{"id":36610,"date":"2022-05-11T11:00:30","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T09:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=677045"},"modified":"2022-05-11T11:14:17","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T09:14:17","slug":"bike-trackers-explained-how-to-find-and-follow-your-bike-using-a-gps-tracker","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bike-trackers-explained-how-to-find-and-follow-your-bike-using-a-gps-tracker\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike trackers explained: how to find and follow your bike using a GPS tracker"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 11 May 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Bicycle trackers are an emerging technology that allows riders to locate their bike, usually through a dedicated app.<\/p>\n

With thefts unfortunately a sad reality of bicycle ownership, a tracker could help provide some peace of mind \u2013 and the means to find your bike \u2013 should the worst happen.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll take a closer look at what exactly constitutes a bicycle tracker, how they work, where they can fit to your bike and some of the current options available.<\/p>\n

What is a bike tracker?<\/h2>\n
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Should the worst happen, a bike tracker can help reunite you with your pride and joy.<\/span><\/figcaption> shotbydave \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A bike tracker is a typically small device mounted on your bike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once installed, you can track the device, generally via the relevant brand\u2019s smartphone app. Many will be able to notify you if it has moved when the bike is unattended \u2013 and where it is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it is conceivable a bike thief could remove the tracker, they might not even realise it\u2019s there, given that the latest bike trackers can be fairly sleek and unassuming in their design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In many examples, you need to pay for a subscription to a brand\u2019s service to use the software associated with the device, although many bundle in a free trial period to sweeten the deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where can you hide a bike tracker?<\/h2>\n
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Some trackers are quite small or completely integrated, reducing the chance of a thief noticing them.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bike trackers can be located across various positions on the bike, depending on the model you buy.<\/p>\n

Some mount in inconspicuous locations such as under the saddle or around the bottle cage area.<\/p>\n

Arguably, the best trackers take things one step further, attempting to make the device close to invisible (for example, by hiding the tracker inside the handlebar).<\/p>\n

There are also examples of bike trackers that are left very much on full display, attached with tamper-proof Torx bolts, which should deter a thief from wanting to steal the bike in the first place.<\/p>\n

Is a bike tracker worth it?<\/h2>\n
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This is never a pleasant sight to witness.<\/span><\/figcaption> Uli_B \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

While prevention is, of course, better than cure, a bike tracker could give you a better chance of being reunited with your bike in the event of it being stolen.<\/span><\/p>\n

For many riders, that could make a bike tracker a wise investment, particularly if you need to leave your ride in a vulnerable location (for example, if you have to lock it up regularly or store it in a <\/span>bike shed<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

A tracker won\u2019t replace the <\/span>best bike locks<\/span><\/a> and you still need to make sure you continue to <\/span>lock your bike properly<\/span><\/a>, as that will always be the best deterrent against theft.<\/span><\/p>\n

The usefulness of any tracker will also rely on the fact that the thief hasn\u2019t found the device and it\u2019s within range, depending on the model. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some GPS trackers offer limitless range in theory, but any tracker relying on a Bluetooth connection with your phone \u2013 such as the Tile Sticker or Apple Air Tag \u2013 will have a much more limited range, restricting the device\u2019s usefulness for cyclists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some manufacturers offer connectivity within their respective apps to local authorities, if you have located the bike, so you can take the appropriate action rather than single-handedly confronting the thief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the choice of bike trackers is fairly limited at this point in time, as with any emerging technology, there will likely be more considered options in the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Better efforts at concealing the tracker, so that it integrates inside your frame, will likely be the biggest advancement, so it is less obvious to a criminal. It is all a balancing act for manufacturers to achieve a sleek, hidden design that can easily emit an accurate signal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also likely be progress in terms of battery life, too. With most current examples, bike trackers represent yet another piece of tech to add to that never-ending list of things you need to remember to charge. <\/span><\/p>\n

Five bike trackers available to buy today<\/h2>\n

Sherlock GPS<\/h3>\n
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Sherlock\u2019s GPS hides inside the handlebar and replaces your bar end plug.<\/span><\/figcaption> Sherlock<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Sherlock GPS tracker aims to overcome any sleuthing by potential thieves, giving you possibly the most discreet, bicycle-specific option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The module is designed to mimic a bar-end plug so it should be virtually undetectable at first sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

It fits in both flat or drop handlebars, although on drop bars, there needs to be at least 6cm of straight bar \u2013 before it curves into the drops\u2013 for it to fit into.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The tracker will notify you if the bike has moved when left unattended, via the free-to-download Sherlock app. You can create bike profiles on the app, and include important information such as the make, model and frame number. It has limitless tracking, meaning there is no range restriction, and the location is accurate to 5m.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sherlock is charged via a MicroUSB cable and battery life is rated up to a week. You can monitor battery life on the app and it will notify you when a charge is critical. Unlike other devices, the Sherlock has an inbuilt SIM card, allowing it to access mobile networks, just like your phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

It comes with two years of internet connection at the asking price but from the third year, the subscription costs \u00a32.50 \/ \u20ac3 \/ $3.50 a month. It is currently available in Europe and the USA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sherlock GPS retails for \u00a3139.99 (international pricing TBC).<\/span><\/p>\n