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Owning a portable bike lock is becoming increasingly commonplace due to its convenience and sometimes smaller size. Therefore, it’s no shock that the foldable bike lock emerges as a popular option within this category of bicycle locks.
Foldable bike locks do precisely what the name suggests: they fold down. This makes them great to mount on your bike, put in a bag, or pop in your pocket for on-the-go usage.
In this piece, we want to help you decide if a foldable lock is best for your needs. Then, give a rundown of the 9 most secure foldable locks to find the best one for you.
Most Secure Folding Bike Locks
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1670g/3.68lbs
Abus BORDO GRANIT™ 6500K
Sold secure gold heavy-duty folding lock that offers a very high level of protection for your bike.
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1760g/3.88lbs
Seatylock Foldylock Forever
A premium folding sold secure gold level bike lock perfect for leaving your bike for longer periods.
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2300g/5.07lbs
Abus BORDO™ ONE 6500A
Bluetooth-connected high-tech sold secure gold lock complete with alarm for added security.
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1050g/2.31lbs
Hiplok Switch
A lightweight lock with sold secure bronze level protection that comes with a ten-year warranty.
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1202g/2.65lbs
Kryptonite Kryptolok 610 S Folding Lock
Easy to transport thanks to the mount, complete with sold secure bronze protection best suited for shorter periods.
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1000g/ 2.2lbs
Seatylock Foldylock Compact
Very lightweight, perfect for on-the-go usage and popping into the store with sold secure silver protection.
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1900g/4.2lbs
Seatylock Foldylock Elite
Coming out very soon, it is potentially the most secure folding bike lock money can (soon) buy.
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988g/2.18lbs
Kryptonite KEEPER 585 COMBO FOLDING LOCK
A solid, lightweight foldable lock with a combination instead of a key, perfect for those forgetful riders.
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460g/1.01lbs
Abus BORDO™ LITE 6055 MINI COMBO
Impressively lightweight mini combination folding bike lock, perfect for throwing in a bag or in your pocket
How Do Folding Bike Locks Work?
The simple answer is yes, folding bike locks do work.
Although they maybe aren’t the most popular style of lock for bicycles at the moment, they do work well. But the same with all types of locks; some are much better than others for securing a bicycle and protecting from theft.
This is why Sold Secure has a rating system, so you can be sure your lock offers a certain level of security. But with this being said, bikes can often be stolen even with a super heavy-duty lock or two on, but as long as you do what you can to prevent theft, that’s what matters.
Folding Bike Locks: Key vs Combination
Within the world of foldable bike locks, opting for either a key or combination style is also available. There are also Bluetooth locking systems, but we shall steer clear of that one for now.
With regards to a key foldable lock, they are very useful if you want a lock that is more robust. Combination foldable locks often have a lower sold secure rating over key (or Bluetooth) folding locks.
On the other hand, combination folding bike locks tend to be lighter, much lighter. The lightest lock by far on our list is the Abus BORDO™ LITE 6055 MINI COMBO at only 1.01 lbs.
Overall it’ll therefore be a trade up between if you value protection over weight. But more often than not, security will be the more vital of the two features.
Are Folding Bike Locks Secure?
As aforementioned, the security that a lock offers is usually the most important feature to consider when purchasing a lock. It’s so important that it may even impact your insurance if your bike happens to get stolen.
So it goes without saying that it’s important to be sure your bike is secure with your chosen lock. Luckily, when opting for the best folding bike lock you can, the sold secure gold security level will likely apply.
This means that the bike lock is of gold level security, meaning it’s one of the highest levels of protection you can buy. The best Abus folding lock on our list is sold secure gold level: meaning anyone would have a tougher time breaking the lock.
Are Foldable Bike Locks Any Good?
Foldable bike locks are good. They are particularly good for mounting on bikes or putting in a bag due to their foldable qualities (hence the name). Thus, they are super practical for everyday usage.
Not only that, but they also offer excellent security. Of course, being easy to store, mount, transport, and use is important, but the security a bike lock offers is paramount. After all, many of us rely on our bikes for transport and exercise, so we must ensure they are protected.
Luckily foldable locks do protect very well. Many in our list offer very impressive security. Selecting one that is more heavy duty will of course provide improved protection. But all in all, they are good and super easy to use.
Folding Bike Lock Pros + Cons
Pros
- Fold away for practicality.
- Great for mounting on the bike.
- Some are impressively lightweight.
- Heavy duty ones offer great protection.
- Design makes them tough to break.
Cons
- Not as thick as other styles of lock.
- Combination locks can be figured out.
- Bluetooth may have the potential to be hacked.
