Advocacy & Safety - bicycle alarm - check it out

www.bikeguardlocks.com/extras/bikealarm.php I might look into getting one of these, it looks like a cool idea. Any have something similar? If so do they work?

www.bikeguardlocks.com/extras/bikealarm.php I might look into getting one of these, it looks like a cool idea. Any have something similar? If so do they work?

Cool idea...but, worthless. They are not loud enough.

I'd rather have one with a pager feature...maybe GPS emitter. That way I can track the thief down and kill them.

A lot of guys in our rowing club have them on their singles. Can be muffled rather effectively with a few towels. Loud enough to scare of a passive thief, but like the proverbial tree falling in the forest…

A lojack-type device would be much better

Do they even make a tracker for a bike? It would be cool if they just put it somewhere inside the bike as they're being made so if a thief stole it, you could immediately track them down and give them a beatdown.

Koffee

www.bikeguardlocks.com/extras/bikealarm.php I might look into getting one of these, it looks like a cool idea. Any have something similar? If so do they work?

I have tried about 6 or 7 different ones. There are more than that on the market. One problem is false triggering when you are not there. The one I liked the best just died after a couple of years. The switch came apart and was part of a circuit board and the housing at the same time. The ones I had were very loud but all you have to do is put your hand over it to quiet it. Of course they only work where people are around. I only used mine when I went on trips to very touristy places where there are always lots of people around. And when I had panniers full of stuff that I did not want disturbed. If you use a good lock they can be OK.

Take a look at this one. http://www.cy-curity.com/prodinfo.htm I have never seen one in person.

I would think that it could be done, just not sure what it would cost. Something like lojack for a bike...hmmmm...research time!

Check this out: GPS Kid Locator (http://www.klaaskids.org/pg_gps_wherify.htm)

Check this out: GPS Kid Locator (http://www.klaaskids.org/pg_gps_wherify.htm)


Whoa! $200+ monthlyl service plan! After a year, I've already paid for my bike at least once. Something like that but cheaper would be cool.

Koffee

Whoa! $200+ monthlyl service plan! After a year, I've already paid for my bike at least once. Something like that but cheaper would be cool.

Koffee

erm? plan at 19.95 a month. Still kind of high maybe, at least for a casual rider. Daily commute, maybe, I dunno. They have their phone thing coming out sometime, but haven't announced rate plans yet. They would probably face liability issues with something like we have in mind...something that could be hidden in a seatpost or something, that would allow us as individuals to track the property down. Someone would get killed, and the company would be blamed for enabling it. With Lojack, it's activated by police for them to track when the owner reports a vehicle stolen. Something like that would be sweet, but Lojack isn't nearly as wide spread as I thought it was...

www.bikeguardlocks.com/extras/bikealarm.php I might look into getting one of these, it looks like a cool idea. Any have something similar? If so do they work?
Worthless. Not loud enough and besides they only attention car alarms get is a "Turn that $&^$& off!" What makes you think someone will pay any attention to a bike alarm?

I'd rather have one with a pager feature...maybe GPS emitter. That way I can track the thief down and kill them.
I am answering solely because after reading so many of your trollish posts, I'm delighted to find one I can get behind =)

Good idea for touring.

Not a bad idea. It needs a little work, but then again nothing is perfect.

I talked to this woman that put some kind of device in their dog. It was only 15 bucks. If I could find that same technology for bikes, that would be so cheap! How can you lojack a dog so easily and cheaply, but a bike costs all that money?

Koffee

Koffee-

Good idea on the dog thing, but I don't think it is trackable (at least the ones I know of). The ones I have seen are imbedded under the skin in case the dog is ever picked up and sent to a shelter. Supposedly the chip is located in a standard spot and can be scanned, and the ownership information then comes up. If it was trackable it would be perfect, just hide it on the bike somewhere!

That's what I'm saying! If they could put it inside the top tube during the building process, that would solve everyone's problem. It would have to be someplace inaccessible.

Koffee

That's what I'm saying! If they could put it inside the top tube during the building process, that would solve everyone's problem. It would have to be someplace inaccessible.

Koffee

It would be nice, but...

