How to Lock a Folding Bike + The Best Folding Bike Lock

If you’ve ever ridden a bike, then you know how important it is to keep your bike locked up when not in use. If left unattended, there are always the chances that someone could steal it from under your nose. And if this happens, then all of those hours spent getting on and off your bike will have been for nothing! In order to prevent such a tragedy from happening, here are some tips on how to lock a folding bicycle and which lock is best.

How many bikes are stolen each year?

Every 30 seconds, someone’s bike is stolen in North America. And the issue has only gotten worse over the last year, when more individuals have switched to bicycles as their primary mode of transportation.

How do bikes most commonly get stolen?

The most common way how bikes get stolen is through the use of bolt cutters or an angle grinder. It only takes a few seconds for someone to cut through a cable or chain that easily locks onto your bike.

What types of bike locks are there?

Folding bike locks are great for securing your folding bicycle, but how do you know which one to buy? There are four main types of bike lock. The first type is the cable lock, which is typically slender and made from braided steel. They tend to be flexible enough to loop around stationary objects. The second type is called a D-lock, which typically has a solid metal bar running along its length with an arm on either side meant for locking it up. The third type is called a chain lock and these typically have small chains or hoops hanging off them so they can loop through the frame of your bike as well as whatever else you decide to loop it around (a pole, another object, etc). The fourth type are folding locks.

Here are the pros and cons of each lock type.

Cable lock

Pros of a cable lock:

Durable and flexible enough to loop around stationary objects.
The cables often come with a quick release system in the event of theft (or if it gets caught on something).

Cons of a cable lock:

Usually not as durable as other bike locks.
Can’t loop through the frame of the bike.

Bestseller No. 1 Master Lock Bike Lock Cable, Combination Bicycle Lock, Cable Lock for Outdoor Equipment, 8143D

Outdoor bike cable lock with combination is best used as a bicycle lock and to secure other outdoor equipment
Cable bike lock features a preset, four-digit combination lock; Provides a basic security level that is best used as a theft deterent
Bike lock is made with braided steel for flexibility, and includes a protective vinyl coating that helps prevent scratching
Bike lock cable is 4 ft. (1.2 m) long and 5/16 in. (8 mm) wide in diameter
Includes one combination bike lock cable

Bestseller No. 2 Master Lock Covered Aluminum Lock, Locker Lock with Key, Key Lock for Outdoors, 1 Pack, 141DLF

Indoor and outdoor padlock with key is best used as a shed lock, gate lock, and storage locker lock, providing protection and security from theft.Note: Measure your door’s backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit
Key lock is constructed with a black vinyl-covered aluminum body for scratch and corrosion resistance, hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
Four-pin cylinder and dual locking lever mechanism for pick and pry resistance
1-9/16 in. (40 mm) wide lock body; 1/4 in. (6 mm) diameter shackle with 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) length, 13/16 in. (21 mm) width for application flexibility
Includes one padlock, two keys (matching color key head for added convenience)

READ

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Bestseller No. 3 Master Lock Combination Lock, Set Your Own Combination Lock, Indoor and Outdoor Padlock, Weatherproof Code Lock, 178D

Indoor and outdoor padlock is best used as a school locker lock, gym lock, and gate lock, providing protection and security from theft
Set your own four-digit combination lock for easy combination recall; Combination change tool included
Combo lock is constructed with a solid body for strength and weatherability, hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
2 inch (51 millimeter) wide lock body; 5/16 inch (8 millimeter) diameter shackle with 1 inch (25 millimeter) length, 1 inch (25 millimeter) width
Shackle is preset to open on 0-0-0-0. Some instructions may incorrectly state shackle opens on l-o-c-k. See user manual in technical specifications section of this page for correct combination reset instructions.

D-lock/U-lock

Pros of a D-lock/U-lock:

The D-lock is made of heavy-duty metal. It’s durable and won’t rust or break easily.
The lock can be inserted into a bike rack, which makes it easy to secure the bike with an additional lock.

Cons of a D-lock/U-lock:

The D-lock is also difficult to transport because it doesn’t fold up well. This could be an issue if you plan on travelling with your folding bike.

Bestseller No. 1 Master Lock Combination Locker Lock, Combination Padlock for Gym and School Lockers, Colors May Vary, 1530DCM

Indoor padlock is best used as a school locker lock and gym lock, providing protection and security from theft
Preset three-digit combination lock for keyless convenience
Combo lock is constructed with a metal body, anodized aluminum cover, hardened steel shackle, and anti-shim locking mechanism for strength and security
1-7/8 in. (48 mm) wide lock body; 9/32 in. (7 mm) diameter shackle with 3/4 in. (19 mm) length, 13/16 in. (21 mm) width
Available in blue, red, and purple (color randomly selected at time of shipment)

Bestseller No. 2 Master Lock Bike Lock Cable, Combination Bicycle Lock, Cable Lock for Outdoor Equipment, 8143D

Outdoor bike cable lock with combination is best used as a bicycle lock and to secure other outdoor equipment
Cable bike lock features a preset, four-digit combination lock; Provides a basic security level that is best used as a theft deterent
Bike lock is made with braided steel for flexibility, and includes a protective vinyl coating that helps prevent scratching
Bike lock cable is 4 ft. (1.2 m) long and 5/16 in. (8 mm) wide in diameter
Includes one combination bike lock cable

Bestseller No. 3 Master Lock Covered Aluminum Lock, Locker Lock with Key, Key Lock for Outdoors, 1 Pack, 141DLF

Indoor and outdoor padlock with key is best used as a shed lock, gate lock, and storage locker lock, providing protection and security from theft.Note: Measure your door’s backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit
Key lock is constructed with a black vinyl-covered aluminum body for scratch and corrosion resistance, hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
Four-pin cylinder and dual locking lever mechanism for pick and pry resistance
1-9/16 in. (40 mm) wide lock body; 1/4 in. (6 mm) diameter shackle with 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) length, 13/16 in. (21 mm) width for application flexibility
Includes one padlock, two keys (matching color key head for added convenience)

READ

Are Folding Bikes Safe? (Answer: Yes! Here's Why...)

