GPS tracker purchase guide for cycling

Having a GPS bike tracker is essential because security systems such as padlocks are no longer sufficient to stop thieves. Thanks to this device, the owner will be able to know the exact position of his property. In addition, the GPS location very precise, he will be able to quickly find his bike. With the many GPS trackers on the market, it's hard to make your choice.

What is a GPS bike tracker?

The GPS bike tracker is a device specially designed to track bikes in case of loss or theft. It has the distinction of being easily concealable and may even be almost invisible to an ordinary individual. It usually takes on a cylindrical shape that can fit perfectly inside the handlebar gallows. This system has the advantage of being difficult to extract. Manufacturers even compete with ingenuity by offering tracers that come in the form of a mundane element such as a bicycle taillight.

The GPS trackers for cycling are powered by a battery that is rechargeable and removable. Its use can be optimized because the user can make the tracer passive. Thus, the coordinates regarding the location of the device will only be sent on request. The tracker can be switched to active mode so that you can follow in the bike's footsteps at any time. This device uses the technique GPS location or mobile phone. To make it work, it needs a SIM card with a subscription or a prepaid plan. This map provides geolocation of the device by sending the data to an application on the web or on the smartphone.

How does a GPS tracker work?

A GPS tracker has a GPS receiver like on phones. Operating in reception like a car radio, it lets you know where the bicycle is. In addition, it has a MOBILE MOBILE phone module giving the possibility to send the information about the position by SMS or Internet. GPS trackers using a phone module need a SIM card, otherwise the beacon will not be able to transmit any data. For the SIM card to do its job, it is essential to remove the PIN. The tracers do not have a key or screen, so it is necessary to insert the card into a phone to remove the code. You can check how well your device is working by calling the SIM card number. If it works properly, you will then receive an SMS indicating the positioning of your tracker.

Users have two sim card options for bicycle GPS trackers. So they can opt for the classic SIM card or the M2M SIM card. The latter is suitable for any type of electronic device. Being multi-operator MS, if there is a problem, they can switch from one operator to another. As a result, they cannot suffer from network coverage concerns. However, a subscription to this type of card is more expensive than that of a traditional SIM card. They are available from telephone operators or in specialist stores. For those who have opted for the classic SIM card, know that today the majority of GPS trackers use a 3G or 4G connection. However, you can still find some models on the market that operate the 2G network. This is especially the case if you have decided to buy a second hand GPS tracker. This type of hardware is not recommended if you want quick access to location data. In addition, the 2G network is being used less and less and will soon disappear completely from the market.

Two modes of transmission are required for the GPS tracker to indicate its exact location, including by phone or Internet. The information is broadcast by telephone is done by SMS. The data is sent as a link that opens an app or Google Map site. An internet connection is therefore essential to see the position of the tracer. This information is sent at the owner's request or automatically if the device is equipped with the " motion detection ». Trackers who use the Internet to transmit information already have a special SIM card. They can be connected to the Internet from any network. To do so, the user must enter his ID and password at the address provided by the manufacturer. This will allow them to access real-time contact information on an online server. You should know that this information can be accessed on a smartphone, computer or even tablet.

What are the different types of alerts available on a GPS tracker?

GPS trackers alert its owner to situations. As a result, they can alert if they leave a pre-established perimeter. For these to work, it is necessary to set up the tag to define a delimitation (Geofence). In the event of an unusual move, the tracker sends a notification directly to its owner. You should know that some beacons offer the possibility to record multiple perimeters at once. They also allow you to know how often the tracker enters and exits areas recorded by the user.

Other models of GPS beacons are equipped with a anti-theft alert. This type of function instantly sends an alarm to its owner in the event of a suspicious movement. In the case of a bicycle, it may be a theft, or the bike has overturned on its side. Other types of alerts are still available, including the anti-jamming device, shake detection or the speeding alerts. These are made more for vehicles than for bicycles.

How to use a GPS tracker for cycling?

A GPS tracker, like any electronic device, has a user guide. It is advisable to consult it to use properly and operate the device in the rules. In addition, there are a few recommendations to consider. 

Determine precisely the features offered by your GPS tracker in order to use them optimally. It is planned for enable you to track in real time or on request the position of your bike. However, other additional features are included in some models. So you can have GPS trackers that show how many kilometres you've driven in the day. They even give the number and duration of the stops you made.

To turn on your tracker, you need to launch pre-configured commands. After inserting the SIM card inside, you can now send the commands by SMS. To find out how to access a particular command, you can check your device's user manual. Indeed, they differ from one manufacturer to another. Thus, by sending the pre-configured commands you can choose when to turn it on or off and in what kind of situation the tracker should send you a message. Be sure to place your GPS tracker properly, as this device should not be removed so that it is operational in case of theft.

