How to install a ring lock on your bike: a simple step-by-step guide

A ring lock is the easiest, most convenient way to lock a Dutch city bike for a quick stop — flip the lever, the bolt slides through your back wheel, and you're done. The good news? Mounting one yourself takes about ten minutes and one tool. Here's exactly how.

What you'll need:

• A ring lock (we recommend AXA or any well-known Dutch brand)
• A wrench or hexagonal socket
• Optional: flex mounts (if your frame has no mounting holes) or, as a quick fix, two tie-wraps

💡 Buying tip: A new ring lock costs roughly €25–€45. Browse compatible ring locks at BikeFair and start the installation below.

Step 1 — Check your bike frame

Look under the saddle, just above the rear wheel. On most Dutch city bikes you'll find two mounting holes on the rear fork — that's where the lock goes.

On some frames the holes sit on the underside of the fork, which is easy to miss. Run your finger along the inside of the fork to feel for them.

• ✅ Holes present → skip to Step 3.
• ❌ No holes → continue to Step 2.

Installing a ring lock - step 1

Step 2 — Use flex mounts (no holes? no problem)

If your frame has no factory holes, you need flex mounts: small brackets that clamp around the fork and create a mounting point for the lock. They are not included with the ring lock, so you'll need to buy them separately.

Flex mounts are available at BikeFair or directly from the lock manufacturer.

To install:

1. Place a flex mount on each side of the rear fork.
2. Centre them, then tighten the strap.
3. Trim any excess strap with scissors or a knife.

🧰 Temporary fix: Tie-wraps will hold the lock in place for a short ride, but they're a stopgap — replace them with flex mounts as soon as you can.

Installing a ring lock - step 2

Step 3 — Position the lock and screw it in

Line the lock's mounting holes up with the holes on the frame (or the flex mounts). Insert the screws and tighten them with your wrench.

⚠️ Keep the lock perfectly straight. Any twist will rub against the wheel and make the bolt stick when you try to lock or unlock.

✅ Don't overtighten. Snug is enough — over-cranking can strip the thread in the frame.

💡 Tip about the screws: The bolts that come in the box don't fit every frame. If yours feel too short, too long, or the thread doesn't match, grab a matching set at any hardware store (or, again, at BikeFair).

Installing a ring lock - step 3

Step 4 — Test it

Before you ride away, lock and unlock the ring lock a few times. The bolt should slide in and out smoothly, with no resistance.

If it sticks:

• Check that no spoke is sitting in the bolt's path.
• Make sure the lock is still straight (Step 3).
• Loosen the screws a fraction and re-align if needed.

Installing a ring lock - step 4

Step 5 — Maintenance: clean and lubricate every 6 months

Even the best ring lock will jam if you neglect it. Twice a year:

1. Wipe road grime off the lock body.
2. Drop in a dedicated lock lubricant — usually a teflon-based or graphite spray, sold at any bike or hardware store.

❌ Never use regular oil (WD-40, engine oil, etc.). Regular oil attracts dust and grit, which slowly clogs the locking mechanism. Once it's clogged, the only fix is replacement.

You're done — your bike is ringlock-ready

You now have a permanently mounted, easy-to-use lock for those quick coffee stops. For longer parking — especially in busy spots — combine it with a chain or a heavy-duty U-lock through the frame and a fixed object. Read more about bike security and Dutch parking rules in our guide to cycling rules in the Netherlands.

🚲 Looking for a bike that already has a ring lock fitted? Browse our second-hand bikes — most Dutch city bikes come with one as standard, and every BikeFair listing tells you exactly which locks are included.

FAQ

Can I install a ring lock without holes on my frame? Yes — use flex mounts (recommended) or tie-wraps as a temporary stopgap. See Step 2.

Are the screws included with the lock? Most ring locks come with screws, but they may not match every frame thread. Keep your own bolts handy in case the included ones don't fit.

How tight should I screw the lock? Snug, not crushed. Over-tightening can strip the thread in your frame.

Why is my ring lock sticking after a few weeks? Usually dirt or rust in the bolt. Clean and lubricate with a dedicated lock lubricant — never WD-40 or regular oil.