Chain lock

Pros of a chain lock:

Durable and flexible enough to loop around stationary objects.
The chains are often long enough to loop through the frame of a bike as well as whatever else you decide to hook it onto.

Cons of a chain lock:

If the chain is too long, it can get stuck.
Chains can break or be cut more easily than other bike locks.

Bestseller No. 1 Master Lock Bike Lock Cable, Combination Bicycle Lock, Cable Lock for Outdoor Equipment, 8143D

Outdoor bike cable lock with combination is best used as a bicycle lock and to secure other outdoor equipment
Cable bike lock features a preset, four-digit combination lock; Provides a basic security level that is best used as a theft deterent
Bike lock is made with braided steel for flexibility, and includes a protective vinyl coating that helps prevent scratching
Bike lock cable is 4 ft. (1.2 m) long and 5/16 in. (8 mm) wide in diameter
Includes one combination bike lock cable

Bestseller No. 2 Master Lock Covered Aluminum Lock, Locker Lock with Key, Key Lock for Outdoors, 1 Pack, 141DLF

Indoor and outdoor padlock with key is best used as a shed lock, gate lock, and storage locker lock, providing protection and security from theft.Note: Measure your door’s backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit
Key lock is constructed with a black vinyl-covered aluminum body for scratch and corrosion resistance, hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
Four-pin cylinder and dual locking lever mechanism for pick and pry resistance
1-9/16 in. (40 mm) wide lock body; 1/4 in. (6 mm) diameter shackle with 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) length, 13/16 in. (21 mm) width for application flexibility
Includes one padlock, two keys (matching color key head for added convenience)

Bestseller No. 3 Master Lock Combination Lock, Set Your Own Combination Lock, Indoor and Outdoor Padlock, Weatherproof Code Lock, 178D

Indoor and outdoor padlock is best used as a school locker lock, gym lock, and gate lock, providing protection and security from theft
Set your own four-digit combination lock for easy combination recall; Combination change tool included
Combo lock is constructed with a solid body for strength and weatherability, hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
2 inch (51 millimeter) wide lock body; 5/16 inch (8 millimeter) diameter shackle with 1 inch (25 millimeter) length, 1 inch (25 millimeter) width
Shackle is preset to open on 0-0-0-0. Some instructions may incorrectly state shackle opens on l-o-c-k. See user manual in technical specifications section of this page for correct combination reset instructions.

Folding lock

Pros of a folding lock:

Small enough to take with you on your travels.
Locking mechanism can be built into the bike frame, which means that it can’t get lost or left behind.

READ

Best Folding Bike Reviews 2022 & Customer Ratings | Folding Bike Hut

Cons of a folding lock:

The locking mechanism is built into the bike frame, which means that it can’t be used if you are travelling without your folding bike.

Bestseller No. 1 Master Lock Bike Lock Cable, Combination Bicycle Lock, Cable Lock for Outdoor Equipment, 8143D

Outdoor bike cable lock with combination is best used as a bicycle lock and to secure other outdoor equipment
Cable bike lock features a preset, four-digit combination lock; Provides a basic security level that is best used as a theft deterent
Bike lock is made with braided steel for flexibility, and includes a protective vinyl coating that helps prevent scratching
Bike lock cable is 4 ft. (1.2 m) long and 5/16 in. (8 mm) wide in diameter
Includes one combination bike lock cable

Bestseller No. 2 Child Safety Strap Locks (4 Pack) for Fridge, Cabinets, Drawers, Dishwasher, Toilet, 3M Adhesive No Drilling – Jool Baby

Jool Baby Strap Locks help prevent toddlers from reaching into closets, cabinets, ovens, washer/dryers, & waste bins.
Attaches with a strong 3M adhesive to secure your home.
Straps adjust from 3″ to 7″. They will fit almost any size appliance and furniture.
Easy Tool-Free Installation – Simply ensure the surface is clean, dry, & free of oils. Then, peel cover off the adhesive & apply!
Includes Manufacturers 10 year warranty

SaleBestseller No. 3 Raswik 4” Privacy Hook and Eye Latch Easy Lock for Barn Door, Black

Add privacy to sliding barn door, quick lock and unlock.
2 layers powder coating, durable and long lasting in all weathers, all places.
Made of solid iron diameter 5/16”, 4” long, sturdy and heavy duty.
Can be used to latch a variety of applications: interior and exterior doors, closet doors, pocket doors, cabin, windows, and so on.
Protected by Raswik No-Hassle lifetime replacement.

Folding bikes can be lost, stolen or damaged in many different ways. It’s important to find the best type of lock for your lifestyle and budget. Some people prefer cable locks because they are lightweight and easy to store when not using them; others like D-locks because they provide more security than most other types of locks. Chain locks offer maximum protection but aren’t as good for carrying around with you on public transportation, while folding locks make it possible to bring a full size U-lock anywhere without sacrificing too much space.

If you have any comments or questions, feel free to get in touch:

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