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AirTag hiding place on the handlebar stem: Unfortunately, the promising idea has a catch
Photo: Markus Linden
They are not actually made for cyclists, but they can be very useful for this target group: AirTags from Apple.
The small gadgets work in a similar way to so-called GPS trackers and can help to determine the position of the objects to which they are connected - these can also be bicycles.
If an AirTag is inconspicuously attached to the bike, a possible thief would unknowingly take the AirTag with his loot, which is constantly trying to send its location.
If the bike then reports from someone else's basement or garage, you can alert the police.
But the promising idea has a few snags.
AirTags can only be located when another Apple device is nearby.
If the bike disappears in downtown Hamburg, the location is quickly transmitted.
On a cow pasture in the Swiss Alps, things may look very different.
It can take a long time until a hiker with an iPhone is nearby.
In addition, Apple's stalking protection (see "How AirTags work") can help thieves to notice AirTags hidden on bicycles and to locate them using the associated warning tone.
To prevent the latter, instructions are circulating on the Internet on how to disable the speaker.
On the one hand, this means that you lose your warranty claim, and on the other hand, AirTags are no longer protected against water after the procedure.
We tested seven different solutions to help AirTags on bikes, from a bell with a secret pocket to hiding things in the tire and on the bottle cage.
Lezyne Matrix Saddle Tagger
The Matrix Saddle Tagger is screwed to the struts of the saddle.
That's why he's not exactly invisible, but you only notice it when you look for him.
Lezyne provides the small plastic housing with a seal and a screw cap so that the inserted AirTag does not get splashed.
Only a single screw is required for assembly, which secures the twist lock and holds together the claws that grip the seat stays.
Only the thread and the special screw are made of metal, the rest is made of plastic.
However, the plastic claws seem very robust.
The Torx screw is secured against unscrewing with a pin.
Lezyne supplies a bit with a matching counterpart that fits into standard bit-receiving tools.
Better not to lose it.
Saddlebags with straps usually still fit on the seat stays despite the AirTag box.
Exceptions are larger saddlebags with their own claws - there is no longer enough space for them.
What we like:
The construction is waterproof and the AirTag is easy to change.
The less:
The bracket is only hidden when a saddlebag is also attached.
However, larger saddlebags with their own claws no longer fit.
For whom the Matrix Saddle Tagger is suitable:
Anyone who has no space on the frame and is looking for a simple solution that doesn't require unscrewing anything from the bike.
Topeak Ninja+ Cage Z with AirTag Mount
The Ninja+ Cage Z bottle cage looks like a standard bottle cage, but there is room for an AirTag on the frame.
The tracker can only be attached if the bottle holder is unscrewed.
Topeak supplies the two special Allen screws required for this, as well as the associated tools.
The AirTag sits securely in the holder - but it is not covered.
There is no protection against splashing water.
In principle, it doesn't matter because the AirTags are already sealed against splashing water by Apple.
However, it is unclear whether the protection lasts for a long time or in daily continuous rain.
If you kneel down, the AirTag can be seen.
Anyone who knows what they are looking for will find the tracker.
The bottle holder itself is flexible.
Bottles are easy to remove and secure.
What we like:
If you need a bottle holder on your bike, you can easily integrate an AirTag here.
The less:
the lack of splash protection and the imperfect privacy screen could cause problems.
For whom the Ninja+ Cage Z is suitable:
For racing cyclists who don't leave their bike outside in the rain.
Lezyne Matrix AirCage
Similar to the Topeak model, the AirCage is a bottle cage in which you can place an AirTag.
There is a small compartment between the actual bottle holder and the bicycle frame, which is closed with a lid.
This has a rubber ring that makes the compartment waterproof.
The construction is compressed by the two screws that screw the bottle cage to the frame.
The included tool bit, which is identical to that of the Lezyne Saddle Tagger, is required for assembly.
The bottle cage itself holds the bottles securely without having to use too much force to pull them out mid-ride.
What I like:
The AirTag sits securely and dryly, is hardly noticeable.
The less:
The prominent lettering "AirCage" on the bottle holder is not particularly helpful if you want to hide an AirTag.
For whom the AirCage is suitable:
For cyclists of all classes who need a bottle cage.
NC-17 Connect Air Box
The Connect Air Box is a small AirTag hiding place for the stem, i.e. the handlebar mount.
It can be attached to all bikes with A-mount clamps - i.e. to most modern racing bikes and mountain bikes.
Trekking bikes also occasionally have an A-mount.
Many city and e-bikes do not.
The Connect AirBox replaces the A-mount cap and raises the stem a few millimeters.
