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Ask HN: Is there any GPS device small enough to be hidden in/on a bike?

• bobds 16y ago
  This site has a useful bike security FAQ: http://www.baitbike.com/Security_For_Your_Bike.html http://www.baitbike.com/Security_For_Your_Bike.html Q: Isn't there a GPS device available that I can hide on my bike? A: Yes, however, while GPS is cool, it does have several drawbacks when used on a bike. First, it is power hungry and a bike doesn't have a power source like a car does. Any device installed on a bicycle would need to be powered by an internal battery and thus would need to recharged on a daily basis, weekly at best. Most consumers would simply be riding around with a dead battery 90% of the time. Second, the devices are still too large to be able to effectively hide it on a bike, keeping in mind that it would not work if hidden within the metal frame. Third, while the cost of GPS devices are coming down, there is still the monthly fee that is needed to connect the device with the cellular network and to access a tracking website, usually $20 to $40 per month. If you are still interested in putting a GPS tracking device on your own bike, take a look at www.accutracking.com for the most affordable solution that we have seen.
• cromulent 16y ago
  Google for "USB gps tracker" and see what you find. There's a few options out there. Of course, inside your handlebars has reception issues, as well as size constraints.
• fractallyte 16y ago
  ...or you could stash a cheap, disposable cell phone under the seat - something like the Motorola F3. There are various companies that allow you to track a cell number. Accuracy is roughly 30m radius (I think?). Then you just have to remember to keep the battery charged. One day someone will invent a simple dynamo-powered tracking device that accepts a standard SIM card...