Best
Best Folding Bike Locks with Frame Mounts
Three folding locks that come with their own bracket, so the lock rides on the frame instead of in a bag.
Updated · 3 min read · 3 products evaluated
A folding lock earns its place on an adult trike only if you actually carry it, and the bracket decides that. A lock stuffed in a basket gets left at home on the quick errand, which is exactly when trikes get stolen from a shop doorway.
Three folding locks qualify because each one ships with its own frame mount. They split into a light 3mm option for short stops and two Seatylock models with heavier plate steel, so the real question is how long you will leave the trike alone.
Short answer
The Seatylock Foldylock Compact is the best overall pick because its 33.5 inch opening reaches around a wide trike frame and its bracket is built to ride without rattling. The Seatylock Sold Secure Gold set is the pick for long stops, and the Kryptonite Parkview is the light choice for short ones.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for Longer Stops
Seatylock Folding Lock Sold Secure Gold, Set of 2
Locking in two places
Best for Short Stops
Kryptonite Parkview Folding Bike Lock 2.9 ft
Quick low risk stops
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 3
Seatylock Foldylock Compact 33.5 Inch
A key-only folding lock with a frame mount and enough reach for a wide trike.
Best for
Everyday trike locking
Why we like it
This Foldylock opens to a 33.5 inch circumference and comes with a frame bracket and carry case, so the lock travels on the trike. The anti-tamper rivets and three year warranty mark it as a lock built to be used daily, not kept for emergencies.
Against the Kryptonite Parkview it adds a longer opening and heavier construction, and against the Gold set it costs less and weighs less. The caveat is that folding joints and rivets are always the weak points, so thread it through the frame and a fixed post, not around a thin rail.
Key specs
| Size | Opens to 33.5 inch circumference |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Frame bracket and carry case |
| Features | Key operated, anti-tamper rivets, 3 year warranty |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Reach suits long trike frames
- Bracket built to ride quietly
- Three year warranty
- Key only, no code to forget
Limitations
- Not grinder proof
- Joints and rivets are weak points
- Heavier than a cable
Consider it if
- Daily errands and shop stops
- Wide trike frames
Skip it if
- Overnight outdoor parking
Best for Longer Stops2 of 3
Seatylock Folding Lock Sold Secure Gold, Set of 2
Two matching Gold rated locks with 6.5mm plates, mounts and six keys.
Best for
Locking in two places
Why we like it
The pair comes with 6.5mm hardened steel plates, a Sold Secure Gold 18/18 rating, a mount for each lock and six identical keys. The 35.4 inch circumference is the longest of the three, which helps when a fat rear axle and frame both need to be inside the loop.
It is the strongest of the three by a wide margin, but you are buying two locks, so it makes most sense for a couple sharing trikes or a rider who wants one lock at home and one on the frame. A single trike owner can reasonably choose the cheaper Compact.
Key specs
| Size | 35.4 inch circumference |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | Frame mount bracket set |
| Features | 6.5mm hardened steel plates, Sold Secure Gold 18/18 |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Gold security rating
- 6.5mm hardened steel plates
- Matching keys for both locks
- Longest opening here
Limitations
- Two locks to buy and carry
- Heaviest option on a trike frame
Consider it if
- Couples sharing a keyset
- Longer outdoor stops
Skip it if
- Riders wanting one light lock
Best for Short Stops3 of 3
Kryptonite Parkview Folding Bike Lock 2.9 ft
A 2.15 pound folding lock with transport bracket and two keys.
Best for
Quick low risk stops
Why we like it
Weighing 2.15 pounds, the Parkview uses 3mm hardened steel bars with tightened rivets, and its bracket keeps it on the frame between stops. Two keys are included, so one can stay at home.
Next to the Seatylock locks it gives up bar thickness and reach, which is why it is pitched at short stops in low to medium risk areas. Choose it when you want something you will always bring and you rarely leave the trike out of sight.
Key specs
| Size | 2.9 ft usable locking length |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.15 lb |
| Fit and mounting | Transport bracket included |
| Features | 3mm hardened steel bars, tightened rivets |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Light at 2.15 pounds
- Transport bracket included
- Two keys supplied
- Clear low risk positioning
Limitations
- Thinnest 3mm bars
- Short 2.9 ft reach
- Not for overnight use
Consider it if
- Short shop stops
- Light carry
Skip it if
- Wide frames needing long reach
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Size | Fit | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seatylock Foldylock Compact 33.5 Inch Best Overall | Opens to 33.5 inch circumference | Frame bracket and carry case | Key operated, anti-tamper rivets, 3 year warranty | Check price |
| Seatylock Folding Lock Sold Secure Gold, Set of 2 Best for Longer Stops | 35.4 inch circumference | Frame mount bracket set | 6.5mm hardened steel plates, Sold Secure Gold 18/18 | Check price |
| Kryptonite Parkview Folding Bike Lock 2.9 ft Best for Short Stops | 2.9 ft usable locking length | Transport bracket included | 3mm hardened steel bars, tightened rivets | Check price |
How We Chose These Folding Bike Locks with Frame Mounts
- Bracket included
- Every pick ships with its own frame mount. A lock that has to live in a basket is a lock that gets left behind.
