tern - Jiri Brejcha

Tern GSD self-adhesive silicon case for Apple AirTag

I enjoyed testing the under-seat and water bottle bike mounts for AirTags on our Tern GSD bike, and thought I should explore other mounting options.

This self-adhesive sleeve looks like a universal option, as it can be attached practically to any flat surface.

It has a silicone sleeve on one side and self-adhesive on the other.

The self-adhesive layer seems to be a good choice. It is not extremely sticky as some other products, it does not seem to leave marks, and I actually managed to remove the case from the Storm Box on our Tern GSD bike, move it to a more suitable spot and re-apply it.

That sounds of peeling off the protective plastic sheet

It fits nicely inside the sleeve and as far as I can tell, there is no chance of it slipping out. The silicone keeps it from moving. In fact, it takes some effort to insert and remove the AirTag, which is great.

There are many accessories available for the GSD. Storm Box is a great candidate for an AirTag in this sleeve. Mine is still holding tight. It has a few internal pockets and you can easily attach a dozen of AirTags to it and still have some space left for more;-)

Bottom of the front rack might also be a good place for an AirTag.

A word of caution

Wherever you mount it, please keep your own safety in mind. Don’t mount it near the motor or anywhere near the chain/belt. It might cause you some bumpy ride should the self-adhesive fail.

Where can I buy one?

I bought mine on eBay and it was very affordable. Here is a link if you are considering getting one or two.

Other bike mounts

If you are looking for inspiration, I tested an under-seat and water bottle bike mounts. Here are a couple of photos and you can find more of them in the respective blog posts.

Water bottle mount with more mounting options available on the GSD

Tern GSD water bottle bike mount for Apple AirTag

I’ve recently tested an under-saddle mount. On its own, it is an easy target and it can be easily found if the thief knows where to look. To make the most out of AirTags, I also have one inside my Storm Box.

To complement the two, I am now also using this AirTag mount, which can either sit between your water bottle and the bike frame. Alternatively, if you do not have a bottle, it can sit directly on the frame secured using the bottle holder bolts.

Mounted using the “too-easy-to-spot” water bottle bolts

Let’s unzoom to put its size into perspective

Let’s play hide and seek!

Here is where the GSD comes to the rescue. It has a couple of other mounting options with the exact same distance between the bolts as the water bottle bolts.

What about now? Look between the pedal and battery.

Note the two silver bolts inside the triangle on the right hand side. They can be used for this AirTag mount.

Assembly and installation

It is super easy to install. The original Tern screws are too short. So, let’s replace them with the 2 bolts supplied with the mount. The only tool you need is a standard hex head 3 mm screwdriver bit.

On Tern GSD Generation 2, you can choose between the upper or lower position. Personally, I prefer the upper one.

It is not much thicker than the AirTag itself

Where can I buy one?

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

What other mounts are available?

I’ve also tested an under-saddle mount. You can see more photos of it and read more about it here.

Comparison of the under-saddle and water bottle mounts

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.

The rear handle on the saddle remains fully accessible

Only a very close look allows you to spot it

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.

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.

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.