GPS Tracking device, in case of theft?

[teagteagan]

Wondering if anyone has purchased a GPS tracking device in case some A-Hole decides to steal your bike? If so what is the best device out there? I'm looking into getting the SpyBike but seems a little too pricey.. ANy help would be appreciated.

http://www.spybike.com/

https://www.gearhunder.com/best-smallest-gps-tracker/

SpyTec is also my absolute first choice, it's worth the real-time tracking. If you still find it too expensive, then I would recommend Trak-4. $ 6 per month, limited to use in the United States, larger, 18-month power supply, update frequency of 15 minutes and 2 minutes. If you can hide it in the right place, then it may be a more suitable choice for you.

 

[withiniswithout]

I bought the SwissTrack, with a Things Mobile SIM card.

Things Mobile is perfect for the tracker--you pay as you go, charge on line, and no monthly fee. The only odd aspect of Things Mobile is you have to submit a photo of yourself holding the front and the back of a driver's license. They say this is required by law--at least in the EU. Perhaps it helps to identify you if the bike is stolen or your account is hacked. I put €12 on the SIM card and it will last until it runs out. Could be months. The online registration process for Things Mobile was difficult--I had to contact Customer Service after getting an error message, but they responded quickly. Once the registration hurdles are cleared and the SIM card is registered, looking to see how much data has been used and putting more money on it is easy. Things Mobile website allows you to add a tag and a name for your SIM card--I put tag with the serial number of my bike. This is handy if you have more than one SIM card.

The SwissTrack so far has been easy to set up and the app recognizes it. Today I will install it inside the seatpost on the bike and take a short ride to see if everything is working OK. The most difficult part is the wiring harness for charging the battery inside the bike requires connecting two bare wires. Just twisting these together and taping them is flimsy. I had a neighbor help me solder the wires, tape them, and put a plastic sleeve over them.

The SwissTrack phone app appears to be as much as you could ask for. An electronic fence, alarm, and even a listening feature that I have not tested. If the bike is locked in the garage, you can quickly remove the tracker and put in a car or luggage. There is supposed to be a web-based portal as well, but right now I have not been able to locate this and set it up. A link provided led to a 404 not found. I sent an email to customer service and hope to get that web portal set up so it can track the bike's location. This is useful if I have my phone in my pocket, and my wife needs to see where I am and also to easily store trips and view routes on a larger screen. https://www.swisstrackgps.com/gps-tracker-app/

 

[TomD]

Do you have the android or IOS version of the app? I was researching this and couldn't find any app on the google play store for android.

Edit: looks like this is the app per their video. The android reviews don't sound promising but maybe you had better luck with the app.

 

[TomD]

Maybe there is a way to use a smaller battery back that will fit? Or insert into another part of the frame?

 

[DennisLoewe]

Has any one experiece with the Sherlock Bike tracker? I find it very interesting...place directly in the handlebars of the bicycle.

I have a haibike. I checked the handlebars from my haibike but I can only take off the rubber things...The idea is great.

Has someone tested Sherlock or can name what bike modell is best for using it?

 

[ki11a]

I used to have a hidden tracker that I hid into the frame, but I found that by doing that it was seriously limiting the GPS tracking feature because its based off GSM cellphone networks and it needs to get a signal to be working correctly.

Anyways since I had that figured out, I got a new GPS tracker that is built hidden into a LED Backlight. It looks completely normal and has nothing indicating that it is a GPS tracker, I have been using it now for a month and its great. It has all the same features as the old GPS tracker I had hidden in the frame but just with better connectivity and accuracy.

With all GPS trackers you need an additional sim card for GPS service or you are paying for their companies service. I have been using speedtalk mobile for 5 a month.

Great peace of mind....

 

[ki11a]

Ive got the GPS mount JB Welded into place so its not going anywhere, so if bike is taken the 'light' is coming along