That is why in the modern world where carjacking is a major concern, having a tracking system on your bike can be rather useful and reassuring. GPS tracker is not only useful in tracing stolen bikes but also track riding history and the wellbeing of near and dear ones. The following will help you in installing a tracking device on your bike and check its stability and effectiveness.
What is the Benefit of Having a Tracking Device on Your Bike?
Before going through the steps of installation, there is a need to explain why having a tracking device for your bike is important. The primary reasons include:
- Theft Recovery: GPS tracker helps in tracking the location of your bike in case it gets stolen hence increasing the rate of retrieving it.
- Ride Tracking: It has features for tracking the routes, distance, and speed, which is quite helpful for people, especially the fitness enthusiasts.
- Safety: If the bike you are using belongs to someone else watch its location in order to protect the other person.
Selecting the Best Tracking Device
First of all, it is necessary to choose the right tracking device for the installation. Here are some factors to consider:
- Size and Weight: Be sure to make it simple in design and portable to avoid affecting the performance of the bike you are riding.
- Battery Life: A tracker with a long battery life should be chosen so that it does not need to be charged many times in a short time.
- Water Resistance: Make sure that the device has a feature that will make it to be resistant to water so that it can be used under different climate positions.
- Real-Time Tracking: Choose a device that has the capability of giving you real time location tracking for proper location status.
- Installation Ease: Choose a tracker that does not need much input in terms of installation and does not need the services of a professional.
Preparing for Installation
When you have chosen the tracking device, get the needed tools for installation. Typically, you will need:
- The GPS tracking device
- depending on the model of the tracker, the mounting brackets or adhesive are used
- Phillips screwdriver or an Allen key
- Zip ties or Velcro straps – these are not very necessary though but can be used for added security
- A smartphone or a computer for the set up and testing purposes
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Choose the Installation Location
The first thing to do is to determine where to fit the tracker to the bike in question. Common locations include:
- Under the Seat: A hidden and secure place that will not be easily noticed by anyone that may be around the tracker.
- Inside the Frame: If your bike frame has enough space for that then this would be a perfect hideaway.
- Handlebars: Some trackers are meant to be fixed at the handlebar of the bicycle and this can be done easily.
- Secure the Tracking Device
The following are the steps to follow when securing the tracking device as recommended by the manufacturer: Generally, the steps are as follows:
- Using Mounting Brackets: Put the brackets in the chosen position and then put the tracker on the brackets. Make sure it is well secured and does not shake.
- Using Adhesive: Rub the area to be used for the tracker with a cleaner cloth or any piece of cloth that does not have color on it. Remove the back adhesive layer and stick the tracker onto the surface and hold it down. Apply some pressure on it for some few seconds to make sure that it is well fixed.
- Additional Security: To enhance the security of the tracker you can use zip ties or Velcro straps to ensure that the tracker is well secured.
- Connect the Device
Some tracking devices may need power from the bike’s battery, to do this connect the right wires as you are instructed by the manufacturer. Check that all the connections are made properly and that they are all taped so that there is no issue with electricity.
- Activate the Tracking Device
That being said, after the device is physically connected, it needs to be activated. Most GPS trackers require the following steps:Most GPS trackers require the following steps:
- Download the App: There is an application for your smartphone or you can use a web version of the service.
- Create an Account: If need be, open an account with the site.
- Activate the Device: To activate the tracker read the following steps. This commonly requires the user to type in a certain code or serial number which is available on the concerned device.
- Subscription Plan: Some of the trackers may charge a fee for real-time tracking for their services depending on the subscription plan.
- Test the Device
It is advised that after activation one should take a short ride with the bike to check on the functionality of the tracker. Ensure that:
- It is well hung and does not wobble or move to and fro.
- The application or Website that was used depicted the location of the bike as it was in real life.
- All the aspects of the application are proper and they include the geofencing and the speed alerts.
Maintaining Your Tracking Device
It is important to maintain your tracking device because it enables it to work properly and give you the right results. Here are some tips:
- Check the Battery: It is advisable to check on the battery power and always ensure to charge it when the battery is remaining low. Some of the trackers have a low battery indication.
- Firmware Updates: It is highly recommended to always update the firmware of your tracker so you would be able to have the best output from it and to be able to utilize all the features available.
- Physical Inspection: Occasionally it is advisable to check the presence of the tracker and the possibility of it being switched off or replaced.
- Cleanliness: The tracker should also be washed often especially if it is exposed to extreme conditions of weather.
Bike Trackers – What I Have Learned
For a cyclist, GPS trackers have proven to be quite handy in increasing the security of bikes besides and also in keeping track of the fitness progress. An instance could be a time when my bike got stolen while I was not using it and had taken a break. Thanks to the GPS tracker I was able to provide the police with the exact location and the bike was recovered shortly thereafter. This lesson showed that it is necessary to have a tracking device that one can depend on.
There is also one more useful option that has been helpful to me and that is the option to check through the completed rides. Some of the data that can be obtained from the tracker are the route taken, speed among others and this helps me in evaluating my fitness and coming up with new targets. It also makes me feel safe because my family can locate me when I am out cycling for a long distance.
Conclusion
To fit a GPS tracker, all one has to do is put it on the bicycle and the bike is locked and the added benefit of tracking the ride. Thus, choosing the right gadget and following the instructions given in the installation process, a person can contribute to the protection against the theft of the bike and get some peace of mind. It is usually advised that one should always service the device to ascertain that it is still in a good condition, and thus the owner will always be in a position to locate his or her bike. If you are riding your bike on the road whether as a professional or a casual rider it is always appropriate to have a GPS tracker on your bike.
