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How to hide an Apple AirTag on your bike (and why you should)
Bikes are great, but you know what's not great? People who want to steal your bike.
Of course, having a decent lock -- or even multiple locks -- is going to be your first line of defense against people making off with your bike. However, in the event that your bike is stolen, you can utilize modern technology to help you get it back.
Also: The $800 Lectric XP Lite e-bike is a sheer joy to ride
And things don't get much more modern that the Apple AirTag.
What is an AirTag?
An AirTag is Apple's answer to tracking your belongings. It's a small battery-powered device that is shaped like a button. It pings nearby iPhones, so you know its location.
Apple intended AirTags to be used to keep track of keys and bags and such. However, their small size, long battery life, and pinpoint accuracy have made them perfect for all sorts of applications -- even tracking your bike.
How will an AirTag stop my bike from being stolen?
It won't.
Your first line of defense should be having an effective lock, and securing your bike to a solid object when not in use.
An AirTag will help you recover your bike if it is stolen. Everywhere your bike goes, the AirTag will be pinging nearby iPhones, and that allows you to find its location using the Find My app.
Also: They both used Apple AirTags to track their possessions. Only one turned out well
Aren't criminals getting wise to AirTags being hidden on bikes, and won't they be looking for them?
Of course.
But the thing is, a criminal stealing your bike doesn't want to be all obvious and hang around the scene of the crime looking for a hidden AirTag -- after all, it could be in one of any number of different spots. On top of that, some methods of attaching an AirTag to a bike require special tools to remove them. Again, a bike thief might not want to hang around long enough to start stripping the bike.
Could you attach more than one AirTag to a bike?
Yes. In fact, a criminal might give up after finding one, leaving the other one active on the bike to aid with recovery.
How do you fit an AirTag onto a bike?
You have two options.
The first option is to hide the AirTag on the bike itself: Perhaps tape it under the seat, conceal it inside the frame tube somewhere (there are usually a few voids where this is possible), or pop it inside your saddle bag.
The second option is to put the AirTag into something and attach that to the bike: There are a lot of custom holders out there that allow you to hide an AirTag on your bike inside something else.
Let's take a look at some devices that allow you to attach and conceal an AirTag to your bike. This selection of devices should work with most bikes and e-bikes, but it's a good idea to check your bike and the specifications of the holder before purchasing.
TUSITA rear reflector AirTag holder
Looks like any other rear red reflector on a bike, but this one holds an AirTag.
- Discreet
- Looks like any other reflector
- Compatible with a broad range of bikes
- Easy to install
- Compatible with the Garmin Varia smart tail light system
Review: Velotric Discover 1 electric bike: Accessibly built, attractively priced
Stouchi bike bell AirTag holder
It's a bike bell that holds an AirTag.
- Nice loud bell
- Keeps AirTag dry in the rain
- Fits a wide range of bikes
- Easy to fit
Also: How to change the battery in your Apple AirTag
EFEALL handlebar post AirTag mount
One of the most discreet and unobtrusive ways to attach an AirTag to your bike.
- Discreet
- Seamlessly looks like part of the frame
- Weatherproof
- AirTag doesn't share or rattle
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GRAPID AirTag mount
This is a custom design mount that screws to the frame.
- Fits under the water bottle holder so it's inconspicuous
- Uses security fasteners
- Weatherproof
- Fits every bike that can take a water bottle holder (which is pretty much every bike)