It is also important to maintain the GPS tracker battery. Powered by electricity, it is essential to ensure that the load is complete before using it. Don't hesitate to recharge it whenever it's needed, without waiting for the battery to be completely empty. Using it until the battery is completely empty may shorten the battery's life. In case you do not have to use the device for a while, be sure to remove the battery from the tracer. In addition, it is advisable not to neglect the cleanliness of it. So take the time to clean your tracking device regularly. To remove dust from the appliance, a simple dry cloth is enough. Avoid using chemicals at the risk of damaging them.

A GPS tracker needs to be connected to the network to be able to receive and send information about the bike's position. It is therefore necessary to choose the subscription of your SIM card. This is done according to your need. If you want real-time tracking, a phone subscription is imperative. Otherwise, a prepaid SIM card is more than enough. However, telecommunications operators still offer formulas tailored to each type of device. You should choose one of the formulas available based on your tracer. You should know that some BRANDS of GPS tracker impose their own subscription.

What are the criteria for choosing a GPS bike tracker?

Autonomy 

The autonomy of the GPS tracker must be taken into account when purchasing it. For bikes, the ideal is to have a model that does not need to be recharged too often and that can be active for several days. In the event of a flight, you may need a day or several hours to track the bike. As a result, the battery should be charged as often as possible. The larger the one, the longer the follow-up can be done. You should know that small models are practical. However, they discharge quickly after a few tens of minutes of tracking.

Model 

You can also choose which models have several built-in features that will give you more accurate guidance. So you can opt for more elaborate models that will inform you about the date and time. It will also be able to provide you with the speed and distance you have travelled. This way, you can access this data in real time. Still other models can even warn you when your bike leaves a defined perimeter. Be aware that there are also some pretty sophisticated GPS trackers that have specific mapping or are connected to Google Map.

Easy to use

It is also important to look at the ease of use of the device before any purchase. The ideal is to opt for a model that is easy to handle and that doesn't need too many settings.

Degree of accuracy

The degree of accuracy is essential when purchasing a GPS. It goes without saying that the more satellites there are, the more accurate the location. A connection with four satellites thus makes it possible to locate the device about 5 metres away. However, it should be taken into account that external conditions can alter the location of a GPS tracker. These may include the location of the aircraft such as a steep environment, a large concrete building or a forest.

Water and dust resistance 

You can find on the market some models that are designed with a special coating that makes it dust resistant. Other tracers were made to be waterproof. You can find GPS trackers that combine these two features. The resistance of this type of device is indicated by the IP letters which mean Protection Index. These two letters are usually followed by numbers.

Price  

The price also comes into play when buying a GPS bike tracker. You can find good value GPS trackers on the market. Before you make your choice, you must of course know the cost of the SIM card and the subscription that goes with the tracer. It is your budget that will determine the model you are going to buy. You can of course compare rates before you make the purchase.

The strength of the signal

This is an important criterion when acquiring a GPS tracker. To ensure that your tag never gets lost, it's a good idea to choose the multi-roaming SIM card. This kind of card ensures a good connection to the network. In addition, it systematically takes the most powerful signal in the areas where it is located. In the event that the signal is too weak or non-existent, the GPS tracker will then record the data in its internal memory and return it to the server when the quality of the connection is available again.

The frequency of notification

In case of theft, any owner wishes to have information on the latest locations of his property as soon as possible. On the other hand, when everything is in order, receiving too many notifications can be tiring. To help you in your choice, it is advisable to opt for a GPS tracker that offers three modes of use. 

In real time, the tag refreshes every five to ten seconds. Therefore, the positioning of good or person with the tracer will be located at any time. The tag sends its user a daily review of the movements of the last 24 hours. They will be able to choose the time they want to receive this notification. 

In standby mode, the GPS tracker reduces its energy consumption. As a result, it sends a notification on request. More efficient models exist. They are operational even in standby mode, and this for a period of up to three months. The ideal is of course to opt for a tag with real-time tracking if you want to find your property as soon as possible.

Why buy a GPS beacon?

The number of bicycles stolen each year is 400,000 compared to 100,000 in previous years. Bicycle theft is a very profitable business for some. Protecting one's property has thus become a priority. GPS trackers are very useful for knowing the exact location of the bike so you can easily find it.

In the event of a theft, the procedure to follow after locating the location of your bike is of course to notify the police. Acting alone in this kind of situation is not very prudent. In addition, letting the police do so may help them bring down a network of thieves. The GPS tracker is a good way to know right away that the bike is being stolen. This will allow the owner to react quickly by following the thief's trail. Without the tracker, it is impossible to know that the bicycle is being stolen. Depending on the situation, it may take several hours or even days after the owner becomes aware of the theft. This could hinder the work of the police.

