Seatylock combines cutting-edge security with innovative design to protect your ride.
Introduction & Context
The Seatylock Concept
Seatylock's flagship concept – as the name implies – is a seat that doubles as a lock. The original Seatylock product is a unique hybrid combining a sturdy folding bike lock and a bicycle saddle in one. This inventive approach addresses a common urban cycling pain point: carrying a bulky lock and worrying about saddle theft. By integrating the lock into the seat, Seatylock essentially ensures you always have your lock with you (since it's part of the bike) and that your saddle is secured when you lock your bike.
From its inception, Seatylock has positioned itself as a premium, design-driven brand in the bike accessories/security market. They emphasize a blend of security, comfort, and style that sets them apart from traditional lock makers. Unlike many competitors who might outsource parts, Seatylock prides itself on in-house design and production of every component, including the lock cylinders and keys. This vertical integration allows them to innovate freely (protected by numerous patents) and closely control quality.
Why Review Seatylock?
The business is noteworthy because it tackles old problems (bike and saddle theft) with fresh ideas. Their original seat-lock hybrid was a crowdfunded project (Kickstarter) that garnered attention for its cleverness – as one early backer put it, "it's such an obvious solution I'm surprised more manufacturers don't do something similar."
Over the years Seatylock expanded into a full line of locks and accessories, won prestigious design awards (iF Design, Red Dot, etc.) for its products, and earned certifications from reputable security institutes. In a market dominated by legacy brands like Kryptonite and Abus, Seatylock's focus on integrated design and style (making locks "desirable just as any other part or accessory") makes it an interesting case study.
Product Portfolio & Innovation
Seatylock now offers a broad portfolio of bike locks and related accessories, each with unique design twists.
Foldylock (Folding Locks)
Premium folding bike locks that emphasize compactness and elegance alongside security.
- Available in Compact, Classic, Elite, and Forever models
- Foldylock Forever is the strongest folding lock available
- Anti-rattle design for quiet operation
Mason (U-Locks)
Conventional U-locks with unique engineering and sizing options.
- Patented pentagonal crossbar and shackle profile
- Lightest Sold Secure Diamond locks on the market
- Available in four sizes (140, 180, 220, 300)
Viking (Chain Locks)
Heavy-duty chain locks for those who prefer a chain's flexibility.
- Available in Silver and Gold security levels
- Soft neoprene sleeve prevents bike scratches
- Magnetic closure for easy one-handed locking
Seatylock (Hybrid Saddle+Lock)
The original product that started it all – a bicycle seat that quickly detaches and unfolds into a folding lock.
- Available in Comfort and Trekking models
- Universal adapter maintains seat position
- Drill-protected rivets and lock cylinder
SeatyGo (Quick-Release Saddle System)
Patented quick-release mechanism that lets you instantly detach your bike saddle.
- Available in Urban, Dynamic, and Ebike models
- One-second removal to prevent theft and weather damage
- Secure latch mechanism prevents accidental release
X Lock (Accessory Locks)
Small security solutions for bike components like wheels and seatposts.
- X Lock Axle Bolts and Nuts secure wheels
- X Lock Seatpost Clamp prevents seat post theft
- Coded socket tool for unique security
Security, Certification & Credibility
Independent Testing & Certification
Seatylock submits all products for testing and certification by independent institutes. All their locks are tested by the Sold Secure laboratories in the UK, which rates locks at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels based on attack resistance.
The Mason U-locks have been certified at Sold Secure Diamond (the highest tier), while the Viking Gold chain lock proudly touts its Sold Secure Gold Certification. The Foldylock Forever achieved Sold Secure Gold and an ART 3-star rating.
3-Year Warranty
Seatylock offers a 3-year warranty on their locks when you register the product key code. That's a generous warranty period for a bike lock, indicating they stand behind their build quality.
In one customer's story, their Mason U-lock began to have a sticky mechanism after 6 months of heavy use; Seatylock proactively reached out and sent a brand new U-lock under the 3-year warranty, at no cost.
Credibility of Claims
World's Strongest Folding Lock
Independent bike security reviewers have effectively agreed with this, calling the Foldylock Forever "probably the most secure folding lock currently available." It outperformed or matched previous class leaders by using thicker plates and achieving Gold rating where most folders were Silver.
Lighter Than Other Diamond Locks
Comparing published weights, the Mason U-locks do appear lighter than competitors like Kryptonite's 18mm shackle models or Abus Granit Extreme. One press quote explicitly states "all of the Seatylock Mason U-locks are the lightest Sold Secure Diamond locks on the market for their size."
User Experience & Usability
Portability & Mounting
All Foldylocks come with a dedicated frame mount that attaches to the bike's water bottle cage holes or via straps. The lock folds into a compact bundle that clicks into this plastic bracket securely.
Locking/Unlocking Operation
Users generally report that Seatylock products operate smoothly. The locks use traditional reversible keys based on "automotive standard" cylinders. Many reviews praise the "smooth mechanism" of locks like the Viking chain.
Weight & Ergonomics
Some Seatylock products are heavy (1.8kg for Foldylock Forever, ~2kg for Mason 220, ~4kg for Viking Gold 140), but Seatylock's design mitigates this with good mounts and compact form factors.
Seatylock Hybrid Experience
The seat-lock hybrid provides an extremely convenient solution for city riders making frequent stops. The process of unfolding and locking takes under 10 seconds, and when you unlock your bike, you simply fold the lock back under the seat and snap it back on.
SeatyGo Quick-Release
The SeatyGo quick-release saddle makes removing your seat a one-second task. Reviews say it's "exactly as I thought – easy to install, comfortable seat, easy to click on and off."