The Brompton Community @discuss.tchncs.de Axel Leroy @toot.community 2w ago

I think I've found the best place to hide a tracker on my Brompton: in its front carrier block!

It does require a Pebblebee Tag, as AirTag and Chipolo One are too big to fit. Just make sure to leave a space on top for the locking mechanism to fit.

Edit: I was told that AirTags fit as well, so I guess Motorola Moto Tag might fit too, as I believe they are roughly the size of AirTags.

#Brompton @brompton #bicycle

13 comments

Pebblebee Tag

Looks nice, but I hate that it uses a non-replaceable battery.

I've got quite a few Tile and Chipolo trackers, and they all use standard CR2032 or 1632, and they last about a year (?).

But I'll never have to worry about replacing the tracker because of the battery. My first Tile trackers are going strong 7 to 8 years at this point! LOL
- @Showroom7561 I share your opinion, replaceable batteroes are better, I even went for the Chipolo first but unfortunately it didn't fit.
@axeleroy @brompton I fitted an AirTag in mine without any problems.
- @ReCyclist @brompton Oh, they must be smaller than I thought.
@axeleroy @brompton Looks (to me with no foldabe bike experience) like its a metal part. Does the tracker work properly with all that shielding?
- @astifter @brompton The carrier block itself is made of plastic, this thin metal plate is only used to secure the block to the bike, so I does not shield the tracker. (you can see the metal plate more clearly here https://www.brompton.com/p/736/front-carrier-block)
  
  I originally thought of putting the tracker inside the frame, but then the tracker's signal would have been shielded.
@axeleroy @brompton Smart move to show this on a public place...
- @sanji @brompton I don't believe common thieves would stumble upon this or even be knowledgeable about Bromptons
  
  I don't have a Brompton so the only use I have for this information is burglary.
  
  @sanji @brompton: And what the picture does not show: There is usually a locking mechanism in that hole which will hide the tag probably quite well.
  
  @axeleroy: Can you charge the Pebble Tag without disassembling the front block's locking mechanism? How long does one charge last?
I'm unfamiliar with the brand but I assume the part you are showing is solid metal?

If so, the tag isn't going to be able to broadcast very far. You better hope the person that steals it has their tag tracking settings enabled on their phone.
- @Blue_Morpho I don't think it would interfere with the signal as the carrier block is mostly made of plastic. I haven't tried the range yet, but I'm not too worried.

13 comments