Bicycle accessories, voxome, Bicycle security
Foldylock Forever – Is this the strongest foldable bike lock on the market? Forever ;)
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Voxom Foldylock Forever – the ultimate foldable bike lock
Voxom Foldylock Forever is a solid, foldable bike lock designed with maximum security in mind. This model, distributed by the Voxom brand (originally created by Seatylock), is considered one of the safest foldable locks on the market. The photo below shows the Voxom Foldylock Forever lock in a folded form, along with the mounting bracket, three included keys, and the elements needed to attach the bracket to the bike. Thanks to its foldable design, the lock can be folded into a handy package measuring approximately 20,5 cm in length and 6,9 cm in width, making it easy to transport on the frame. The weight of the entire set is approx. 1,76 kg, which is typical for the highest level of protection. Below are the most important technical data of the Foldylock Forever model:
Circumference (clasp length): 90 cm (enables you to wrap around the frame and wheel and attach to a fixed object)
Weight: ~ 1,76 kg
Material: hardened steel (links) covered with scratch-resistant material
Cell thickness: 6,7 mm (significantly thicker than most folding clasps)
Lock system: "automotive standard" cylinder (high class, like in car ignition locks) with automatic key hole cover.
Keys: 3 pieces in a set (possibility of ordering a duplicate by code; lock adapted to the single key system for several locks - Keyed-Alike option)
Mounting to the frame: holder attached to bottle cage holes (screws included) or with Velcro straps (also included)
Safety certificates: Sold Secure Gold (maximum level in the bicycle category), 3 ART stars (the only folding lock in the world with such a high rating in the Dutch ART system)
Manufacturer Security Level: 18/18 (Voxom/Seatylock scale corresponding to Gold standard)
Security
Foldylock Forever It has been designed as a lock that guarantees a very high level of security, comparable to the best traditional U-locks or chains. It uses hardened steel links with a thickness of up to 6,7 mm, which makes them thicker than other top folding clasps – for comparison, the popular Abus Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 has steel strips ~5,5 mm. Such a solid construction means that the clasp has been certified Sold Secure Gold (awarded by an independent British organization, confirming high resistance to attack). What's more, Foldylock Forever as the first folding clasp in the world gained as much as 3 stars in ART tests – this is a very strict Dutch security certificate, with a scale from 1 to 5 stars (for bicycles usually a maximum of 3). For the user, this means that we are dealing with a product that has been tested for resistance to various methods of burglary.
The clasp links are connected by means of a special protected rivets (VSR technology), which are resistant to attempts at drilling, sawing or using so-called rivet splitters. The weak point of many folding locks is the unriveting of the segments, but the manufacturer Foldylock Forever has used reinforced fastenings that prevent the application of tools to cut the rivet. Furthermore, the steel plates and the lock body are protected against corrosion and weather conditions – they are declared resistant to rain, snow, and even extreme cold (freeze attack). The lock cylinder meets automotive standard, which suggests high precision of workmanship and resistance to pick manipulation similar to car ignition locks.
In practice, such a solid lock will resist a thief for longer than most typical bike locks. Tests show that cutting Foldylock Forever using an angle grinder takes longer than other folding locks – around 40 seconds of continuous cutting were recorded before the clasp was cut. This is a dozen or so seconds longer than competing folding models for a similar purpose, which confirms the higher strength of the material. Of course, it should be remembered that no lock is indestructible – with the right tools (e.g. a powerful grinder or hydraulic cutter), even the most solid protection can be defeated. However, Foldylock Forever is at the forefront when it comes to resistance to thieves: it effectively protects against typical attacks such as cutting with bolt cutters (the links are too hard and thick to cut with a hand tool), undermining/breaking (due to the foldable design, it is difficult to use the lever, unlike the U-lock, where you can try to insert a lever) and Drilling the lock (the key has high-security latches).
