How to Hide a GPS Tracker On Your Bike – 5 Best Hiding Spots

We’re going to start this blog off with a couple of unfortunate truths. Here’s the first; your bicycle GPS tracker is only effective as long as it isn’t seen and removed. Here’s the second; an experienced bike thief will likely check your bike for trackers.

Because of this, simply having a GPS tracker isn’t always enough — it needs to be effectively hidden in order to remain untampered with. In this blog, we’re going to look into the best hiding spots for your bicycle GPS, as well as some handy tips around the concept of hiding your GPS tracker.

What to Consider When Choosing a Hiding Spot

Like all things, there is a balance to be found when hiding a GPS tracker. The main balancing act is finding a hiding spot that the thief won’t see while also not compromising the GPS tracker’s ability to function. Let us explain:

1. Signal Strength: If you want your GPS tracker to work, it needs to have decent signal strength. We would love to tell you to get your AirBolt tracker and put it right inside the frame of your bike – but the truth is that our GPS tracker (and any other GPS tracker) will experience a significantly lowered tracking signal if you put it there. 
2. Inconspicuousness: Of course, a tracker is only as good as its hiding place. So you really want to focus on this one. 
3. Accessibility: While it is true that the battery on our GPS tracker lasts for months at a time, the AirBolt does need occasional charging, so putting it somewhere that the tracker cannot be reached again is inconvenient.
4. Durability and Protection: Our trackers are robust and can withstand both water and mud, but if you want to protect the longevity of your GPS tracking device, it’d be ideal to keep it out of the rain and mud.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at some of our top recommended hiding spots for your bicycle GPS tracker.

1. Under the Saddle

The underside of your bike saddle is one of the most practical spots to hide a GPS tracker. It keeps the tracker out of plain sight while maintaining a strong signal, which makes it a trusty spot for theft prevention. 

Additionally, installation is easy as most trackers including the AirBolt are slim enough to fit snugly into that space without any issue. This location also has the added benefit of keeping your tracker out of the elements. But two things to note here are one; the tracker needs to be very securely mounted to not end up falling off while riding. And two; if a bike thief does a proper search for a GPS tracker on your bike, it’s not unlikely that they’ll check under the saddle.

💡 Hot Tip: Opt for a tracker with a slim profile and match its color to your saddle for extra stealth.

2. Behind the Rear Light or Reflector

If your bike has a rear light or reflector, this can be an excellent place to hide your GPS tracker. It’s an inconspicuous spot that blends the tracker into an existing feature, making it far less noticeable to a thief. 

Many modern GPS trackers, like the AirBolt, are small enough to fit behind or within these components, ensuring they remain out of sight while maintaining a strong signal. Just ensure the tracker fits snugly and doesn’t interfere with the light or reflector’s functionality.

💡 Hot Tip: Use a slim tracker like the AirBolt and secure it behind the reflector with a small adhesive strip and/or zip tie to keep it discreet and stable.

3. Beneath the Water Bottle Cage

The water bottle cage is another clever spot for hiding your GPS tracker. By mounting the tracker underneath the cage, it remains largely hidden while maintaining excellent signal strength. 

This location also makes it easy to access for recharging or adjusting when needed. Just make sure the tracker is securely attached so it doesn’t rattle or move while riding. For those who use their water bottle cage frequently, you may need to ensure the tracker doesn’t interfere with your bottle placement.

💡 Hot Tip: Secure the tracker with zip ties or adhesive strips that match the cage to keep it stable and inconspicuous.

4. Inside a Saddle Bag or Tool Kit

Many cyclists use saddle bags or tool kits to carry essentials like spare tubes or multitools, making them an excellent spot to hide your GPS tracker. These accessories are already a common sight on bikes, so placing your tracker inside one ensures it remains discreet. 

Plus, it’s an easy-to-access location for recharging or maintenance. Just make sure the tracker is securely tucked away in an inner compartment to avoid it being seen if the bag is opened.

💡 Hot Tip: Choose a saddle bag with multiple compartments and place the tracker in the least obvious one for added security.

5. Mounted on the Bike Frame with a Cover

If subtlety is your priority, mounting the tracker directly on the bike frame with a low-profile cover can be an effective option. This spot keeps the tracker visible enough for a strong signal but discreet enough to avoid catching a thief’s attention. 

Choose a cover that matches the bike’s color or style to blend it seamlessly into the frame. This location is also ideal for easy access when recharging or checking your tracker.

💡 Hot Tip: Use a small frame-mounted accessory or weather-resistant cover to keep the tracker secure and less noticeable.

Testing Your Tracker After Hiding It

As we mentioned earlier, your GPS tracker still has to work after you’ve hidden it, so it’s very important to give it a test after hiding it away. 

1. Check the Signal Strength: Open the AirBolt app and confirm the GPS signal is strong and consistent.
2. Test Real-Time Tracking: Walk or ride your bike a short distance to verify the tracker updates accurately in the app.
3. Activate Geo-Fencing and Alerts: Set up geo-fencing or motion alerts and check if notifications are triggered when the bike is moved.
4. Monitor for Rattling or Movement: Take a quick ride to ensure the tracker is securely in place without any rattling.
5. Adjust as Needed: Make changes to the tracker’s placement if there are signal issues or if it doesn’t sit securely.
   
   

Conclusion

GPS trackers are one of if not the most effective tool at your disposal for getting a stolen bike returned to you. But the way you hide your tracker matters.

Try out our 5 hiding places, or think of your own, and feel safe in the knowledge that your property is secure. 

Btw you can get your AirBolt bike GPS tracker here.