Should your bike be tampered with or move, the tracker sends an SMS with the precise location of the bike, and can be used to warn the owner of theft, or loved ones in the event of a crash. Outside the service area, all functions will work within the Bluetooth transmission range of your smartphone. Its a new way to enjoy your life as a cyclist with peace of mind. To coin a phrase 'lock him up, lock him up'. It is also used for several other additional functions. This cookie is set by Google Analytics. This cookie is used by ChatPlus to manage visitor information. This cookie is set by Facebook in order to show users relevant advertising and to measure and improve advertising. We reviewed one recently and George said that it 'has the potential to be an impressive piece of hardware, but is let down by a lack of predictability and an app that needs improvement'. Yes, it is. Like this site? It features a built-in battery with a two-year life and is waterproof. Compare bicycle insurance (opens in new tab) to find yourself the best deal. Tracking is performed through GPS and WiFi to try and cover as many bases as possible. Real life can be more complicated. It is used to distribute traffic to the website on multiple servers in order to optimise response times. You can set things like the alarm duration (between 5secs and a minute) and the number of times it goes off (one to three times) via the app. Our mission is to bring you all the news thats relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site. It assigns a unique ID to every user and allows us to recognise visitors when they revisit. It's certainly an affordable option to a fully blown GPS tracker. You can see a map of current coverage here. You can either set up the device to go straight into the full alarm when it detects movement or to give a lower volume warning tone first time a bit like a dog quietly snarling, hinting that you might want to leave it alone. It uses Bluetooth technology and is compatible with Android, Windows and iOS platforms. We tried out the AlterLock on many occasions to simulate theft. AlterLock has stand-alone communication and GPS so you can track your device wherever it is. It is anonymous and maintains the basic functionality and security features of the website. These cookies are used to provide relevant advertising and marketing campaigns to visitors. The Apple AirTag uses Bluetooth, and relies upon an Apple user being within close proximity of the device. Totally approve of the pedantry but might need to get an apostrophe in there to make it credible. Best Cycling Website, BikeBiz Awards 2018, 2021 Alterlock Anti-Theft Alarm & GPS Tracking Device - on bike 2.jpg, Stu reviewed the Tail It Bike GPS tracking device last year, Vodafone's new Curve Bike Light & GPS Tracker, Alterlock Anti-Theft Alarm & GPS Tracking Device 2021, Alterlock Anti-Theft Alarm & GPS Tracking Device, in: Failed KMC chain - less than 100km indoor use, in: Tipper lorry driver pleads guilty to killing Oxford cyclist, in: NBA star LeBron James takes stake in Canyon Bicycles, in: NMotD 806: Driver reverses at cyclist and runs over dog, in: Car crashes into building - please post your Local news stories, in: Google Maps makes major update to cycling navigation, in: Hottest bikes of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. It's not quite as black and white as you might hope. This cookie is set by doubleclick.net. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. This is obviously where GPS and Sigfox functionality kicks in and lets you track the bike. The Tile Sticker has a range of around 250 feet so as a bicycle tracker it's somewhat limited in its use. If the vibrations continue to be detected, the 95dB alarm will be activated and the Alterlock will start transmitting its location. compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price. Unlike some GPS trackers it won't continuously display your bikes location. Bike tracking devices and their supporting apps are designed to help reduce bike theft by alerting the owner if their bike is tampered with or moves. In the unlikely event that the alarm doesnt prevent theft, GPS tracking helps you find your bike. The AirTag relies on an Apple user being nearby to locate your stolen bike. It's an inexpensive option and if you go on line there are stories of users who have found their stolen bikes thanks to the device. If you agree to the use of cookies, please click the "OK" button. The trifecta approach to location tracking, paired with the battery-saving accelerometer, should hopefully give you enough time and accuracy to organise your local authorities to recover your bike. There are cheaper GPS tracking systems out there, although AlterLock does use the Sigfox network too. The point the police made to me was that yes, a tracker can be very useful, but it's sometimes not simply a question of going where the app tells you and getting your bike back. We recently reported on Vodafone's new Curve Bike Light & GPS Tracker which is 79 with a subscription of between 36 and 48 per year. This cookie is used by Azure Apps to keep the user's session on the same server. Login (new registrationcontract confirmation), Get 20% off of your first order with code: WELCOME20. How does that compare to your own feelings about it? England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Tile Sticker is a tiny tracking device that's been designed to help you keep tabs on a range of household and outdoor items. Meanwhile, products like Hiplocks FX cable lock only costs 20 (less than the yearly subscription needed for Alterlock) and creates a tangible barrier that stops someone from riding away on your bike. Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose. AlterLock says that the vibration detection mechanism has been developed to avoid false alarms, but there's the slight chance that the alarm will go off and you'll get an alert on your phone if someone innocently adjusts your bike's position while locking up theirs, for example, depending on the setting you're using. GPS accuracy is always going to be dependent on location, and if the thief hordes your bike inside a building to wait for the heat to blow over, you will lose signal. Next up, we had someone move the bike to a friend's house. The European version is available in the following countries: Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and United Kingdom. How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc? The effectiveness of this is in the thiefs hands though. LPWA allows the AlterLock device to communicate independently of your smartphone with minimal power consumption and at low cost. That's a little better than the Tile tracker and comparable with the far more expensive Vodafone bike light & GPS tracker product. However the Curve did record our rides each and every time so the GPS function was clearly working during the review period. The movement detection sensitivity can be set to one of three levels. Not at the moment. If anyone touches your bike the alarm essentially tells them to back off and pick on someone else. 2008present unless otherwise stated. Maintenance and component data recording is a nice touch, and the amount of data that can be documented is pretty comprehensive to help you keep track of everything from when you last cleaned your chain to when you upgraded your handlebars. Graham has been part of the Cyclingnews team since January 2020. Quite the opposite, it's designed to hide away so that a thief has no idea that it's there, taking an approach that's very different from that of the AlterLock where deterrence is front and centre. This cookie is necessary for the proper functioning of our website. Terms and conditions of use. Tell us what you particularly liked about the product, Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If a GPS signal isn't available the device uses a WiFi signal. See more about the See.Sense Knowhere here (opens in new tab). If someone tries to remove the device, AlterLock detects the vibration and sounds an alarm to warn you, so you can rush to your bike. BA1 1UA. Interesting security device that lets you know if your bike is moved and helps you locate it, If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website, Make and model: Alterlock Anti-Theft Alarm & GPS Tracking Device, Size tested: 159mm long x 38mm wide x 9mm thick. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This cookie is used by Application Gateway in addition to ApplicationGatewayAffinity to maintain the session on cross-origin requests. Huge number of Apple devices provides a big network to tap into, A wide range of third-party bike mounts are available, Needs a recent iPhone to get the best from the app, AirTag could accidentally alert a thief to its presence, Relies on other Tile users to find a missing bike, Multi-functional bike tracker that requires subscription, Water sealed with tamper resistant design, Coverage may vary depending on your location in the UK, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, UCI suspends continental team's licence due to doping investigation, Its always the same, the rider who wins the Tour, no one believes it: Christophe Laporte says nothing changes with suspicion in cycling, Exclusive interviews, fitness tips and product reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Please check your bike immediately.' Bath Bear in mind, though, that it might not be totally straightforward every time. The AlterLock has an IP66 rating which means it is protected from dust ingress and high-pressure water jets as long as you have the USB charging port protected by the cover provided. The overall score is not just You can alter the detection sensitivity, having the AlterLock react to small vibrations or only to more significant movements, which might be the better option if you leave your bike hanging on a public cycle rack, for example. On review we found that the Tile did indeed have limited range and proved to be some what unreliable during our tests. Pre-order prices start at 99.99, with the RRP at 149.99. It also isn't able to distinguish vertical position, so if your bike is in a multi-storey building, locating it would be very difficult as well. As well as sounding the alarm which might be enough, depending on how close you are to the bike the AlterLock sends a message to your phone if it is moved: 'Vibration detected! On the other hand, in the area where Dave lives, we were able to tell where the bike had been taken. This is used to present the user with relevant advertising according to their profile. Although we didn't have them on our review device, the AlterLock does come with anti-theft bolts. Once in position, the AlterLock is unobtrusive, especially if you have a dark coloured bike and/or bottle cage. However, if you're looking for a reliable and effective option day in and day out, this might not be the tracker for you. Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. Designed to attach to your bike via the bottle cage bosses (or to sit underneath the cage) it uses a vibration detection algorithm with various settings that sounds an alarm and send you notice via the app. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud and you can go to the Find My app and see it on a map. You can purchase these together with the device as a special set. Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. We particularly liked the option that allows you set 'zones', receiving alerts when your bike enters and leaves. Would you recommend the product to a friend? This was because the system was failing to account for the fact that we were west of the prime meridian. In a house, GPS isn't usually possible so the system would be reliant on Sigfox. The lightweight device is charged via a USB port, with battery life lasting for around 1.5-2 months depending on use. Once locked, if the Alterlock detects vibrations it makes a warning noise as well as sending a notification to your phone. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When AlterLock detects a vibration, it notifies your phone, so you know to check your bike. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Alterlock fits to the bike using the bottle cage mounts, At one end is the USB-C charging port and function button, Alterlock's reasonably small form should mean it's not noticeable once fitted to the bike with a water bottle, Accelerometer activated tracking saves battery, GPS module, Sigfox communication and WiFi has a huge tracking range, The initial cost is expensive and the subscription service adds further monthly costs, Can easily be removed unless additional special security bolts are purchased. If your bike is stolen AlterLock tracks it once a minute to determine its final location. Of course, the car could be moved again, in which case you'd get an updated location. We had mixed levels of success here, depending on the location. It was saying that the bike was east of the meridian, somewhere near Ostend. AlterLock uses both a GPS and WiFi sensor to calculate its location accurately. We rated the trackers based upon how easy it was for our hunter to locate the hunted, as well as ease of affixing the device and convenience of use. Quite the opposite, it's designed to hide away so that a thief has no idea that it's there, taking an approach that's very different from that of the AlterLock where deterrence is front and centre. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The Tail It Bike GPS doesn't provide an alarm though. Note 2: Youll find a list of verified compatible smartphones here. The Tail It Bike GPS doesn't provide an alarm, though. Is it a game-changer, or should you still opt for the best bike insurance you can find, to be safe? However it will alert you if your bike has been disturbed, which makes it suitable for caf stops when you may have to leave your bike unattended. An AirTag sends out a Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in Apple's Find My network. The AlterLock can't be turned off they're not going to make it that easy for a thief but couldn't a wrong 'un just remove it from your bike? Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). You can also turn the alarm off if you like. This cookie is used by Google to control the request rate. This was more challenging. AlterLock is an unobtrusive security device that sounds an alarm if your bike is moved and provides GPS tracking if it is ever stolen. With all this in mind, I'd say AlterLock's main strength is in deterring theft in the first place. It might be enough to deter opportunist theft at a mid-ride coffee stop, for example, if your bike is leaning up against a wall outside. Gen2 Firmware Update Announcement (1.3.31), Operating Temperature 20 to 60C, Chargeable Temperature 0 to 45C, 2 anti-theft bolts, special tool All rights reserved. It is used to track information about YouTube videos embedded on the website. The system process when in use has three phases. As for its accuracy, during our testing we're able to locate the bike accurately in two out of the five locations. It helps us perform certain functions, such as sharing website content on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third party functions. I went to a police contact to find out what they'd do if the AlterLock indicated that your stolen bike was located at 52 Festive Road, or wherever. The See.Sense Knowhere is the newest bike tracker to join the market. AlterLock