- Steel and rivets
- We compared bar thickness and security ratings where given, from 3mm bars to 6.5mm plates. Folding joints are the weak point, so thicker plates and tamper rivets mattered most.
- Reach on a wide frame
- A trike frame and axle take more circumference than a bicycle. We favored openings of 33 inches or more where the lock claims them.
- Keys and warranty
- Spare keys and multi year coverage show a lock meant for daily use. We counted them as practical signs of long term support.
What to Look for in a Folding Bike Locks with Frame Mounts
Bracket type and rattle
A frame mount holds the folded lock against a tube with a strap or clip. A loose bracket lets the lock vibrate, which is noisy and slowly wears paint.
On a trike, find a straight tube with room for the folded lock and check that the bracket diameter fits it. Look for a quiet ride claim and a rubber or foam liner.
Plate thickness
The plates between the rivets resist cutting, and thicker steel takes longer to cut through. Three millimeter bars suit a short stop, while 6.5mm plates are built for longer ones.
Match the plate to where you park. Read the stated thickness and any security rating before buying, and ignore marketing words with no number.
Opening circumference
Folded locks are sized by how far they open into a loop. A trike has a rear axle, a wide frame and sometimes a basket frame, so short locks may only reach one tube.
Measure from the rear axle to a fixed post with a string, then compare it to the stated opening. Anything that closes loosely is easier to attack.
Rivets and joints
Every fold is a pivot held by a rivet, and that pivot is where a thief will go. Tamper resistant rivets and shrouded joints raise the work needed.
Look for named anti tamper rivets and keep the joint away from the ground when you lock up, so it cannot be levered against the pavement.
How to Choose
By Where You Park
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick shop stop, trike in sight | Kryptonite Parkview | Lightest at 2.15 pounds and ready to use |
| Daily errands in town | Seatylock Foldylock Compact | 33.5 inch reach and daily use build |
| Longer outdoor stops | Seatylock Gold set | 6.5mm plates and Gold security rating |
| Two riders, one key set | Seatylock Gold set | Two locks open with six matching keys |
Lighter vs Heavier Steel
- Lighter steel
- The Kryptonite Parkview carries 3mm bars at 2.15 pounds, so you will always bring it. The cost is a shorter 2.9 ft reach and less resistance to cutting.
- Heavier steel
- The Seatylock locks carry heavier plate steel and longer openings. You pay in weight on the frame and in price, but wide trike frames fit through the loop.
Most trike owners should start with the Foldylock Compact unless every stop is brief.
For Locking a Wide Frame Specifically
- Look for
- An opening above 33 inches, because the rear axle, frame and a fixed post all need to fit inside the loop without strain.
- In this comparison
- The Seatylock Gold set opens to 35.4 inches and the Foldylock Compact to 33.5 inches, while the Parkview reaches only 2.9 feet of usable length.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You park outdoors for hours or in a busy area. The Seatylock Gold set brings 6.5mm plates and a Gold rating that the lighter options cannot match.
- Save if
- Your stops are short and you keep the trike in view. The Kryptonite Parkview covers that use at the lowest weight with a bracket and two keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a folding lock bracket fit a trike frame?
Most brackets strap or clip to a tube, so you need a straight section with enough room for the folded lock. Check tube diameter and clearance from the basket and wheel before ordering, because a trike frame has fewer open tubes than a bicycle.
Is a folding lock secure enough for a trike?
It depends on the steel and where you park. A 3mm lock like the Parkview suits short, watched stops, while the Seatylock Gold set with 6.5mm plates is built for longer ones. No folding lock is grinder proof, so never rely on one overnight outside.
How do I lock a trike with a folding lock?
Pass the lock through the frame and a fixed post, ideally also around the rear axle area if it reaches. Keep the joints off the ground, face the keyhole down, and avoid leaving slack that lets a thief rotate the lock.
Is the Seatylock Gold set worth it over the Foldylock Compact?
Only if you want two locks or need the stronger 6.5mm plates and Gold rating. The Foldylock Compact has the same style of bracket and a 33.5 inch opening, which is plenty for most solo trike owners.
Do I need to oil a folding lock?
A drop of light lubricant in the pivots and keyway once a season keeps the folds moving smoothly. Wipe grit from the joints after wet rides, and avoid heavy grease that attracts dirt near the key hole.
Bottom Line
Choose the Seatylock Foldylock Compact for most trike riders because its 33.5 inch reach and quiet bracket suit daily use. Step up to the Seatylock Gold set for longer stops or two riders, and pick the Kryptonite Parkview only when every stop is short and supervised.