said, not all folding locks are created equal. How much security do you need? What will fit on your bike? How much do you need to pay to get the security you want? We’ll answer those questions and more while also providing you with a list of our favorite foldable locks.
1. Size and Length
The size and length are important for two reasons.
These factors determine how much you can wrap the lock around when unfolded as well as how easy it is to store when it is folded up.
You want a lock that will extend long enough to wrap around your bike and whatever it is you’re securing it to.
You also need it to fold to a compact size that fits on your bike’s frame. They vary in size from the very small Inbike, at just 5”, to the larger Kryptonite Kryptolok, at just under 10”.
2. Ease of Carrying
The ability to easily and compactly store your bike lock is the advantage of a folding lock vs. other types of locks.
All models include brackets that allow you to mount them to your bike for easy transport. You’ll want to make sure the mounting brackets are compatible with your bike’s frame.
3. Locking Mechanism
Unlike some other lock types, with foldable locks, you have the option of choosing between a combination system and keys.
Combination systems allow you to set a number combination, while key system locks come with a key and several spares.
Both have their pros and cons.
Consider which locking mechanism works best for you when deciding on a foldable lock.
If you’re prone to misplacing keys, a combination system, such as the Abus Bordo or Flydeer’s foldable combination lock, might be a better option for you.
Otherwise, key systems such as the Sigtuna and Foldylock are also great options.
4. External Coating
Due to the nature of a folding lock, it will frequently come into contact with your bike’s frame.
With that in mind, you’ll want a lock that isn’t going to scratch up your finish or dig into its carbon frame.
Look for one that is treated with a soft plastic or rubberized external coating, such as the Abus Bordo and Sigtuna that prevents it from damaging your bike’s frame.
5. Weight
A foldable bike lock made out of steel isn’t going to be a particularly light addition to your bike.
That said, you want to find a lock that is going to add a manageable amount of weight.
Bigger may mean more secure, but it also means heavier.
Locks like Inbike’s folding lock may be lighter, but don’t offer a high level of security. Consider this when determining how big a lock you need to adequately protect your bike.
6. Security Rating
It’s become commonplace among bike lock makers to provide a security rating for each lock that they manufacture.
While these security ratings are helpful, it’s also important to understand that each manufacturer comes up with its own rating system and rates its own locks.
For example, Abus rates its locks from 1 to 15. On the other hand, Foldylocks has a security scale between 1 and 18 with 18 being the most secure lock they offer while Kryptonite rates its locks on a scale of 1 to 10.
Because lock manufacturers come up with their own set of criteria, it’s impossible to make an apple to apple comparison across brands.
Author Recommended Reads