In the context of security, it is worth comparing the Foldylock Forever with other models. The aforementioned Abus Bordeaux Granite XPlus 6500 also has the Sold Secure Gold certificate and enjoys a reputation for being a very strong clasp – its design (5,5 mm hardened steel, special rivets) was until recently the gold standard. However, the Voxom Foldylock Forever beats it with slightly thicker links and a higher ART rating, which indicates an additional margin of safety. In turn, other folding clasps of a similar level, such as Kryptonite Evolution 790 Trelock FS 580 Toro, are slightly lighter, but are inferior to Foldylock in terms of the thickness of the elements and certificates (usually 2 ART stars or lower). It is also worth mentioning that by the nature of the construction folding locks have more connections, so theoretically more potential weak points than a monolithic U-lock. On the other hand a good U-lock requires two cuts to open completely, while with a folding lock, you only need to cut one section of the link to force it. Despite this, Foldylock Forever, thanks to its well-thought-out design and certified resistance, successfully matches the security of decent top-shelf U-locks.
To sum up the security issue, Voxom Foldylock Forever offers maximum level of bike protection available for a folding lock, which makes it an excellent choice for securing expensive bikes (e.g. electric bikes) in places with an increased risk of theft. Its advantages in this area are confirmed by both certificates (Sold Secure Gold, ART 3/5) and independent practical tests.
Mobility (moving and transporting)
The second important aspect is mobility, which means that the lock can be easily carried during everyday use. Foldylock Forever, despite its massive construction, has been designed to be as transport-friendly as possible. When folded, it takes the form of a compact cuboid measuring approximately 21x7x5 cm, which allows you to easily attach it to the frame or store it in a backpack. The set includes a dedicated mounting bracket on the frame, which can be screwed into standard bottle cage holes (the manufacturer includes the appropriate screws and even an Allen key). If your bike doesn't have these holes, or they're already occupied, the holder can be attached using the included toothed straps (zips) that wrap around the frame tube. This allows the lock to be mounted on virtually any bike – on the top tube, seat tube, or down tube, depending on your preference.
Weight about 1,76 kg means that it is not the lightest accessory, but it is worth noting that in its class (very strong locks) it is an acceptable weight. For comparison, heavy chains with a similar level of protection can weigh 4-6 kg, which significantly burdens a bike or backpack. Solid U-locks also weigh around 1,5-2 kg. Foldylock Forever compares favorably to chains - it is several times lighter with a similar level of protection. Yes, there are lighter folding locks available (e.g. smaller Foldylock Compact models ~1 kg, or some folding Kryptonite ~1,2 kg), but they are designed for a lower risk of theft (Silver level or lower). In other words, the extra grams in Forever result from its reinforced construction - it is a conscious exchange: a little more weight for a lot more safety.
The key facility that improves the comfort of transport is the above-mentioned handle. In the case of the Foldylock Forever, this handle is exceptionally well designed. The clasp slides into it and snaps shut, without any additional straps or Velcro securing. The whole thing holds very securely, even on a bumpy road - eliminating the typical problem of irritating rattles while driving that many locks have. The manufacturer has used a vibration dampening mechanism and pawls holding the clasp, thanks to which even on uneven surfaces the clasp does not make noise. This is a big advantage, because users often complain that transported locks (especially folding ones) can rattle, which forces them to improvise with pads or rubber bands. Here, this problem has been solved structurally.
In practice Carrying the Foldylock Forever on the frame is almost unnoticeable. The mount can be mounted so that the lock fits into the frame triangle or at any angle, without interfering with pedaling. Of course, if someone plans to carry the lock in a backpack or bag, they should remember this weight – in a backpack 1,76 kg will already be felt when worn for longer periods of time. Fortunately, thanks to the bike-mount option, you’ll rarely need to carry it on your back.
In terms of mobility Foldylock Forever is doing very well. His compact size when folded ensure that it does not protrude from the frame and can be mounted even on bikes with small frames or those loaded with other accessories (e.g. bottles, pumps). One-handed handle operation (we pull the lock with one movement) additionally simplifies its everyday use. The only compromise is the weight – but it is an unavoidable compromise if we want the highest level of protection. All in all, in the category of locks with the highest security class, the Voxom Foldylock Forever turns out to be quite transport-friendly and should not discourage you from taking it with you on every ride.