Best Folding Bike Locks
1. Abus BORDO GRANIT™ 6500K
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£102
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$123
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€116
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 1670g/3.68lbs.
- Lock Type: Key.
- Sold Secure Rating: Gold.
- Dimensions: L 27.9 x W 12.4 x H 6.9cm.
- Length: 90cm.
No doubt that this is one of the best foldable locks that money can buy. Featuring 5mm thick bars made from hardened steel with a super soft two-component casing on the outside designed especially to prevent damage to paintwork. With the actual lock itself being made from ABUS XPlus cylinder which means that the lock is particularly difficult to pick, making it even more secure than a convention lock. The lock also fits very nicely onto a bracket mounted on your bike, making it very easy to transport. It also means you never have to worry about forgetting it.
Pros
- Bars made of hardened steel.
- ABUS XPlus cylinder lock and key.
- Brilliant level of protection.
- Easy to mount onto bike.
Cons
- A little expensive.
2. Seatylock Foldylock Forever
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£103
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$125
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€118
Prices are approximate
- Weight:1760g/3.88lbs.
- Lock Type: Key.
- Sold Secure Rating: Gold.
- Dimensions: L 20.5 x W 4.7 x H 6.9cm.
- Length: 90cm.
Another really fantastic sold secure gold level foldable lock. The Forever also has special rivets made to withstand cutting and sawing and a cylindrical lock to ensure it’s hard to pick the lock to ensure improved protection like the previous Abus 6500. With regards to the Foldylock Forever vs Abus 6500, this is a little heavier. However, this lock has actually had the rivets patented so it very well may offer slightly better and more robust protection. It certainly looks more aesthetically pleasing that’s for sure. The Forever is also weather resistant and comes with a case to mount the lock which produces 0 annoying rattling noises.
Pros
- Perfect for expensive bikes like an e-bike.
- Sold secure gold.
- Patented rivets to protect against sawing/cutting.
- Cylinder lock and key.
- Comes with 3 keys.
Cons
- Pretty heavy.
3. Abus BORDO™ ONE 6500A
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£280
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$340
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€321
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 2300g/5.07lbs.
- Lock Type: Electronic (bluetooth).
- Sold Secure Rating: Gold.
- Dimensions: L 32.4 x W 17.2 x H 6.4cm.
- Length: 110cm.
If high tech is your thing, then look no further. The Abus BORDO™ One 6500A is an electronica foldable bike lock that also comes complete with its own 100 dB alarm to alert you when someone may be stealing your bike and will be triggered even by a football bouncing on the ground close by. The locking system is easily operated via the ABUS One app on your smartphone via bluetooh. Not only that but the lock consists of 5.5 mm thick rods that are covered in extra-soft 2-component coating to ensure your bicycle frame does not get damaged.
Pros
- High tech electronic locking.
- Sold secure gold.
- Features a loud 100 dB alarm.
- Can be mounted to bike.
Cons
- Maybe too complex for some.
- Heavy.
- Expensive.
4. Hiplok Switch Lock
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£80
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$98
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€92
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 1050g/2.31lbs.
- Lock Type: Key.
- Sold Secure Rating: Gold.
- Dimensions: L 27 x W 12 x H 5.5cm.
- Length: 85cm.
Moving onto a great compact and lightweight option from Hiplok, the Switch foldable lock is a very popular option. Consisting of six hardened steel bars that are 5mm thick, the lock offers a very respectable 85cm of length when locked. The Switch Clip Carry System also allows for the lock to either be transported on the bike or on you, making it a really practical option for those not wanting a bulky lock. Another great feature of this lock is it comes with 3 keys, which is really great if you happen to be the kind of person who often misplaces things. All in all, a great light foldable lock.
Pros
- Very lightweight.
- Comes with 10 year warranty.
- Very compact.
- Can mount to bike.
Cons
- Only sold secure bronze.
5. Kryptonite Kryptolok 610 S Folding Lock
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£74
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$90
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€85
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 1202g/2.65lbs.
- Lock Type: Key.
- Sold Secure Rating: Bronze.
- Dimensions: L 29.8 x W 15.2 x H 9.5cm.
- Length: 100cm.
Another great bronze level sold secure foldable bike lock comes from the popular lock brand Kryptonite. The links that make up the 100cm long lock have been made from 5mm thick hardened steel. These links have also been coated with rubber to protect your bike frame and prevent scratches from occurring. It also comes with a useful bracket to mount onto your bike for easy transportation as well as two spare keys. Interestingly, there is also the added service of the Kryptonite Key Safe Program whereby they send you two spare keys in case you mislay yours: a great service well worth having. With everything considered, this is a great lock for shorter periods of time away from your bike, but won’t offer the protection of some of the more heavy duty options.