GPS bike trackers, besides the fact that they are very practical to monitor its property can also be for athletes. In fact, they provide information about the user's performance. This is even if he uses the bike just to get to work or to do some shopping. You will have the opportunity to know your average speed or the maximum speed on the journey. You can also find out how long it took you to make your usual journey.

The GPS beacon is especially useful for securing your property. This is not excessive for individuals and professionals. Thus, in case of theft, it will make it easy to find the stolen items. Companies even use it to monitor their fleets and cargo convoys. In addition, it is a way for them to know the journeys and driving habits of their drivers. In this way, the company will be able to analyze and find the best circuits to facilitate logistics. 

The GPS device will also be able to guarantee the safety of an individual. Indeed, for some people requiring special follow-up, using a tracer is the best solution. Thus, it can be put in children's bags or in the coat of people with Alzheimer's. To do this, an adequate tag size is to be chosen.

GPS beacons are also essential to protect pets. The tracers used in this case are attached directly to their necks. In the event of a leak or when the animal leaves a specific geographical area, the device immediately sends an alarm. It is very convenient for owners living in the countryside or those walking their pet without a leash.

Below are the best-selling GPS trackers for bicycles

The GPS beacon for waterproof bikes

This is a High-performance GPS tracker specially designed for bicycles. Very convenient in case of theft, this device allows you to never lose sight of it and it also monitors its movement. This particular model is recommended for its waterproofing. It has a IPX7 protection index which makes it impervious to the projection of water. It can even be immersed 30 minutes underwater. This device is easy to hide because it is small.

This GPS tracker is powered by a 2200 mAh battery. Its autonomy is about a month in continuous use. It has a function that indicates its battery level. The report is made by sending SMS on the mobile of the cyclist. The battery is charged using a USB cable connected to the tracer. The charging time takes about an hour and a half. The manufacturer equipped the device with a CPU watchdog. It is a technology that prevents the device from having a bug and saves energy. However, the motion detector will turn the tracker back on in case of an emergency.

This tool works with a standard SIM card. So you'll need a phone subscription to make it work. LEDs light up when it is running. One is on the side and one at the back. Another lights up when the device is in motion. This GPS tracker sends an alert call to your phone in case the bike is stolen. Tracking the move will be made easier real-time transmission of the bicycle route on a web platform. In addition, you'll also get SMS notifications about the details of the device's movements.

GPS trackers built into bike traffic light

This GPS tracker is designed for bikes. However, it can also help locate other objects. It allows real-time tracking of your property through a mobile app. His 600 mAh battery gives it a full-load week of battery life. The charge of this device is done with a USB cable. It is Waterproof with a IP65 waterproofing level. This GPS tracker is equipped with two bright LEDs as well as a motion and vibration detector. It will make a call or send an SMS to your phone every time it moves.

The follow-up is done through a built-in GSM module. However, you need a SIM card for network coverage. This model is even compatible with a nano SIM. It can even launch a SOS alert in case of emergency. To do this, just hold the power button. An energy-saving mode is built into this GPS tracker. In this case it goes into sleep mode and thanks to the preset of the timer, it restarts in case of movement.

The device is also equipped with a Geolocation, which is defined by latitude and longitude. A web-based tracking platform is available for free. It is even available as a mobile app compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. In addition, this GPS tracker supports software such as gpswox, traccer or gurtam.

GPS tracker for built-in bike in headlight

This GPS tracker works with two modules: the GSM and the GPRS. As a result, it uses communication networks and GPS satellites. To locate the bikes, tracking is done through your phone using the SMS or a web application intended for this device. Its battery is powerful with a power of 1800 mH. A full charge gives it a 25-day battery life. An alert is sent to the user's mobile phone before the battery discharges completely.

This tool supports rain and water projection. It was designed to look like a bike's taillight. It can even take the function of it and can perfectly replace it. This tracer has the advantage of being able to monitor the movements it detects around it. With a weight of 80 g, this device is very discreet. It also has a high-performance location sensitivity. It thus provides a geolocation of less than 5 meters.

This device is very easy to use. A call to the SIM card allows you to receive a Google Map link on your web platform or smartphone. Very precise, this link indicates the position of your property. A SIM card is required to operate this tracer. Once this card is removed, the device automatically shuts down. The map will allow the dvibration and motion sensor to transmit an alert signal. Note that this GPS bike tracker can also detect speeding and shaking. In addition, it has an indispensable SOS control in case of emergency. This feature activates by holding the power button. It then sends an SMS to your phone.