It’s essential to keep tabs on your “baby” when checking it as luggage, shipping it to a race, or parking it in front of a coffee shop. You never want to lose your bike. So what are your options?
Tracking devices have become popular, and for iPhone users, an Apple AirTag is one option. You can tuck it in your saddlebag or tape it in the downtube or seat tube. Manufacturers like Muc-Off have even found a way to hide AirTags where thieves are less likely to find them—inside your tire. Muc-Off developed a holder that sits inside a tubeless tire… yes, very stealthy.
Muc-Off Stealth Tubeless Tag Holder ($19.99 each) houses the AirTag in a protective, 3-part silicone and rubber tubeless valve mount (note the AirTag is not included).
Hiding the AirTag as part of your water bottle mount is another option available from various companies. Just go to Amazon and search. One such company is LAUT, and their mount sells for $14.99.
Some companies have gotten creative with 3D printing and designed AirTag holders that attach to the bottom of a saddle.
How do AirTags work?
The AirTag allows users to track it using the Find My app on their iPhone. The activated Tag appears on the radar within the app, allowing you to track a bike by looking at the map.
I went out and bought an AirTag and hid it on my bike. When I travel, if I leave the bike at the hotel or in the car and walk away, I get an alert on my iPhone. It sometimes makes me giggle, thinking my bike wants me to know it misses me.
I would caution you to test the AirTag signal with it inside the holder. If the holder material doesn’t allow the signal to penetrate, then it’s useless for tracking.
Another Security Option
If you own one of the newer Garmin Edge models, they have a built-in alarm. Once you park your bike, set the alarm, and any movement will trigger a high-pitched sound. Or use LiveTracker on your rides, so if the bike is stolen, use the Garmin to track where the bike is located. However, if the thief removes the Garmin, you might only find the head unit, not the bike.
Bottom Line
As a rule of thumb, whenever possible, I never leave my bike unattended. But sometimes you don’t have a choice. I’d be curious what our RBR readers use to track their bikes when traveling, at a rest stop, or as an added layer of theft protection. Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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