If a ring-lock/O-lock/wheel lock or whatever is used and a thief tries to escape using the bike or someone moves the bike in a certain way, could it break the spokes? I'm aware using a U-lock through a wheel could cause the spokes to rip out as well, but those locks stick out. I assume most people wouldn't see the ring-lock and stupidly move the bike or try to steal and not notice it's there at least in places where these kind of locks aren't commonly used.

Possible,but realistically I think you'd just get a bent spoke or two. If you've got high spoke count wheels,you're not going to be able to move the wheel very far before it stops;it's not like the thief will be able to get up any serious momentum. You can tear off a presta valve;I forgot my ring lock and tried to move my Big Dummy. Didn't think anything was wrong until I rode it and the rear tire went flat. I had ripped the valve just enough that it held some air until the bike started to move. And of course,it had just started to rain,so I had to walk the bike home,uphill,in the rain.

then it may no longer be your bike . use the lock to lock it up to , something..

32 spokes, but I could imagine someone trying to move it and maybe messing it up in the process.

I normally do. At work I keep it inside but can't lock it to anything. There's so much crap in this place, and I can only use one room. I don't want it outside in the elements. I'll just stick with my U-lock through the rear wheel and seat stay with cable through the front wheel. That way it looks locked. Unfortunately everyone including customers have access to this room.

I have a ring lock and I am not worried that I will break a spoke. I have never tried to ride it with the lock in but I have tried to roll my bike forward when locked and the rear wheel just slid on the ground.

Dynaryder, thanks for the tip around the valve. It never occurred to me that this could happen. I am going to be more careful when I lock my bike.

My son and I both use ring locks on our city bikes. We have both found them in different locations on a bike rack than when we left them. No damage. I was sitting in a pub one day and actually saw one of a group of kids try to steal my bike. He obviously thought it wasn't locked. When he couldn't move it, they all freaked out and ran, no damage.


Marc