Finding the right folding bike lock

If you’re looking for the right bike lock to suit your needs, a folding lock is a practical option. As the name would suggest, these models are foldable. Folding locks come in various sizes.

Advantages of a folding lock

A folding lock consists of individual sections, which are linked together; a little like a folding ruler. They are secure, extremely compact, and easy to fold up.

A major advantage: a foldable bike lock is generally supplied with a practical holder. These folding lock holders are generally attached to the bike tube, thus enabling rattle-free transport. The folding lock can be quickly removed from the holder at any time, whenever required.

Selecting the right length and level of security

You should choose the length of your folding lock depending on where and how you usually lock up your bike. It is important that you can lock up your bike correctly in order to provide sufficient protection against theft. If you want to secure your bike to a bike rack, or to secure the frame to the wheel itself, then a short folding lock will suffice.

However, if you generally secure your bike to other objects, such as a lamppost, you should choose a longer folding lock. The flexibility of a folding lock is one of the major advantages of these bicycle locks.

Folding locks are good primary bike locks, as they are exceptionally secure – every bit as secure as a U-lock. However, you should always use a secondary lock to securely lock up your bike: a frame lock, for example, is a suitable option here.

Folding bike locks come in various designs and with different security classes, which differ depending on the manufacturer. Below you can find out more about folding locks from Abus, Trelock, Kryptonite, AXA, and XLC, which you may consider purchasing.

Abus folding locks

Abus bike locks are rated according to 15 different security levels. You can purchase a folding lock from Abus with ratings in security levels 6–15. Folding locks with a high security level generally also feature an alarm function, which is activated in the event of an attempt to break the lock open.

Trelock folding locks

In contrast to Abus, Trelock works with 6 bicycle security levels. This doesn’t mean that these locks are any less secure – they are merely based on a different classification system. The most secure folding locks from Trelock have a security rating of 5.

To date, Trelock have not produced a folding lock with an alarm. However, the most secure folding lock from Trelock, the FS 500 TORO, is Sold Secure Gold, ART** and Varefakta-certified. It also features a 360-degree locking mechanism, which makes locking you your bike incredibly simple, even in the dark.

Kryptonite folding locks

Locks from Kryptonite are rated according to 10 different security levels. Kryptonite foldable bike locks generally fall within the mid-range, with a security level of 4 or 5. Thus far, none of the models offer alarms. They feature a rigid neoprene coating, which protects your bike from scratches, and are also affordably priced (from €25).

AXA folding locks

AXA locks are rated into 15 different security levels, similar to the rating system used by Abus. The most secure folding lock from AXA has a security level rating of 14. Thanks to the hand-operated cylinder cover, AXA folding locks are optimally protected against moisture and dirt, which extends their lifespan.

XLC folding locks

XLC offers bike locks rated according to 10 security levels. XLC specialises in U-locks and does not produce folding bike locks.

What makes a folding lock a good choice

Folding bike lock are flexible, secure, and are also extremely practical on account of the fact that they can be folded up. They are also generally somewhat lighter than other types of bike lock, and can be conveniently transported using the included holder.

However, folding locks offering a high level of security are expensive (from approx. €40 to approx. €200). When collapsing or unfolding these locks, you must ensure that your finger doesn’t get caught.