Reviews You Can Rely On

Seatylock Foldylock Compact Review

For rural and low-risk areas, this lock is portable and simple to use
gearlab tested logo
Seatylock Foldylock Compact Review
Credit: Foldylock
Price:  $90 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Seatylock
By Rebecca Eckland ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jan 26, 2022
59
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 23
  • Security - 40% 4.5
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 7.0
  • Versatility - 15% 6.0

Our Verdict

Remember Goldilocks and the porridge? This is how our reviewers felt about the Seatylock Foldylock Compact. For bike enthusiasts or bike commuters who are already weighed down by belongings and who may have to tackle hills, this model delivers just enough security without a whole lot of weight. It isn't all that different from other folding locks we've tested in the past. They offer more protection than cable locks (by far) and are easier to use and carry than the more secure options. When comparing this lock to the best bike locks in our review, we think it's best for quick stops in low to medium risk areas and cyclists who value portability and versatility over security.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Easy-to-use
Versatile and easy to carry around
REASONS TO AVOID
Less secure than U-locks
Not quite long enough
Heaviest folding lock tested

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award
Best U-lock on a Budget
Best Buy Award
Best Chain Lock on a Budget
Top Pick Award
Best Wearable Design
Top Pick Award
Best Low Security Lightweight Lock
Price $90 List
$87.98 at Amazon
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$70 List
$65.12 at Amazon
$99.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$17.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
59
68
65
65
53
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Fine for low-risk areas when you need something to deter opportunistsAbove average security in a large, versatile lock that's let down a bit by difficult to use key and annoying mountCan fit any bike and rack and is remarkably secure though tough to ferry around townWear this chain lock around your waist to bring solid security with you whenever you cycleAmong the lightweight, low-security options, this lock is a steal and one of our favorites
Rating Categories Seatylock Foldylock... Kryptonite KryptoLok Abus Ivera 7210 Hiplok Original: Su... ABUS Chain Lock 120...
Security (40%)
4.5
7.0
6.0
5.0
2.5
Ease of Transport (25%)
7.0
6.0
5.0
8.0
9.0
Ease of Use (20%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Versatility (15%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
Specs Seatylock Foldylock... Kryptonite KryptoLok Abus Ivera 7210 Hiplok Original: Su... ABUS Chain Lock 120...
Type Folding U-Lock + cable Chain Wearable chain Chain
Time to Defeat Lock 7 seconds 20 seconds 12 seconds 13 seconds 3 seconds
Measured Weight 2.8 lbs 2.5 lbs 2.8 lbs 4.3 lbs 0.5 lbs
Locking Dimension 33" circumference U-lock: 4" x 9", cable 5' 33.7 circumference 33.5" circumference, 2" width 43" circumference
Primary Materials/Thickness 5mm hardened steel bars 12.7mm hardened steel 7mm hardened steel square chain 8mm hardened steel chain, 600D polyester sleeve 4mm hardened steel
Included Keys 3 keys 2 keys 2 keys 3 keys N/A
Defeated by Tin Snips No No No No Yes, requires two cuts to defeat
Defeated by Hammer No No No No No
Defeated by Hacksaw No No No No No
Defeated by 36" Bolt Cutters No No No No Yes, but not very easily. Requires two cuts
Number of Angle Grinder Cuts to Defeat Lock 1 cut 2 cuts 2 cuts 1 cut 2 cuts

Our Analysis and Test Results

The downsides of the FoldyLock Compact are situational: meaning if you live in a big city, attend classes on a large college campus, or your commute bike costs more than some people's cars, then this lock is probably not for you. However, this little lock did impress us: it wasn't compromised with bolt cutters even when our tester used her whole body weight to break the lock. It also defeated several drill bits — enough to make a thief think about the ROI of hanging out for several minutes with a growing pile of busted drill bits.

Performance Comparison


seatylock foldylock compact - the foldylock's unique design allows you the flexibility (literally)...
The FoldyLock's unique design allows you the flexibility (literally) to lock to some pretty unusual situations, like this dog-shaped bike rack. (Side note: they make dog-shaped bike racks?!?)
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

Security


Honestly, this lock is pretty darn secure. It surprised us, especially as it's portable and relatively lightweight. Granted, we wouldn't lock up our lead tester's $10,000 time-trial bike with this lock and dash off to Chemistry 101 at NYU, but this lock is a pretty solid deterrent for most low to medium-security situations. It proved unbreakable in our tests when it comes to hammers, wire cutters, hacksaws, and even bolt cutters (we so loved this!). We do suspect that a more seasoned bolt-cutting thief might be able to compromise this lock, though.

seatylock foldylock compact - we tried our hardest to cut the foldylock with our bolt cutters, to...
We tried our hardest to cut the Foldylock with our bolt cutters, to no avail.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

This lock faltered when a bike thief employed serious tactics like a cordless angle grinder. It took our experts 11 seconds to slice through the Foldy, which isn't that much time. It also didn't throw firework-sparks like some of the heavier-duty locks, oddly enough. While the ABUS uGrip Bordo 5700 stood up to an angle grinder a bit better (still compromised, but it took longer), it was easily defeated by a cordless drill targeted at its joints. The Foldylock was exactly the opposite: it withstood the drill and hacksaw but quickly sliced the angle grinder.