It can easily be done,they have them for motorcycles, they call your cell phone and you can turn off your bike or turn on the lights and horn by remote control, but to have a good range you need a good battery. You also need to sell it for a profitable price. You also need to have a market demand at your price with a big battery. You need to recharge the battery at home periodically on a bicycle. Not on a vehicle with an engine. You need to invest in the start up costs of making the product.

It is a nice idea, it can be made to work, but not to sell well. Too big, heavy, expensive, and you need to recharge them or add on the weight and cost of a dynamo.

Would you buy one with a water bottle battery and remember to recharge it on time? How much would you pay? $100 ? Could you sell 100 of them? What about the weight of the battery?

I'd rather have one with a pager feature...maybe GPS emitter. That way I can track the thief down and kill them.

Yea, I'm trying to talk my electrician/physicist roomate into wiring one of these for me. I don't even need a GPS unit, just a pager/buzzer if the bike gets moved or jostled while I'm running errands. I figure that it could be taken while I'm inside at work, but at least if I'm close by I could check out the situation. Sounds like we've got a market here.

I think what Koffee is referring to is like the microchips that people use to identify pets. They are about the size of a grain of rice, and are injected under the animal's skin. Veterinarians have a reader that gets a code from the chip, and the owner information is recorded in a database. They are most commonly used in show dogs and large birds, which fall in the same price range as our bikes. Having it done is a one time fee, and the manufacturer keeps the database. There's no batteries, and I don't believe that there is a life expectancy. It's rather like a magnetic strip on a credit card I believe.

This could work for us pretty easily I would think. I don't know how it would work with metal, but I would think that you could actually manufacture it into a carbon fiber fork or frame or seatpost, something like that. The problem is, who would you identify to scan for the chip? Bike shops and police would be the obvious answer, but how many bikes would you actually recover that way?

I plan to buy a bike alarm, but a different kind.
It features a metal wire in plastic sheathing that you thread through vital parts of your bike, and it's long enough to allow routing through both wheels and more.
120 dB alarm when the cable is cut or disconnected - no motion alarm that can be triggered accidentally. This one only goes off when someone's really tampering with your stuff!

Cool. Where do you get something like that?

Koffee

I think what Koffee is referring to is like the microchips that people use to identify pets. They are about the size of a grain of rice, and are injected under the animal's skin. Veterinarians have a reader that gets a code from the chip, and the owner information is recorded in a database. They are most commonly used in show dogs and large birds, which fall in the same price range as our bikes. Having it done is a one time fee, and the manufacturer keeps the database. There's no batteries, and I don't believe that there is a life expectancy. It's rather like a magnetic strip on a credit card I believe.

This could work for us pretty easily I would think. I don't know how it would work with metal, but I would think that you could actually manufacture it into a carbon fiber fork or frame or seatpost, something like that. The problem is, who would you identify to scan for the chip? Bike shops and police would be the obvious answer, but how many bikes would you actually recover that way?
I'm not sure how it would work inside a metal frame either (I have neither the reader nor sufficient material to encase my cat to test the therory.) If it did work it wouldn't be hard to place inside a metal frame at all. In fact I came up with an insertion method that would secure it in place regardless of tube size. Now to get that patent.

I plan to buy a bike alarm, but a different kind.
It features a metal wire in plastic sheathing that you thread through vital parts of your bike, and it's long enough to allow routing through both wheels and more.
120 dB alarm when the cable is cut or disconnected - no motion alarm that can be triggered accidentally. This one only goes off when someone's really tampering with your stuff!

Still waiting.... I really would love to pick one up (or a few, since I have several bikes!). Thanks!

Koffee

Honestly, I've only seen it in a small shop here in Sweden. I think they're actually producing them themselves.
I haven't bought it yet, but when I do, I'll try to find out more! :)

The attached image shows what it looks like.
If you happen to understand Swedish, you'll also be able to read about it... :D

Maybe search for retail security systems? Sounds similar to what they use in electronics stores. Not sure if there's a self contained unit available or not, but that might be the place to start.

The attached image shows what it looks like.
If you happen to understand Swedish, you'll also be able to read about it... :D


Cool. I neglected to see you were from Sweden. I'll be contacting my friend in Göteborg and have him pick one up for me. Those suckers aren't cheap!

