What folding lock is the best for me?

If you’ve ridden your bike to school, work, for errands, or just to the coffee shop – chances are you’ve locked your bike up.  While you may be familiar with a chain lock, cable lock, or even a u-lock, you may not be as familiar with a folding lock.

Often using rubber coated steel linked bars, these locks retain many of the flexibility benefits you get with a chain lock but give the added value of portability – as they “fold” to fit in a variety of transport brackets.

A lock is a necessity – you want your bike to be there when you return to it.  However, not all locks are created equal.  Different locks provide different levels of security, and you may not always need the heaviest most secure lock out there.

Here’s a run-down of several options from Kryptonite and why some of these specific models may be a good fit for your daily ride security needs.

Quick pitstops

If you’re heading to the coffee shop, or maybe doing some quick groceries, you may want a smaller lock that you can whip out to secure your ride. The Keeper Mini is light–weighing only .56 kilograms or 1.23 lbs and measures only 14.6 cm when folded up for transport. It still gives you 80 cm of locking length, so you can make sure that your wheel and frame are secured to whatever you’re locking to. The lock has 2.5 mm hardened solid steel bars and includes an easy to install the transport bracket.

4/10 security

Keyless combination locks

If you’re the type of person that can never find your keys, then a combination lock might be for you. The Keeper 585 combo lock is a 85 cm folding lock that you can use when you’re locking your bike up during the day in moderate security situations. Using 3 mm hardened steel, it’s more than the mini, but it’s not something you want to use if you’re leaving your bike somewhere for a full day unless you’re in a more rural area. But the good news is it’s easy to set the combination digits, which are big and easy to see. It’s a little heavier than the mini, but at .99 kg, still quite light and very portable.

5/10 security

Moderate security but with keys

The Keeper 510 is a similar version, but longer and uses keys. If you are riding a larger bike or need more room when you’re locking your bike up, it might be for you. It’s a similar level of security as the combination version, but still sturdy, with 3 mm of hardened steel to protect your ride.

 

5/10 security

When you leave your bike somewhere for a few hours

If you plan on locking up your bike for several hours, you’ll want to increase the level of security the lock offers. There are a few options that provide this. These locks will be heavier, with thicker steel bars, but it also means better peace of mind and protection.

Kryptolok 685

This is a beefier lock for when you need added protection. It uses 5 mm hardened steel links and comes with two keys. Although a little heavier than some of the previously mentioned locks, coming in at 1.06 kg, it shouldn’t be a problem to use as you can simply attach it to the included transport bracket. And don’t worry, installing that is a breeze.

6/10 security

Kryptolok 610S

The Kryptolok 610S utilizes a compact design. The bracket has been updated so you can be sure your lock stays fixed to your bike when you ride. It’s easy to attach, as is inserting the lock itself. It comes in at 1.2 kg.

6/10 security

A lock for e-bikes, or all-day protection

If you’re in the market for a high security lock, whether it be you’re locking up all day, in a higher risk area, or have a bike like an e-bike that’s significantly higher in value than a normal bike, the Evolution 790 may be the lock for you.  With 5.4 hardened steel links, the Evolution 790 is SECURE.  Still easy to transport and snap in and out with the updated included click-tight bracket, the lock provides 90 cm of locking length.  With Kryptonite’s optional Anti-Theft Protection Offer, this lock puts its money where its mouth is with up to $2,500 in protection. 

Key safe and combo safe programs

All the locks listed here come with Kryptonite’s Key Safe Program or Combo program. All you have to do is register your keys and if you do lose them (hey, it happens) the company will replace your keys. For the combination locks, you can register the digits just in case one day you can’t recall the combination.

To learn more, visit KryptoniteLocks.com

This story is presented by Krytponite