Ease of use
Aspect convenience of use concerns how easy and pleasant it is to use the lock on a daily basis: locking and unlocking the bike, manipulating the lock, storing, etc. Although Foldylock Forever's priority is safety, the manufacturer made sure that the lock was also ergonomic and easy to use.
The lock is easy to unfold – the segments are connected in such a way that they turn smoothly and do not jam with each other. The internal friction mechanism has been designed to provide both stability (so that the lock does not "sag" on its own) and lightness of movement when unfolded manually. Thanks to this, the manipulation of the lock itself is convenient - we can arrange it around the bike and the stand without struggling. The length of 90 cm provides considerable flexibility: the lock will easily cover the frame and one wheel as well as a medium-thick stand/rail. Importantly, these 90 cm circumference is more than a standard U-lock, which increases the number of available points to which we can lock the bike. At the same time, 90 cm is not so much that the lock is unwieldy (we do not have an unnecessary "tail" to turn like with a long chain).
Lock and key operation also deserves praise. Foldylock Forever is equipped with an automatic keyhole cover – closed with an auto-shutter flap, which is automatically revealed after inserting the key. This is very practical because it protects the mechanism from dirt and water, and at the same time we do not have to remember to manually move the cap. This mechanism is slightly recessed in the lock housing, which makes it easier to hit the key and open, even in the dark.
The lock locks and opens with a key smoothly, without any jams. The manufacturer boasts of the high precision of the cylinder – referred to as “butter-smooth, ultra-secure”. The set includes three keys, which is standard for premium locks. Additionally, the keys can be registered on the manufacturer's website (the code is on the attached card), which ensures the possibility of making a spare key even if all the originals are lost - this is part of the 3-year warranty that the product covers. Such a system is a nod to the user - it gives a sense of security not only for the bike, but also for our keys.
The comfort of use is also influenced by small details: all metal elements of the clasp are covered with plastic (pleasant to the touch), so we do not draw the frame when fastening. Even if the segment touches the paint, the protective rubber will prevent damage to the paint. The ends are rounded and fit well in the hand. The whole thing seems to be well-fitted - nothing is loose, there are no sharp edges. When we pull the lock out of the handle, we can immediately manoeuvre it with one hand and hold the bike with the other - this is important, because in some cheaper folding locks the segments can unfold on their own and make manipulation difficult. Here the friction mechanism keeps the lock compact but still mobile, which gives you full control.
What defects in terms of convenience, can you point out? Apart from the plastic key cover, the only real downside is the same feature that affects mobility – weight. When locking the bike, we have to lift and turn a 1,7-kilogram piece of steel, which won't be a problem for most people, but it's worth being aware that, for example, a child or a small person, it may cause minimal difficulty compared to light cable locks (which we don't recommend due to the low level of protection). Nevertheless, in the segment of serious bike locks, this is still a small weight.
In sum, comfort of use Voxom Foldylock Forever is at a high level. Locking and unlocking the bike is quick and easy, the lock works smoothly, and the well-thought-out details (frame protection, easy assembly and disassembly from the holder, automatic lock cover) mean that using this security device on a daily basis does not cause frustration, but rather gives a sense of dealing with a refined product. It is safe to say that for such a solid lock, Foldylock Forever is surprisingly user-friendly.
Price to security ratio
The last aspect analyzed is price to security level ratio, or an assessment of whether Voxom Foldylock Forever is worth its price and how it compares to other solutions in terms of profitability. There is no hiding the fact that it is a higher priced product. On the Polish market the price of this clasp is around PLN 550–600 per item (our shop is an exception here 😉 ). This is a considerable expense for a bicycle lock, especially compared to simple U-locks for PLN 100–200 or cables for several dozen zlotys. However, it should be compared to products with a similar level of protection. In the segment the strongest locks prices are usually high – for example, the aforementioned Abus Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 (an equivalent in terms of application) costs around PLN 500–700 depending on the version and place of purchase. Strong U-locks (e.g. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit) or Sold Secure Gold chains also fall within the PLN 400–600+ range. Against this background, Voxom Foldylock Forever does not differ in price from the competition – is in the lower range of other top security features.
