How Cycloop tracker works
1 Install the anti-theft system on your bicycle Install the Cycloop tracker on the seat tube of your bike. It mounts via special lock mechanism and cannot be easily removed. Cycloop is damage resistant and will alert you if it is tampered with.
2 Arm and disarm the anti-theft system with the Key Fob When Cycloop detects the Key Fob in its proximity, it will automatically disarm. As soon as you leave your bicycle behind, the Cycloop anti-theft GPS system will arm automatically.
3 See alerts and location tracking When bicycle moves without the Key Fob in proximity you’ll receive a phone call and will be able to track it’s location on the mobile app.
Specifications For those of you who are into technical stuff, be sure to visit our specifications section.
Frequently asked questions If something is not clear, visit our FAQ section where you'll find answers to the most popular questions.
Seamless Arming and Disarming: How the Key Fob Keeps You in Control
The key fob is the heart of the Cycloop's convenience. Using secure short-range wireless technology, it communicates with the tracker on your bike. When you approach your bike with the fob in your pocket or bag, the tracker automatically detects it and disarms, so you can ride away without a second thought. As you lock up and walk away, the signal is lost and Cycloop arms itself within seconds, ready to protect.
The fob's range is carefully calibrated to about 2–3 metres, ensuring that the system only disarms when you're right next to the bike. This prevents accidental disarming from a distance, while still being responsive enough for daily use. The fob is powered by a standard coin cell battery that lasts up to a year under normal use, and the Cycloop app will alert you when the fob battery is low so you can replace it before it fails.
If you ever lose your key fob or it stops working, you can still manage the tracker through the mobile app. There's a manual disarm option secured by your PIN or biometric authentication, and you can order a replacement fob from our support team. The fob is also uniquely paired with your tracker, so no other fob can disarm your bike, adding an extra layer of security. For more on security features, see the specifications section.
Real-Time Location Tracking: From GPS to Your Phone
When Cycloop detects unauthorised movement — any motion while armed — it springs into action. Built-in high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receivers lock onto satellite signals quickly, determining the bicycle's location with an accuracy of typically under 5 metres. Simultaneously, the cellular module connects to the mobile network and sends the location data to the Cycloop servers, which then relay the information to your app in near real-time.
The tracker updates its position continuously while in motion, so you can follow the bike's path on the map in the Cycloop app. The app shows a breadcrumb trail of where the bike has been, and the location refreshes every few seconds when the bike is moving. This rapid update cycle ensures you can provide precise, up-to-date information to the police if your bike is stolen.
Even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or under tree cover, Cycloop uses assisted GPS (A-GPS) and cell tower triangulation to maintain a fix. If the tracker momentarily loses satellite signal, it cleverly uses network-based positioning to keep you informed while it reacquires a more accurate GPS lock. All this happens automatically, so you can focus on recovering your bike.
Intelligent Alerts and Notifications
The moment Cycloop senses movement without the key fob, it initiates a sequence of alerts designed to get your attention fast:
- Phone call – Cuts through mute settings and Do Not Disturb, ensuring you never miss an alert.
- Push notification – Appears on your lock screen with a map preview of where your bike is.
- SMS message – (if configured) provides redundancy when mobile data is unavailable.
Through the app, you can customise alert preferences. For example, you can set up a geofence — a virtual boundary around your home, office, or favourite café. If the bike moves outside that area while armed, you’ll be notified immediately. This is perfect for everyday security without having to constantly check the app. You can also enable low-battery alerts for the tracker and the key fob, so you’re never caught off guard.
In the event of an alert, the app switches to tracking mode, showing the bike’s position and speed. You can share the live location with friends, family, or the police via a secure link. All alerts are logged in the app’s history, so you have a complete record of any security events. For a full list of what you can configure, visit our FAQ section.
Installation Spotlight: Mounting Made Simple and Secure
The Cycloop tracker is designed to be installed by anyone in minutes. It comes with a bespoke bracket that fits around the seat tube of most standard bicycles — the vertical tube that runs from the pedals to the saddle. The bracket is secured with tamper-resistant bolts that require a special tool (included in the box) to tighten and loosen. Once mounted, the tracker clicks into the bracket and locks in place, resisting casual removal attempts.
The seat tube position is optimal for performance: it keeps the tracker out of the way of your legs while pedalling, protects the device behind the frame, and gives it a clear view of the sky for GPS reception. The unit is compact and aerodynamic, so it won’t affect your ride. It’s also IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof, meaning it can handle rain, puddles, and mud without a problem. Simply wipe it down if it gets dirty.
Cycloop’s anti-tamper system is built into the mounting. If someone tries to pry the tracker off the bracket or cut the bolts, an accelerometer inside detects the vibration and triggers an alert — even if the system is currently armed. This alert comes as a separate notification, so you know someone is physically interfering with the device. Additionally, the tracker will continue to transmit its last known location, helping you or the authorities track down the perpetrator.
Battery Life, Charging, and Day-to-Day Power Management
Cycloop is powered by a high-capacity rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. Under normal conditions with average daily use—commuting, errands, and overnight parking—a full charge lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. Battery life depends on factors like the frequency of rides (which trigger GPS updates), the strength of cellular signal, and temperature. In cold weather, battery performance may dip slightly, but the tracker is designed to operate in temperatures from -20°C to 60°C.
Charging is simple: a magnetic USB cable (provided) snaps onto the exposed charging port on the tracker. You don’t need to remove it from the bike; just bring the cable to the bike. A full charge takes approximately 3-4 hours. The tracker will flash a green LED when fully charged. We recommend charging it whenever it’s convenient, just like your phone, so that it’s always ready.
To maximise battery life, Cycloop employs smart power management. When the bike is stationary and armed, it enters a low-power monitoring state, waking only periodically to check for movement and maintain network registration. Only when it detects motion does it ramp up to full-power tracking mode. The app displays the current battery level as a percentage and will send a notification when the battery drops below 20%, giving you plenty of time to recharge. For extended periods when you won’t be riding, you can put the tracker into a deep-sleep mode via the app to preserve power.