REASONS TO BUY
Versatile
Easy to carry
Small form factor
REASONS TO AVOID
Less secure than a U-lock
Floppy operation
Seatylock Foldylock Compact Review
A slick folding lock that impresses with its design but not its security
The hexagonal shape of the Seatylock lets you include a front wheel or helmet in your lock-up.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ February 11, 2026
RELATED: The Best Bike Locks of 2026
Our Verdict
This compact lock hits a solid “middle ground” for urban cyclists, offering a balanced blend of portability and protection. Designed for weight-conscious commuters who want more security than a cable lock without the bulk of a traditional U-lock. Its flexible folding design makes it exceptionally easy to transport and deploy, though it remains most effective for brief stops in low- to moderate-risk areas where versatility is more critical than maximum-security ratings. It is the ideal companion for the rider who values a light, streamlined setup but still needs a dependable deterrent for daily errands.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The FoldyLock Compact is a specialized tool. While it isn't the right choice for high-theft metropolitan areas, crowded university campuses, or riders protecting a multi-thousand-dollar investment, it shines as a reliable mid-level security solution. During our testing, it survived full-body-weight bolt cutter attacks and destroyed several drill bits, proving that it can frustrate most opportunistic thieves.
The Seatlock offers versatile locking flexibility for non-standard shapes. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Security
For a lock designed around portability, the FoldyLock is surprisingly resilient. It's an excellent deterrent for low- to medium-risk scenarios, though we wouldn't trust it with a $10,000 carbon-fiber rig in a high-crime area. It successfully fended off hammers, hacksaws, and wire cutters. Even our heavy-duty bolt cutters with maximum leverage failed to break the 5mm steel links. This is where the FoldyLock excels: the lock cylinder defeated our cordless drills, leaving a pile of ruined bits rather than a broken lock.
The Seatylock was virtually unfazed by our 24" bolt cutters. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Like most folding locks, it struggled against power tools. A cordless angle grinder sliced through the links in just 8 seconds. Unlike some U-locks or chains that require 2 cuts to remove, cutting through a single bar lets you completely remove the lock from a bike.
In just 8 seconds, the hardened steel bars succumbed to the heat and friction of the angle grinder. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Transport
Portability is the Foldylock's greatest strength and the primary reason to choose this lock. It offers a generous 33-inch reach when unfolded, yet collapses down to a tiny 7.45-inch profile for travel.
The Seatylock Foldylock includes a clever mount that secures it to your water bottle cage. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
It's small enough to slip into a backpack, mount directly to your bike frame, or even slide into a cycling jersey pocket. While it is significantly more manageable than most U-locks, it's still 2.2 pounds.
Ease of Use
The user experience is straightforward, though it requires a bit more “key work” than some rivals. It's possible the lock is backwards, and the shackle won't line up with it. The Foldylock requires you to insert the key and turn it to engage the locking mechanism; there is no click-to-close functionality.
This pocket-sized lock provides good security for its size, but its biggest feature is its portability. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The lock cylinder turns effortlessly, and the overall build quality of the 5mm steel bars feels premium. The lock ships with three keys, providing peace of mind for those prone to misplacing them.
Versatility
Flexibility is the Seatlock strong suit. The six-panel riveted design is remarkably agile and can easily wrap around odd-shaped poles and fences that a standard U-lock would struggle with. This feels like the perfect small town, or “coffee shop” lock. It offers a level of convenience and drill resistance that is hard to beat in this weight class.
Odd-shaped tubes or locking points that aren't actually bike racks are easy to tame with the Foldylock. Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Should You Buy the Seatylock Foldylock Compact?
If you prioritize portability and want a lock that can fit in a pocket, the Seatylock is hard to beat. We'd recommend it for those who park in low- to medium-risk areas and want the flexibility to lock to various non-bike rack structures.
What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?
If you want more security, check out the Litelok X1 for a solid lock that is a serious deterrent. If having more flexibility on the form of your lock is important, take a look at the Kryptonite Evolution Chain Lock. It can wrap around most anything, but it's a bit more cumbersome to carry. FoldyLock. But that's somewhat the price you pay for increased security.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Seatylock Foldylock Compact versus top competing products:
| Awards |  |
|---|---|
| Price | $95 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A slick folding lock that impresses with its design but not its security |
| Pros | Versatile, Easy to carry, Small form factor |
| Cons | Less secure than a U-lock, Floppy operation |
| Rating Categories | Seatylock Foldylock... |
| Security (40%) | |
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |
| Ease of Use (20%) | |
| Versatility (15%) | |
| Specifications | Seatylock Foldylock... |
| Type | Folding |
| Time to Defeat Lock | 8 seconds |
| Measured Weight | 2.2 lbs |
| Locking Dimension | 32" circumference |
| Primary Materials/Thickness | 5mm hardened steel bars |
| Included Keys | 3 keys |
| Defeated by Tin Snips | No |
| Defeated by Hammer | No |
| Defeated by Hacksaw | No |
| Defeated by 24" Bolt Cutters | No |
| Number of Angle Grinder Cuts to Defeat Lock | 1 cut |
—Joshua Hutchens
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