uses both GPS and Wi-Fi to determine its location accurately. Most of the bike tracking accessories are small and lightweight, so that you'll hardly notice it's there other than the extra piece of mind afforded by its presence. AlterLock says that the device will have virtually no effect on your bike's drag. That said for the price of a cheap bike lock it provides some additional peace of mind when it comes to security of your favourite bike. All pre-orders enjoy a 12 month free connection, with the yearly cost at 12 after that. When your bike is out of Bluetooth range, the app will show you its most recent location on a map. It records the unique ID of the visitor. Use this box to explain your overall score. AlterLock is designed specifically for theft prevention. 30 days of free service. That said, other than an annoying-sounding alarm, and the resulting scramble of cycling shoes on a caf floor, there isnt anything stopping an opportunistic bike thief from trying their luck. Off we went in pursuit and found it in no time. Cyclingnews is supported by its audience. AlterLock says, "AlterLock is a bike security service for sports bikes. You download the app (there are iOS and Android versions), pair it to your device, and sort out various settings. He is a serial offender. If the worst happens and someone does steal your bike, the GPS tracking technology works well in our experience, but the Sigfox network isn't universal. This cookie is used by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When the AlterLock detects movement, it gets the location information and notifies you via your smartphone. As well as the initial payment for the AlterLock, after a month-long free trial period you need to pay a subscription fee of 34.99 per year or 3.49 per month (paying monthly would work out at 41.88 per year). 'What sets AlterLock apart from many other tracking devices is its ability to track your location independently. However how well does it perform against the best bike GPS trackers? It hardly stands out, sitting there securely without rattling. His daughter took on the role of hunter. Monitoring, notifications, alarm, and GPS tracking. GPS location is activated only when the AlterLock device detects movement in Lock mode, significantly reducing power consumption and enabling long-term tracking. As the name suggests, it features an adhesive backing so you can stick the device to your bike frame with ease. This cookie also tracks user behaviour on the web on sites with the Facebook Pixel or Facebook Social Plugin. If you're not familiar with Sigfox, it's 'a global network dedicated to the Internet of Things based on low power, long-range and small data that offers an end-to-end connectivity service'. Cyclingnews is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. This cookie is used by the WordPress plugin WPForms. You get the alert on your phone saying that someone is messing with your bike and you can rush to get there as quickly as possible. The AlterLock's other key feature is its tracking. You bolt the device to the bottle cage bosses on your bike and connect to the AlterLock app. This cookie is used to calculate visitor, session and campaign data for analytics reports on the site and to understand how the site is used. We were told that the bike was somewhere in the English Channel. If AlterLock detects your bike is being moved, it sends a notification to your phone to tell you to check your bike. At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. The form is neat as well, simply fitting under the bottle cage with almost zero effect on the performance of the bike. Bike theft is unfortunately a very real reality, whether its from outside the caf, locked in the street or stored in your garage. This feature has worked really well for us in testing, sending the message through every time it was moved when locked outdoors. It features an aerodynamic design created to work seamlessly with most road bikes. All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. It is used to understand and analyze key performance indicators of the website and helps us provide a better user experience to our visitors. Theyre not sold separately. You can read our in-depth review of the Vodafone Curve bike light & GPS tracker here. This cookie is set by Youtube. If AlterLock detects your bike is being moved, it sounds an alarm, deterring theft and interference. I thought the metallic finish baby-blue Dogma F's were pretty awesome in the tv footage. At least with the video on that and the Sun Ex F1 drivers Brendon Hartley and Mark Webber are keen mountain bikers I reckon. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Peace of mind with smartphone notifications. In many circumstances, the best bike locks are going to make sure your bike is still there when you come back. While the alarm will certainly deter some opportunist thieves or at least alert you or someone else to intervene, it will not put off the most brazen robbers. He has mountain biking at his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring the steep trails around the Tweed Valley. An AirTag costs 29 and there is no monthly subscription. If youd like to make it even harder to remove the device, additional anti-theft bolts and a special tool are available. AlterLock switches between using Bluetooth for short distances and SigiFox for longer range connectivity. If you already have a bottle cage installed, the device can go underneath it. However, the first time it detects vibration after it is locked you'll just get a notification without the location information, the idea being that you can get to where you parked your bike as quickly as possible. The alarm is certainly loud and plenty sensitive. Graham Cottingham The location information will follow soon afterwards; you get it on a zoomable map. Prices start at 19.99 and multi-packs are available so you can protect your entire fleet of bikes should you wish. The AlterLock works alongside a smartphone app. 2. The app itself is fairly self-explanatory to use. Bear in mind Hiplocks FX lock is going to be easily cut, but if a bike thief is cruising around with a set of bolt cutters they probably arent going to be put off by an alarm either. If youve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as 1.99. George tested a four-pack and liked the low-tech system. Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc We had a lot of fun with this test. Tel 01225 588855. This cookie remembers the choices you have previously made within our website and provides more customized features to site visitors. This cookie does not contain or represent any personal information or entry details. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places. However, the Sigfox network that it uses to provide tracking even when indoors doesn't provide universal coverage, so it can't be described as a failsafe. Heres why you can trust us. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. When AlterLock detects a vibration, its alarm sounds, deterring theft and tampering. The unit itself weighs 48g, and you get two extra-long bottle cage bolts for fitting. While Bluetooth is used to connect to your phone, once out of range the Alterlock switches to Sigfox communication which is able to send location information over long distances with low power draw. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. Speaking of fitting, that's simple. In the unlikely event of a theft, GPS tracking helps you find it. If I was back in the Unbelievable. Note: Even within the service area, notifications may not reach your smartphone if the bike is being kept indoors, where the signal is weak, or in an environment with poor reception. You can read our full review of the Tile Sticker here. Fitment is as simple as fitting a bottle cage and, unless you have a very unconventional frame, will fit across road, gravel and mountain bikes. Stu reviewed the Tail It Bike GPS tracking device last year and rated it highly, although he found that it wouldn't fit the complex bend shapes of some road handlebars. Others can be hidden inside the frame, such as in the seat tube. A loud alarm sounds when your bike is moved, and you get notifications on the app that help you track your bike. The agreement can be cancelled during the trial period, but not for six months after that. Fantasy Cycling: game [at] road.cc These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized advertising. So long as the AirTag is within range of your phone, all you need to do is tap on the 'Find My' app and the AirTag's location shows on the screen. The full alarm is certainly loud enough to draw the attention of passers-by and might convince a thief to leave your bike alone and go back to whatever thieves do when they're not trying to nick other people's stuff. Like Tile tags, the Apple AirTag uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone. All of this applies to any tracker, not just the AlterLock. If your bike is moved the tracker will both sound a 107db siren and send you a movement alert. Christiano was named after American Pres Ronnie Reagan. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as 1.99. Okay, the map showed the car on the wrong side of the road, but it was within metres. try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. You can check the service area here. The AirTag is Apple's answer to Tile and other small trackers. Keep an eye on your bike with a vibration detection alarm and smartphone notification. First, we had someone put a bike with the AlterLock fitted into the back of their car and drive it off to an undisclosed location. are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. Specifically designed for theft protection it instead focuses on reducing power consumption to aid long-term tracking. The AlterLock device works within the Sigfox service area (primarily Europe). AlterLock retails at 114.99 and requires an additional service fee of 3.49 a month or 34.99 per year. 'If it is moved indoors where there is no GPS signal, the device uses WiFi signals to determine its approximate location. The app provides plenty of customisation for the functionality and sensitivity as well as the actual setting of the alarm and bike tracking.
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