So, is that it? it's worth investing that amount in this lock? If you have an expensive bike (or just a beloved bike that would be painful to lose) and you park it in public places with a non-zero risk of theft, then the answer is: yes, it's worth it. For its price, Foldylock Forever offers peace of mind resulting from top-class security – confirmed by tests and certificates. It is one of those investments that pays off when nothing happens – in short, we pay for our bike to stay in its place. This is quite telling – the cost of a lock is usually a few percent of the price of a decent bike, and it can protect us from losing 100% of the bike's value.
Of course, if you ride a cheap city bike and lock it occasionally for a moment in front of a store in a safe area, buying such an expensive lock may not be justified. In such a case, a simpler security for less money will suffice. However, for mid-range and higher-end bikes, especially those used daily in the city, spending a few hundred złoty on a lock is a reasonable policy. Foldylock Forever stands out because it combines a very high level of security with relatively high comfort - an alternative with similar effectiveness could be, for example, a thick motorcycle chain, but its weight and awkwardness practically rule out convenient everyday use. In a sense, we are paying for it here versatility: we get protection similar to heavy chains in a foldable form, easy to transport and use every day.
If we compare weight, price and security ratio with other models, Foldylock Forever comes across as a very sensible choice for someone who needs maximum security in a portable form. You can find cheaper folding locks, but they will have lower certificates (e.g. Sold Secure Silver) - which is a fundamentally different market segment. You can also find slightly more expensive options at a similar level (e.g. some niche U-locks with titanium inserts or innovative designs), but here we are talking about specialist solutions that do not necessarily beat Foldylock in terms of practicality. To sum up, price-quality/security ratio in the case of Voxom Foldylock Forever it is adequate – we pay a lot, but we get a top-shelf product, without any serious weaknesses. In the category of folding locks, there is currently no stronger model, so by investing in Foldylock Forever, we are actually buying the best in its class.
Summary
Voxom Foldylock Forever is a foldable bike lock that can easily be described as flagship in its category. It combines security at the level of professional security (Sold Secure Gold, ART 3/5 certificates) Mobility i convenience use, which is surprising in a product with such a solid construction. Its well-thought-out design – thick hardened links, reinforced rivets, quiet transport handle – translates into real benefits for the user: the bike is very well protected, and using the lock on a daily basis is not inconvenient.
The advantages of Foldylock Forever definitely include: the highest level of security among folding locks, stable and convenient frame mounting system (noise-free and with one-handed operation), smooth operation of the mechanism and versatility – the length of 90 cm allows for easy attachment to various objects. On the other hand, you have to remember about weight ~1,7 kg, which, although understandable with this class of security, will always be felt, and relatively high price purchase. A minor drawback is the plastic lock cover, but it does not significantly affect the overall quality rating.
Who is this product for? Primarily for cyclists who they don't want to compromise on security. If you leave your bike in a public space – at a university, in front of an office, in a housing estate – and you want the best possible protection, Foldylock Forever will do its job perfectly. Owners of valuable bikes (e.g. electric, mountain or road bikes of high value) will especially appreciate the peace of mind that a solid lock provides. On the other hand, if you need something lighter for short, occasional stops in safe places, a cheaper mid-range model may be enough – always choose the protection appropriately to the value of the bike and the risk of theft.
In summary, Voxom Foldylock Forever is top proposal among bicycle locks: expensive, but pampered in every respect. He scores high in tests, it's just that as the strongest folding lock currently available on the market. So if you are looking for a compromise between armored protection and ease of use, Foldylock Forever is a solution that is definitely worth considering - it will probably meet (or even exceed) your expectations both in terms of safetyAnd practicality
Previous lowest price: 469,90 zł.
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