Koffee

So much for getting a patent. Found one. (http://www.securityworld.com/alarms/bikewatch.html) and another. (http://www.securityworld.com/locks/cablealarm.html)

Those are great. Thanks, Twahl!

Koffee

I plan to buy a bike alarm, but a different kind.
It features a metal wire in plastic sheathing that you thread through vital parts of your bike, and it's long enough to allow routing through both wheels and more.
120 dB alarm when the cable is cut or disconnected - no motion alarm that can be triggered accidentally. This one only goes off when someone's really tampering with your stuff!

I've had four or five, which one are you getting?

I like the part "cutting the cable will cause a piercing siren.... Unless triggered again, the alarm resets itself after 20 seconds." If the cable is cut chances are the bikes on it's way out and it only sounds for 20 seconds after which the thief has all the time in the world as he doesn't have to mess with the alarmed cable again

So much for getting a patent. Found one. (http://www.securityworld.com/alarms/bikewatch.html) and another. (http://www.securityworld.com/locks/cablealarm.html)

I have both of those. Both of them you hit once with a hammer and it is silent. Then you hit it again and it is open. The second one has a thin cable that may be able to be cut with a bike cable cutter. All you have to do is put your hand over the siren anyway. The second one triggers in the wind, but may be OK inside or in some places. There are a few self contained ones that you fasten to your bike. I had trouble with false triggers. Even in the garage.
If you use them in addition to a good lock it may be worth something. Try the one that goes under the seat and has a remote like a car. You just go "Be Beep" and it's set. Just like a car.

It's about $50 http://www.cy-curity.com/prodinfo.htm

Then just use a normal lock.

I may have all of the ones now on the market. I even have a U lock with a built in alarm. I don't use any of them any more. The best one lasted a couple of years and then fell apart. All cable locks are only good if someone is watching anyway. If your bikes are in another room inside the house or an apartment they may be useful, if the bike is locked with another lock.

This was my favorite until it fell apart two years later, you still need to use a lock if you are not there.

It's on ebay for $15 right now, that's a good deal ..........ebay here..........

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58100&item=7154275089&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I like this one so much I kept it..it's one of the best...

http://www.clubmac.com/clubmac/shop/detail~dpno~35924.asp

I like the part "cutting the cable will cause a piercing siren.... Unless triggered again, the alarm resets itself after 20 seconds." If the cable is cut chances are the bikes on it's way out and it only sounds for 20 seconds after which the theif has all the time in the world as he dowsn't have to mess with the alarmed cable again

That's only if you bump it. If you cut the cable it keeps going untill you put the combination in.

But you can put your hand over the siren part. Or a towel or something. There's no need to cut the cable anyway if you have a hammer or a rock. Your main point is correct, it's easy to bypass.

Well, I meant to have one in addition to a regular lock.

It's peace of mind. I really wouldn't mind having an extra security precaution.

Koffee

Aha! I think I just came up with a good idea... its a tazer.... built into the seat and handles of the bike. THere is a lead coming out of the bike that you secure to your lock and/or the bike rack, similar to those pull-strings that jetski people wear to shut off the engine if they fall off. If the lead is disconnected from the bike rack (either cut or pulled out of the bike or torn or damaged in any way) the tazer activates. It is pressure or conductivity activated so when the thief gets on the bike and grabs the handles or sits on the seat it delivers a powerful non-lethal shock. Nah... lets make it a lethal shock.

I plan to buy a bike alarm, but a different kind.
It features a metal wire in plastic sheathing that you thread through vital parts of your bike, and it's long enough to allow routing through both wheels and more.
120 dB alarm when the cable is cut or disconnected - no motion alarm that can be triggered accidentally. This one only goes off when someone's really tampering with your stuff!

Someone let Koffee know that they make the exact same thing for laptop computers. I got 4 of them for the obscene price of "Nuttin', take 'em". Try any computer discount store or someplace like Fry's. I think they're a good casual deterrent.

As far as microchips, here in Australia, at least in NSW, EVERY dog must be chipped and registered. The down side is that when your dog gets hit by a car, council workers are too slack to have them scanned, they just chuck the corpse in the bin and send it off to the dump. They'll scan a live dog running loose so they can ticket the owner, but can't be bothered to notify someone looking for a lost dog that their pet is deceased. Go figure.

