Trackers for bicycles

zmudshark · #1 Today, 09:59 AM

If anyone puts an AirTag, or similar, on their bike, how do you affix it?

I was looking at these:
https://www.elevationlab.com/collect.../tagvault-bike

Or these for under the seat:
https://www.elevationlab.com/collect...rface-security

Any real world experience is helpful. I'm having work done at my AZ condo, and though the bikes will be locked with cables, I'd like something 'just in case'. I trust the contractor, but the garage will be open, and I won't be there all the time.

Thanks!

AngryScientist · #2 Today, 10:05 AM

I'd move the bikes temporarily if you can. Out of sight, out of mind. The wrong person walks by your open garage, they get a bright idea, call their shady friends and the next thing you know, your garage is broken into.

Also, be aware that if any would-be thief has an iPhone and they steal your bike with an airtag attached, they will be alerted they are traveling with an airtag, and will probably locate it and ditch it, so it's not really a "secret" tracker...

zmudshark · #3 Today, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

I'd move the bikes temporarily if you can. Out of sight, out of mind. The wrong person walks by your open garage, they get a bright idea, call their shady friends and the next thing you know, your garage is broken into.

Also, be aware that if any would-be thief has an iPhone and they steal your bike with an airtag attached, they will be alerted they are traveling with an airtag, and will probably locate it and ditch it, so it's not really a "secret" tracker...

I don't know anyone that has room for all of my and my wife's bikes. I do have cameras in my garage, and can open/close it remotely, and be notified if it is left open. All of the bikes will be locked together with cables, so it would take time to steal them.

Looking for a solution that may help.

AngryScientist · #4 Today, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zmudshark

I don't know anyone that has room for all of my and my wife's bikes. I do have cameras in my garage, and can open/close it remotely, and be notified if it is left open. All of the bikes will be locked together with cables, so it would take time to steal them.

Looking for a solution that may help.

Gotcha.

In that case, I would get something like this and stick it to the underside of the saddle.

https://www.amazon.com/Elevation-Lab...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

blakcloud · #5 Today, 10:18 AM

This just happened to an acquaintance of mine in our condo building. He used an Air Tag, bike was stolen. He tracked it, found the location and called police. The police wouldn't come to the location (as it was only a bicycle) and there was no way he was going in himself.

That's just one example, I am sure there are success stories out there. Plus it is only $40 for an Air Tag, how can it hurt?

Rockbros have a few products like a bell to hide the tag. There are others.

Cable locks are useless.

Derosid · #6 Today, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Gotcha.

In that case, I would get something like this and stick it to the underside of the saddle.

https://www.amazon.com/Elevation-Lab...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I have some of those, they work great.

zmudshark · #7 Today, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derosid

I have some of those, they work great.

So, no problem sticking under the saddle?

tv_vt · #8 Today, 10:46 AM

I keep an Airtag in my saddle-mounted tool bag. The tool bag is the only one I have and gets shifted from bike to bike as they're ridden. The AirTag is paired to my wife's phone, so she can see where I am.

coreyaugustus · #9 Today, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zmudshark

If anyone puts an AirTag, or similar, on their bike, how do you affix it?

I was looking at these:
https://www.elevationlab.com/collect.../tagvault-bike

I use the one from Elevation Lab. It tucks in nicely under the bottle cage and bolts on with a secure Torx. It's by no means foolproof but, depending on your thief, having the required tool to get it off may at least slow them down long enough.

But even so, my bikes live inside my apt. The tracker is the last line of theft awareness, not a deterrent.

I also leave one under the rear floormat in my car. Again, won't stop a thief, but at least I know where I can find it, should it go missing. It's more helpful for airport parking lots when you've been gone for a week and can't remember which lot or aisle you left it.

zmudshark · #10 Today, 02:59 PM

I ended up buying a set of four elevation lab stick on under the seat holders. I paid a few bucks more for the ones with the security tab.
I think these will fit my need perfectly. I’m going to make the bikes as secure as possible. They won’t be ridden during this time. There will be surveillance on them, and from what I understand if the AirTags leave the location, even if the thief has an iPhone, it will take hours for them to be notified that they have a tracker with them.

I think they will suit my particular need well.

FWIW, they were actually cheaper on the elevation lab website. I don’t care about getting them tomorrow. There’s a 5% discount code out there, as well. If I was riding these bikes, I think I would buy the bottle cage mount.

Veloo · #11 Today, 03:33 PM

I have one Eufy SmartTrack on my bike.
They were on sale at Home Depot so I decided to try them (got for $15 and $5). Better than Airtags IMO so far. I have three of them.

I used a 3M Command strip to adhere to the underbelly of my rear rack and I also zip-tied it. It's all black on black so pretty stealthy.

There are 3D printable attachments for both Airtags and these Eufy tags if you have access to a 3D printer.

Likes2ridefar · #12 Today, 03:39 PM

Rent a storage unit for a month. Places by me usually offer them for close to free first month.

NHAero · #13 Today, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veloo

I have one Eufy SmartTrack on my bike.
They were on sale at Home Depot so I decided to try them (got for $15 and $5). Better than Airtags IMO so far. I have three of them.

I used a 3M Command strip to adhere to the underbelly of my rear rack and I also zip-tied it. It's all black on black so pretty stealthy.

There are 3D printable attachments for both Airtags and these Eufy tags if you have access to a 3D printer.

They are having a sale, I just ordered two for $24. Thanks!

slowpoke · #14 Today, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zmudshark

I'm having work done at my AZ condo, and though the bikes will be locked with cables, I'd like something 'just in case'. I trust the contractor, but the garage will be open, and I won't be there all the time.

Get a tarp to cover up the bikes while work is being done. Like AngryScientist said: out of sight, out of mind.

zmudshark · #15 Today, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Likes2ridefar

Rent a storage unit for a month. Places by me usually offer them for close to free first month.

It's liable to be many months, unless you know of a contractor in PHX who is trustworthy and magical fast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Get a tarp to cover up the bikes while work is being done. Like AngryScientist said: out of sight, out of mind.

Already planned to hang something in front of all the bikes so they are not 'front & center', but great advice, thanks.