A bike GPS tracker is an invaluable way to track the location of your ride and protect it from theft by alerting you when it strays outside its designated zone. Choose the best tracking device.
These devices are also capable of connecting to wireless networks and offer various features, as well as warranties against external damage.
1. Safety
Bike GPS trackers provide real-time location data that can be used to help ensure cyclist safety, especially in unfamiliar terrain or unexpected events. When these situations arise, bike GPS trackers can notify emergency services of the cyclist’s location.
GPS trackers can also be used to keep an eye on cyclists’ biking performance. Recording information such as speed, distance, and elevation can be invaluable when assessing an individual’s abilities and making improvements; plus, they motivate by tracking cycling statistics.
Some bike GPS trackers depend on proximity with a smartphone to activate tracking features, while others connect directly to wireless networks (such as Sigfox) and can operate without needing an active phone nearby. Wireless network-enabled models tend to be more reliable; however, they tend to cost more.
The Sherlock GPS Tracker is a discreet and waterproof option that attaches discreetly to the bottom of a bicycle’s steerer tube. Designed to look like a standard bar-end plug, this tracker should remain undetectable at first glance. Compatible with both flat and drop handlebars – although on drop bars, at least 6cm of straight bar will need to exist before dropping drops are curved over in order to accommodate it – it has an IP67 rating, which means it can withstand splashes of water up, to 30 minutes as well.
2. Tracking
Bike GPS trackers are designed to send updates about the location of your bike directly to your smartphone, recording its routes as it travels. They’re helpful for quickly finding lost bikes after theft, as well as tracking riders’ performance over time.
Some GPS trackers are small and discreet enough for installation on your bike without drawing attention; they can be concealed in frame locks, taillights, or seat posts. Other trackers may be more visible and easily spottable by thieves – to mitigate risk, look for discreet models with low profile designs and small form factors.
A quality bike GPS tracker should connect with your phone via satellite and require a SIM card in order to function. These tend to be the more costly options but can provide better accuracy than alternatives like Bluetooth tracking methods.
The Sherlock GPS is an example of a discreet bike tracker. Designed to appear like a bar-end plug, its design makes it virtually undetectable from afar. Easy installation works on both flat and drop handlebars and pairs seamlessly with an app for creating bike profiles and adding details such as make and model information; additionally, it has an alarm that can scare off thieves as well as an alert feature when its battery runs low; its battery lasts up to seven days with alerts when its power begins running low.
3. Alerts
The top GPS bike trackers provide several alarm functions to combat theft before it occurs. Motion alert is particularly effective; as soon as your tracker detects movement, it will send an instant notification directly to your mobile phone with its exact location, allowing both you and the police enough time to act on an impending theft incident. Geo-fencing also provides valuable protection by creating virtual barriers on maps that notify instantly whenever a bike crosses them – giving both yourself and law enforcement ample opportunity for intervention if theft does occur.
Some bike GPS trackers feature Bluetooth tracking technology that broadcasts your ride wirelessly if it becomes lost at cafes, workplaces, or any other venue. Unfortunately, this method requires a good smartphone signal, so be wary of losing or using your phone for anything other than transmitting this information.
Other types of bike GPS trackers are passive and don’t actively transmit your bike’s location, instead requiring you to download tracking information at the end of each day. These tend to work best for owners with excellent cell phone coverage in their area and don’t mind losing their phones often. Furthermore, passive trackers are less likely to be targeted by thieves who do not possess your bike registration number, making them safer options; however, they could still be stolen if left unlocked or the battery dies, so ideally, opt for an active bike tracker with reliable live tracking updates every 1-5 minutes for maximum tracking capability.
4. Geo-fencing
Geofencing technology enables businesses to create virtual boundaries around physical locations for various uses, from marketing to security purposes. Geofencing has become especially popular in marketing because it can trigger multiple events when customers enter or leave specific locations, which in turn increases consumer engagement with your products or services.
As an example, when nearing a supermarket, your app might send out coupons enticing you to shop there, or when visiting your favorite coffee shop, an alert may remind you to order what has become one of their bestsellers – both of which serve to build customer loyalty and increase sales.
GPS trackers can also be an invaluable asset in combatting bike theft, providing alerts if a device leaves its predetermined zone or is leaving its predefined area. This feature pairs well with tilt monitoring and tamper detection features of some GPS trackers for bikes.
However, geo-fence technology does have some drawbacks that must be considered. First and foremost, its precise location data makes it hard to catch thieves. Furthermore, police may take no significant action on stolen bikes tracked via trackers alone, especially if the owner cannot be identified. A better solution might be investing in a smart home system that alerts you if your bike has been moved.
5. Battery life
Your GPS tracker of choice should not require frequent battery replacements; its battery should also last a long time in standby or continuous usage modes. Some models even include built-in batteries for extra power, while some can withstand harsh environments.
Many GPS tracking devices and apps come equipped with power-saving features to extend battery life, such as restricting location updates to every X minutes or less frequently or turning off unnecessary features and dimming screen brightness to reduce power usage – features which not only save battery power but money and effort as well.
Another great feature of this bike GPS tracker is its capability to connect to Sigfox networks for communication with the cloud. These networks were created explicitly for IoT use and boast shallow power usage – they can even operate for months on just a single charge!
This GPS tracker is small and waterproof, making it easy to conceal. Riders often store their multi-tool in the same spot where this GPS tracker goes or behind the head tube of mountain bikes; additionally, it’s compatible with most flat bars due to its adjustable stem mount and GPS, which detects any movement while you’re off your bike; its free-to-download Sherlock app will alert you if something moves while it displays information about your bicycle such as details on any changes made while away.
6. Warranty
As with any electronic, GPS trackers can experience some wear over time. Being subjected to outdoor weather conditions may place added strain on them, thus offering users some peace of mind through warranty coverage against damages to the device. Before making their purchasing decision, users should read carefully through any terms and conditions for coverage plans before purchasing one.
Note that water damage isn’t covered under your warranty policy, meaning users must take extra steps if they intend to use their tracker in wet conditions. Customer care representatives might offer suggestions as to how best to protect the device, but ultimately, it lies within their hands to do so.
In case a product becomes defective during its warranty period, users should contact the brand and ask for a refund, repair, or replacement process to take place. Their customer support will inform them about this procedure as well as provide relevant details.
Some brands of bike GPS trackers require subscription services in order to function, charging a set amount each month for warranty cover and other benefits. Even those not wanting to subscribe can still enjoy its features; some even come with a 30-day money-back guarantee on in-stock devices; however, this guarantee excludes unique order products.
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