I have heard that car alarms do nothing for security. Car owners tune out even their own alarms. They only serve to tick people off. I think that law should say that if a car (or bike) alarm goes off, anyone who hears it is allowed as many free shots at the car (or bike) as they can get while the alarm continues to sound.

These kind of systems are urban blight. The satellite tracking ideas, by contrast, sound useful.

If someone manages to get into my garage, and only jostles one of my bikes, the alarm goes off. This will wake the dog, who will wake me. It's an added measure of security. If the same lock was used at Starbucks, or a grocery store, it would provide a measure of security. The novelty of a bike with an alarm may be an attention getter. Bikes are also somewhat more likely to be parked in places where they're harder to ignore. Next to the door at your local food emporium is different than B lot, aisle 8, spot 42.

I'm thinking the same thing.
If I'm in a shop and have the bike locked outside with that alarm, I'm pretty sure I can make it out in time to prevent a theft.

I'm thinking the same thing.
If I'm in a shop and have the bike locked outside with that alarm, I'm pretty sure I can make it out in time to prevent a theft.
But, in reality, you'd probably just tune it out the way you tune out car alarms.

Are you just here to argue?

Are you just here to argue?
No, just giving a reality check. Car alarms aren't effective because people have learned to tune them out. I don't see why bike alarms would be any different. These devices may just offer the perception of safety, not the reality.

The biggest thing that car alarms produce is noise polution. Again, I don't see any reason why bike alarms would be any different.

But, in reality, you'd probably just tune it out the way you tune out car alarms.

Eh, seriously man. I don't know what it's like where you live, but car alarms don't go off that often!
I can't recall when I heard one last. Must've been a couple of years ago, at least.
And if I've locked my bike with an alarm, I sure wouldn't tune it out!

Eh, seriously man. I don't know what it's like where you live, but car alarms don't go off that often!
That's right, you don't. Car alarms go off that often heck just down the street we've got a neighbor whose alarm goes off during stronger thunderstorms

No, just giving a reality check. Car alarms aren't effective because people have learned to tune them out. I don't see why bike alarms would be any different. These devices may just offer the perception of safety, not the reality.

The biggest thing that car alarms produce is noise polution. Again, I don't see any reason why bike alarms would be any different.

I guess some people jsut aren't aware of their surroundings then. Do you have a car alarm? Maybe poeple in general ignore them, but if you're the owner of the car in question, you probably know what your alarm sounds like, and are quite attuned to that particular sound. But rather than go there, this is about bike alarms, which are completely different from car alarms. A car alarm is an anonymous noise coming from somewhere in a crowded parking lot. Bikes are generally locked up near plenty of foot traffic. If someone is tampering wth the bike, people will see and hear it. I certainly find that to be a deterrent. I think I stated this once already as well.

That's right, you don't. Car alarms go off that often heck just down the street we've got a neighbor whose alarm goes off during stronger thunderstorms

Hey, I used to crawl around the mall parking in my '68 Camaro at Christmas time. I'd put it into 2nd gear and lug the motor just enough to get that "Whump, whump" out of the exhaust, and set off dozens of car alarms. The good old days...

[edit] no need to wait for the rain, or Raiyn

I guess some people jsut aren't aware of their surroundings then. Do you have a car alarm? Maybe poeple in general ignore them, but if you're the owner of the car in question, you probably know what your alarm sounds like, and are quite attuned to that particular sound. But rather than go there, this is about bike alarms, which are completely different from car alarms. A car alarm is an anonymous noise coming from somewhere in a crowded parking lot. Bikes are generally locked up near plenty of foot traffic. If someone is tampering wth the bike, people will see and hear it. I certainly find that to be a deterrent. I think I stated this once already as well.
You may find it to be a deterent, but you're not a bike thief. You also don't seem to understand how many people HATE car alarms, and how many times the alarms are false. If a bike-alarm was squeeling in my neighborhood, I'd be hoping that someone was taking the bike (or damaging it). Automatic audible alarms are noise polution.

How do you know I'm not a bike thief? And why don't you read my post rather than just responding to it?