Tern GSD under-saddle bike mount for Apple AirTag

If you ever experienced the helpless feeling of returning to an empty spot at the bike rack, you know how it feels when you realise that your bike has been stolen. I’ve been there twice. When Apple introduced AirTags, I thought that I should attach a couple to my bike and see how well they work. Here is my real-life test from iPhone SE user’s perspective if you are interested in the user experience and location accuracy.

AirTag does not come with any mount, let alone one suitable for bikes. So, I purchased a few and tested them.

This under-saddle mount caught my eye, and became my favourite.

It is practically invisible
The rear handle on the saddle remains fully accessible
Only a very close look allows you to spot it
Bottom of the saddle

Why/why not this mount?

  • Compact size
  • Easy to install under your saddle – I tested it on Tern GSD Generation 2
  • You won’t notice it, unless you know what you are looking for
  • Ideal placement from Bluetooth radio perspective with not too many metal parts around it
  • Very affordable
  • It is 3D printed, which means that its surface is not 100% smooth. This is expected and nothing to worry about, considering the mount spends most of its life under the saddle.

Assembly and installation

Bolts are supplied with the mount. The only tool you need is a standard hex head 3 mm screwdriver bit.

All it takes is 3 bolts
Assembled mount

Here is a tip for you: Remove the saddle from the bike, put it in between your thighs and install the mount. This makes it really easy with no bolts flying around.

Saddle before
Saddle with the AirTag mount
I can’t see it, can you?
A very close look

Where can I buy one?

I am in the UK and I purchased it on eBay. Here is the link if you want to check it out and get yours.

Summary

As I mentioned, this mount is my favourite. Having said that, I recommend attaching another AirTag or two to your bike. I am testing a couple of other mounts and I will share the links here. Stay tuned, please.

Published by

Jiri Brejcha

Jiri is passionate about mobility ranging from Wi-Fi to folding bikes;-) He is a Wi-Fi Technical Solutions Architect at Cisco UK, proud member of the Cisco Live Network Operations Center deployment team, and WLAN Pi development team. If he is not working, he is most likely riding his Brompton bike.

2 thoughts on “Tern GSD under-saddle bike mount for Apple AirTag”

  1. Bit of an odd question – I have a GSD S10 LX (Gen 2) and the seat comes with Thudbuster and we’re facing difficulty with the height (too tall for us) and I’m looking to buy a Tern GSD saddle + seat post without the thudbuster (aka Gen 1 seat and the seat post). After extensive searching I couldn’t find one (based out of UK) – do you have a recommendation where I can find one?

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