this post was submitted on 23 Jan 2025
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I think I've found the best place to hide a tracker on my Brompton: in its front carrier block! (static.toot.community)
submitted 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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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

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 weeks ago

@Showroom7561 I share your opinion, replaceable batteroes are better, I even went for the Chipolo first but unfortunately it didn't fit.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

@axeleroy @brompton Looks (to me with no foldabe bike experience) like its a metal part. Does the tracker work properly with all that shielding?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago

@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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

@axeleroy @brompton I fitted an AirTag in mine without any problems.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago

@ReCyclist @brompton Oh, they must be smaller than I thought.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

@axeleroy @brompton Smart move to show this on a public place...

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 weeks ago (2 children)

@sanji @brompton I don't believe common thieves would stumble upon this or even be knowledgeable about Bromptons

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago

I don't have a Brompton so the only use I have for this information is burglary.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

@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?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 weeks ago

@xtaran @sanji @brompton Yes, thanks for adding that bit of info I left out, I probably should edit with a picture of the assembled block.

I did not try, but the charging cable being as big as the tag should allow to charge it in place. It should last a year according to the constructor.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago

@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.