Pros
- Key Safe Program.
- Great length.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Reasonable price.
Cons
- Only sold secure bronze.
6. Seatylock Foldylock Compact
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£65
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$90
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€85
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 1000g/ 2.2lbs.
- Lock Type: Key.
- Sold Secure Rating: Silver.
- Dimensions: L 18.9 x W 4.1 x H 6cm.
- Length: 85cm.
Another brilliant offering from Seatylock but this time in the form of a more Compact design, hence it’s called Compact! This smaller and lighter lock is a level down on the sold secure rating, however it is a really brilliant option for those wanting a smaller option that can fit into a pocket or bag. This lock offers up to 85cm circumference in protection and is made from patented ultra protective rivets. These rivets have been designed specifically to protect against any possible sawing or cutting in the event of an attempted theft. Overall, for the weight, it’s very impressive protection.
Pros
- Available in a range of colours.
- Patented rivets to protect against sawing/cutting.
- Great level of protection for the weight and cost.
Cons
- Only sold secure silver.
7. Seatylock Foldylock Elite
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£TBA
-
$TBA
-
€TBA
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 1900g/4.2lbs.
- Lock Type: Key.
- Sold Secure Rating: Gold.
- Dimensions: L 23.8 x W 4.7 x H 6.9cm.
- Length: 110cm.
Ok, this one may slightly be cheating as it’s not currently available, BUT the pre-order appears to be announced very soon. Therefore given all of the excited features this lock has to offer, it just had to feature on this list. Starting off with the length, it offers an impressive 110cm worth of protection. Being from Seatylock it of course also benefits from their patented rivets that are designed to protect against sawing and cutting. The metal parts are also rust resistant and the plastic components are UV protected to ensure the lock withstands time, but if it doesn’t there’s 3 years free warranty. Overall thick sounds like it’ll be a great lock (potentially even the best foldable bike lock) that’s perfect for electric and other high value bikes.
Pros
- Possibly the best level of protection on the market.
- Patented rivets to protect against sawing/cutting.
- Great length at 110cm.
Cons
- Heavy.
- Not available just yet.
8. Kryptonite KEEPER 585 COMBO FOLDING LOCK
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£67
-
$81
-
€76
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 988g/2.18lbs.
- Lock Type: Combination.
- Sold Secure Rating: None.
- Dimensions: L 22 x W 8 x H 4cm.
- Length: 85cm.
If you hate the stress of having a key for a lock then this combination foldable bike lock may be the perfect option for you. This lock is impressively light, coming in at only 2.18lbs, it’s nice and light to transport and use. Although it doesn’t rate on the sold secure system, this lock will still offer an ok level of protection thanks to features such as the the 3mm thick hardened steel links which won’t be easy to cut through. Kryptonite also offer a Combo Safe program whereby you can register your combination with them in the event that you forget it and are thus locked out of your bike: a very useful feature. All in all, it’s a good lock for leaving your bike for a short period of time.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Well priced.
- Don’t need to worry about keys.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Doesn’t have a sold secure rating.
- Not the best option for long periods.
9. Abus BORDO™ LITE 6055 MINI COMBO
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£42
-
$51
-
€48
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 460g/1.01lbs.
- Lock Type: Combination.
- Sold Secure Rating: None.
- Dimensions: L 36 x W 27 x H 18cm.
- Length: 60cm.
This little Abus foldable bike lock is crazy light, coming in at a very impressive 1.01lbs it’s the lightest folding lock on our list by a very long way. However, it is a combination lock and therefore does not offer a sold secure rating so it would only be suggested for a quick usage, but if you just want a very compact light lock this is perfect. You will struggle to find one lighter. It’s also still going to protect your bike if you’ve stepped away from your bike or ten minutes or so. It’s also the perfect size to fit into a jersey pocket for cyclists who might want to lock their bike up outside of a cafe.
Pros
- Impressively light at only 460g/1.01lbs.
- Very compact.
- Well priced.
Cons
- Doesn’t have a sold secure rating.
- Not the best option for long periods.
- Not heaps of features due to weight.
Best Folding Bike Lock Manufacturers
Looking for the perfect lock to spend your cash on may mean searching a little harder. Therefore if you didn’t see anything that took your liking then fear not. There are a range of great and trusted bike lock manufactures out on the market who make folding locks.
It may even be that one of our brands featured has a product that isn’t listed above that is better suited to you. Therefore we shall give you a list of manufactures to help your search become that little bit easier.
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