Bike security
 

I have been wondering, has anyone heard of a GPS bicycle security system? Since animals, phones, and all sorts of things are tracked by GPS why not my bike????:rolleyes:

RFID is passive until sensor lights it up, with an induction current,
passing close to the Chip.
those can be implanted.
AFAIK,
GPS is Active, needs a battery to power it's transmitter/reciever,
and batteries, drain, and need recharging.

Maybe Seblastian is thinking about how wild animals are tracked for long periods of time with just one battery.

Lojack for vehicles is constantly in a receiving mode and requires a constant voltage to maintain this mode.

I know there are many views to keep you bike safe but the one I like the best , and use myself, is a decent lock ( not an over the top lock) and full insurance coverage on my bike. Coverage cost this year was $50 for the whole year!!

I have to lock it up satisfy the insurance company that I'm taking due care to prevent it from being stolen but any decent low cost lock will do.

Yes, there are some, but they have several issues. Here's one example (note that the reviews are not very favorable):
http://www.amazon.com/Zoombak-ZMBK34.../dp/B001EJP3CG

There's also a system available only to law enforcement for them to use in setting up 'bait bikes' for sting operations.
http://www.pegtech.com/sbts.htm

Main issues:
1) A GPS alone doesn't transmit any information, so you also need a cellular phone or other system in combination with the GPS - the two systems can be built into the same device
2) Both the GPS and the transmitter (cellular or other) require power - so you'd need to keep a battery charged up
3) The GPS and transmitter need antennas that aren't blocked by metal parts of the bike. Although these can be pretty small they would still probably be noticeable by a thief who is looking for them. Might not be an issue yet while such tracking is rare, but I'd expect the thieves to catch on if such devices become common.
4) GPS doesn't work well inside buildings with metal roofing or other materials that block microwave signals.

How do you demonstrate to the insurance company that the bike was locked up after someone breaks the lock and takes off with it and your bike? Sometimes the thief will leave the lock, but I've also seen cases where there was no evidence left behind.

I'd hope the insurance company would pay out if you submit a proper police report of the theft.

Quad-band GSM Personal GPS Tracker Bug with SOS (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11314

Zoombak makes one I keep around my dog's neck.
It would fit easily enough under the saddle.

thanks for that.

word! thats what im talkin about

This is where knowing your agent as a person helps a bunch. I file a report , send a copy to the agent, and get a check in the mail. All the agent need know is that I do what I say I do when I say I lock it up. That's the human factor that means so much that you don't get with non-agent handled insurance.

Katty, welcome to Bike Forums.

If you read prathmann's reply a couple of posts above yours, you will notice that tracking systems have been discussed. Do you have ideas as to how to solve points 2)-3) in prathmann's post, namely how to get electricity continuously and conveniently on a bike, and how to conceal the GPS and GSM antennaes that are required for tracking to work? These are generally not problems with other vehicles, but with bikes it's a different story.

Putting my Mod hat on for a moment and moving this thread to Electronics and Gadgets (from General Cycling).

--J

I have many ideas, just not sure if they are tangible solutions.
I vision a unit that fits inside the bike tube. It would stay inactive until activated by a designated phone number. At which point, the device would send a signal to a web site showing the exact location of your bike. I have seen GPS that work in this principle, however, they are still bulky. Perhaps, sooner than later, someone will step to the plate and offer this service.
Have you heard of Apple's "irun" application. It would be great to have an "ibike" app which includes ALL essential info. From GPS location to average speed and everything in between.

of course I am aware of vehicle tracking. I am interested in bicycle tracking. Locks are fine, but I like the idea of actually recovering my stolen property and maybe bringing justice to slim bags with sticky fingers and evil intentions.
In this day of modern technologies, bicycle GPS, doesn't seem like such an unrealistic expectation. Especially when my bike costs more than most cars.

insurance good, agents bad.

thanks alot! thats what i'm looking for!

What kind of bike do you have?:rolleyes:

type of bike?
 

Its been pieced together, I didn't buy it complete. Dura Ace, FSA, Weyless, Spinergy, Mavic, Specialized, carbon everything. I love it and its hella sexy:love: