Brilliant solution!
 

In combing through some design websites (architect here), I came across this innovative concept for folding handlebars:

http://www.design21sdn.com/competiti...s/3095/gallery

Why didn't anyone else think of this? My favorite part of the design is the lockable "ends". Very cool.
Here are the other concepts including the winner:

http://www.design21sdn.com/competitions/11

It is a nice idea, but I do have a couple of questions about it:

1: It needs some type of interlock mechanism so a glancing blow from a tree won't cause the handlebar to get knocked out of position and collapse. This interlock mechanism has to be tried and true. Handlebars get a surprising amount of stress, and sometimes exotic mechanisms are not made to deal with this.

2: The locking mechanism is interesting, but it provides no more protection than the Axa Basta frame-locks which lock a wheel in place. Of course, it will keep someone from riding off on it, but a thief in the US will just lift the bike up and chuck it in the back of a car or truck if its not secured to something immobile. The prototype used a round key lock, which most of them have been rendered obsolete by Bic Pen attacks. Instead, it needs a more modern lock cylinder. The usual Abloy variant lock would do fine, or perhaps an Evva 3KS/3KS+ cylinder.

I'd want to see a good number of reviews before considering such. From reputable sources.

With quill stems and a hex key you can overcome the storage problem by turning the bars sideways.

Interesting idea, but as others noted the lock does nothing to prevent a thief from tossing it in a vehicle and driving off. My 1972 Raleigh Superbe has a locking fork, but since it weighs almost 50# it's much more difficult to toss. :)

N.B. I don't rely on the fork lock, but use a Kryptonite lock.

I like it. Bit of extra security,and would prevent a thief from stripping your controls/bars.