seatylock foldylock compact - before you ask us: "am i seeing this right?" the answer is: yes...
Before you ask us: “Am I seeing this right?” The answer is: yes, those are two mountain bike tires secured to a bike rack with no issues at all. We loved this lock for its ability to accommodate pretty much all situations you'll ride yourself into.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

Ease of Transport


This testing metric is a big selling point for the FoldyLock Compact; even though it extends to 33" when it's unfolded, it becomes a compact 7.45" long when folded up and ready to roll. So, if you're backpacking a bunch of other items, such as books, a laptop, a camera, etc., the FoldyLock is not a big hassle to bring along for the ride. The lock easily fits inside of a bag, can be mounted to the frame, or easily fits inside a jersey pocket for the recreational cyclist looking for extra protection at pitstops.

seatylock foldylock compact - the portability of the foldylock compact made it a pleasure to carry...
The portability of the FoldyLock Compact made it a pleasure to carry around town. The bike mount adapts to your bottle cage, so you don't have to remove your bottle holder. It also comes with straps to mount to other parts of the bike frame.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

This is NOT the case with heavier U-Locks like the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock or Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock Mini, which are big and heavy. Compared to the ABUS uGrip Bordo 5700, though, the FoldyLock weighs about half a pound more and folds down to a larger, longer shape than the Bordo.

seatylock foldylock compact - up close and personal with the foldycompact: the joints allow you to...
Up close and personal with the FoldyCompact: the joints allow you to manipulate the lock easily. Due to the coating on the hardened steel, it really doesn't scratch up your frame as much as other options.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

Ease of Use


It doesn't get much easier than inserting a key and turning the lock to either lock or unlock the product, although the Bordo does it — you don't need the key inserted to lock that lock. With the FoldyLock Compact, you need the key to turn the locking mechanism for locking and unlocking it. Nonetheless, with the turn of a key, your bike is locked up with minimal effort. The locking mechanism is smooth and easy to use. Additionally, the FoldyLock comes with three keys total, so if you're prone to losing things, you have two backup keys.

The locking mechanism is smooth and easy to use. However, you do...
The locking mechanism is smooth and easy to use. However, you do have to have the key inserted in order to lock or unlock the FoldyLock.
The FoldyLock Compact is indeed that: it fits easily into a jersey...
The FoldyLock Compact is indeed that: it fits easily into a jersey pocket on a long ride or into your backpack or saddle back. The joints move smoothly, and at just over 2 lbs, you'll hardly notice it's there.
If you've ever unlocked a house or car door, then you're all set to...
If you've ever unlocked a house or car door, then you're all set to tackle the FoldyLock Compact! The locking mechanism is super easy to use.

This model can lock a bike to pretty much any reasonable structure with relative ease. The six panels attached by rivets are flexible enough to wrap around pretty much anything. The only constraint, as with all locks, is the size. Yet, the lock dimensions are enough to accommodate road and mountain tires in our tests.

View from above: the FoldyLock easily fits around most bike tires...
View from above: the FoldyLock easily fits around most bike tires and locking situation. This instance kept our bike safe while on a quick stop to the local public library.
We parked this road bike outside our favorite cafe and it took only...
We parked this road bike outside our favorite cafe and it took only minutes for us to lock the bike to the rack using the FoldyCompact. It's hard not to love a lock that's easy to carry, easy to use and that's pretty secure.

Versatillity


The FoldyLock Compact is a highly versatile lock that will easily accommodate your biking gear, such as a road or mountain bike, in most locking situations, similar to the ABUS uGrip Bordo 5700. The individual folding plates do a pretty good job hooking up to tricky structures. Where this lock falters is in higher-risk areas. Suppose you need a lock with similar versatility for a high-risk area, then we recommend the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 U-Lock, which combines the security of a U-Lock with the flexibility of a cable.

seatylock foldylock compact - need to stop at a watering hole? the foldylock--which can fit into...
Need to stop at a watering hole? The FoldyLock--which can fit into your jersey pocket--is a potential solution for low-to-medium risk situations.
Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland

Should You Buy the Seatylock Foldylock Compact?


The FoldyLock won't protect your bike in high-risk situations, but it does a great job on the schoolyard at the cafe in a small town while offering no noticeable difference to your ride, whether it's mounted to your frame or in your jersey pocket.

Is it tea time? The FoldyCompact is more than enough security for...
Is it tea time? The FoldyCompact is more than enough security for those stops when you're within sight of your bike. We also loved its versatility-- no matter what kind of bike rack you find, the FoldyLock accommodates pretty much anything (trunks of redwood trees excluded).
Our verdict on the FoldyLock: this highly versatile lock should be...
Our verdict on the FoldyLock: this highly versatile lock should be in your jersey pocket or your bag if you're riding in low-to-medium security settings. Avoid high-risk areas.

What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?


We suggest looking into the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock for those commuting on an expensive bike or who need high security. However, it isn't as transportable compared to the FoldyLock. But that's somewhat the price you pay for increased security.

Rebecca Eckland