As a rule, this is not noticeable, because such an increase is possible on many bicycles anyway by adjusting the intermediate rings.
The German supplier NC-17 offers the Connect AirBox with and without lettering.
The neutral version, which is far more inconspicuous, is recommended.
Since only the lid is replaced, the replacement is feasible for any layman.
All you need is a size 4 Allen key to remove the original cover and then mount the Connect AirBox.
The manufacturer does not want to reveal to the public how the lid is removed.
But don't worry, it's in the enclosed operating instructions.
It's also fairly easy once you know it and have the right tools handy.
The lid is attached over the AirTag with firm pressure.
If it snaps into place, it can no longer be removed by hand.
However, the inserted AirTag can be scratched during disassembly with the auxiliary tool.
In the test, the AirTag rattled a little while driving.
It is therefore advisable to attach some adhesive tape or other adhesive strips to it.
Then, after removing the lid, the AirTag can also be removed without using gravity by turning the bike upside down.
Liked :
The Connect AirBox is light, small and unobtrusive.
The less:
the disassembly could damage the AirTag.
If you don't have an A-mount, you'll have to look for another solution.
For whom the Connect AirBox is suitable:
All bicycles with A-mount clamps.
KLICKfix FindMe
FindMe from the makers of KLICKfix, Rixen & Kaul, is a simple holder that is screwed onto the standardized thread for bottle and tool holders.
It consists of two halves that are pressed together when screwed on.
A sealing ring encloses the AirTag to prevent water from penetrating.
Two special screws with a modified M5 Allen screw head and a suitable key are supplied.
If you just attach FindMe to the frame, it is very noticeable.
It's better hidden if you mount it between the frame and a bottle cage or tool holder.
This should work in most cases since the case is quite flat.
If you look closely, you will also discover the holder under a bottle holder.
We like it:
The solution is simple, quick to assemble and also fits between the frame and bottle cage.
The less:
In most cases, the FindMe case is easy to spot.
Who is FindMe suitable for: Anyone who
prefers a simple solution.
AirBell
The Airbell looks and sounds like an ordinary bell, is unobtrusive and fulfills its warning function in traffic.
However, the base with the clamp for attaching it to the handlebars can be disassembled into two parts and an AirTag inserted between them.
The two parts are locked with a small thumb stick, which can be removed with a slotted screwdriver (supplied).
The AirTag bell is available in two sizes for attachment to thin (22 mm) and thick handlebars (31.8 mm).
If you have to change the battery of the AirTag, you can access it without removing the bell, as the upper part can be detached individually.
What I like:
The AirBell works perfectly and the AirTag is very well hidden.
The less:
Anyone who unmasks the AirBell can remove or open it with a normal screwdriver.
For whom the AirBell is suitable: Anyone who
relies on good camouflage on an everyday bike.
Muc-off Tubeless AirTag holder
Muc-off's Tubeless AirTag holder is hidden from the inside of the tire by placing it on a valve from the same manufacturer.
The AirTag is held in place by a flexible rubber coating.
The daring construction only works with tubeless tires - i.e. only if rims and tires can be ridden without a tube.
Many amateur athletes convert to such tires on racing and gravel bikes as well as mountain bikes.
Anyone who has ever mounted tubeless tires knows that this cannot be done without sealant and almost always only with a special pump.
In addition, it is associated with relatively great effort.
The AirTag sits securely in the tire, protected from the sealant by the rubber.
In principle, its rotating mass leads to an imbalance when driving fast.
However, this bracket does not fit into narrow road bike tires anyway.
Because of the dimensions of the Apple gadget, the tires must be at least 38 millimeters wide.
That's too much even for many gravel bikes.
Such thick tires are more likely to be found on heavier touring bikes, e-bikes and (e-)mountain bikes.
Fast cyclists with light rims will not be able or willing to use the tubeless AirTag holder.
On the other hand, the weight of the AirTag is not particularly noticeable on heavy rims.
In the test with a gravel bike with 40 tires and standard rims, the holder and thus the AirTag protruded far out of the rim and into the tire.
In the event of a sudden flat tire, the AirTag holder would probably break off.
It would be even worse if the holder or valve did not break, but the rim was damaged by a buckling valve.
I like that:
The AirTag is really well hidden, so no thief can find it.
And if he did, he'd have to pry off the tire to find the gadget.
The less:
This AirTag holder only fits a few bikes and takes a lot of work to assemble.
There is a risk of damage in the event of a sudden flat tire.
For whom the Tubless AirTag holder is suitable:
For gravel and mountain bikers who already ride tubeless.
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