Bike Alarm? You probably need this - Knog Scout Bike Alarm and Finder Review

[@dogsandbicycles]

Nice review. One could get the impression from this video that you have to get a new AirTag once the battery is dead but it uses a standard CR2032 coin battery which can be easily replaced by twisting off the silver plate.

[@BikeShopGirl]

I’ve had bad luck after replacing the batteries. I’ve tried various types of batteries and they all get terrible battery life, especially

[@evanrelf]

@@BikeShopGirl I don't know about poor battery life, but if a replacement battery isn't working entirely, it could be due to a bitterant coating getting in the way. Duracell puts this bitterant coating on all their batteries now, so I recommend avoiding their batteries for AirTags.

[@manp1039]

@@BikeShopGirl you mentioned getting insurance to help you recover your bicycle or replace your bicycle and things on it? What type of insurance do you have that will cover a stolen bicycle?

[@Noone-xf9cm]

@@manp1039Velosurance

[@Ucceah]

@@evanrelf so that's why they taste like arse! good to know. (i like a tingle on my tongue, dont judge!)

[@alainmarion9309]

The Knog Scout Bike Alarm and Finder was a disappointing buy for me, in my opinion the 85 decibel is not loud enough to frighten a thief. I was not convinced it would deter theft due to its very timid sound, so I returned it after testing it for two weeks. Instead I bought a very loud 115 dcb alarm online and use an AirTag for tracking, this is a better alternative I think.

[@Pflenix]

I recently bought a 3500€ Bike and I am using a AirTag with unbreakable tagplus case together with ABUS XP540 Lock and a 110db alarm. I hope that’s enough 😄

[@GM_____]

I absolutely love mine. It’s screwed onto my bike frame and is hidden under the bottle cage. They must have done some updating on the alarm sound because it’s very loud now. I love that I get a notification on my phone when the battery is running low so I can remember to charge it before it dies.

[@randomtrendz]

Just got mine and you really cannot step that far from it. The only good use case is if you have it in your garage and your inside the house. You cannot leave it on a bike rack and go shopping or to class

[@BikeShopGirl]

Do you mean for the alarm to alert you? I think the alarm is more to scare away thieves as an added layer but it’s basically a fancy rechargeable AirTag after that.

[@RTD8481]

I just installed the Scout on my bike this weekend. It is amazing. Very easy set up. My local bike shop Green Bay Cycles recommended this device. I knew I was making a good purchase to protect my Liv Invite. Hopefully Ill never need to use it. But I feel peace of mind knowing my bike is protected. For $60.00 I think it was a great investment

[@BikeShopGirl]

That’s great to hear! Do you arm it anytime you are not with your bike?

[@GeorgeAlexa]

Three days after you installed the Scout, I did too. I alarmed it, disarmed it, and left the bike in the garage. Three miles away later, I checked to see if I could see my e-bike, and it said disarmed. From a few miles away I would put the alarm on, but couldn't? I suspect I can only alarm it within a short distance? I still need to figure out how to use it.

[@superseiyan]

How has it worked so far? Is the sensitivity adjustment good?

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

I have the Knog and use it whilst bikepacking/camping. So when my bike is next to my tent it’s ideal if someone moves my bike at night whilst I am sleeping

[@manp1039]

that is a great idea. Have you gotten a sense of the battery life on a full charge? I am hearing some reports that it is less than 2 months. What has your experience been like?

[@superseiyan]

How’s the sensitivity? Does wind blowing set off the alarm?

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

@@superseiyan not had a problem

[@davidcollier6520]

Many thanks for posting this and your other video, it's been what I've been waiting for. Mine arrived today and I can't wait to fit to and feel that little bit safer about leaving my bike around.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Awesome. What type of bike?

[@977vet]

Hi. Thank you for the review. I just have a question please. Will this device still send an alert to my phone if I'm far from the bike?

[@BikeShopGirl]

No. You need to be in Bluetooth range

[@977vet]

@@BikeShopGirlthank you so much.

[@mikebedford4362]

Hi, GREAT review - Can you answer for me; If it relies on Bluetooth, the range is limited so Ian't there a risk that theft wont be transmitted to your iPhone?

[@jdotoz]

If it works like other Airtags, it uses Bluetooth to talk not just to your phone but all iPhones. So it would have to be moved out of range from all iPhones (and anything else in Apple's network) to lose track.

[@lauracarpenter363]

So glad I found your channel. Nice review. Thank you

[@Ucceah]

lost me at needing an apple phone, and having to torn the alarm on of off with an app, which makes it utterly impractical for my apllications. neat device, and good, honest review, though.

[@mlegrand]

I love Knog stuff. Pricey but then make nice stuff. Thanks for posting this review!

[@BikeShopGirl]

Thanks for watching, Matt!!

[@frozenmargarita6127]

Hey A. What do you mean by "subscription based" tracking device along with this alarm. Thanks.

[@BikeShopGirl]

There are gps tracking systems that charge per month

[@shyI0ck]

Thanks for the nice review! I understand you can arm/disarm from the device itself as a complement to doing it from the phone. What about silencing the alarm from the device, when it has triggered? Let's say the alarm has triggered and my phone is dead, or the bluetooth conn is just not operating, what then? I get that silencing from device is bad from the perspective that the thief can then silence it too... Just curious!

[@BikeShopGirl]

You can only silence from your phone. If your phone is dead you won’t be able to silence or disarm.

[@b.griffin317]

Thanks for a follow-up video! When hiding it does it still work if hidden in a steel or aluminum frame member?

[@BikeShopGirl]

I haven't hid it inside of tubing due to the sizing. Since it is bluetooth I would think it should (Airtags do). GPS has a huge problem with this.

[@SingaporeUntold]

If you put anything in a metal frame you will reduce the signal in this case the Bluetooth. So the find my feature works by pinging any internet connected iOS device to upload the gps location. I think Bluetooth has somewhere around 15m range and inside the frame it was 1m. This I tested on an AirTag which I can imagine is the same performance effect. So if you wanted your location ping then the iOS user would have to be next to the bike not just near the bike. It’s sort of a compromise which is why you find most airtag accessories is under the seat or bottle cage for max range.

[@klejbroda]

Hello, thank you for this review. I’m considering buying this and I’d be very grateful if you answered one question: what if, despite low sensitivity set, the alarm goes of by accident (unintentional knock or something) - when does it stop? Would it go endlessly until I come over and disarm it? Thank you.

[@BikeShopGirl]

I believe it does turn off with time, but I haven't tested how long that is.

[@008ralf]

Thank you for the review. How does the alarm perform when you leave you’re bike outside and you go into a store? When the alarm goes off and you are in the store how does the notification performs? Does it has to be connected with bluetooth?

[@BikeShopGirl]

It has to be within Bluetooth range for you to be notified.

[@008ralf]

Oke thank you for the information

[@kylecharlie2432]

I was wondering did you test battery life? you mentioned it was a concern in the previous video!

[@BikeShopGirl]

It’s pretty solid. Doesn’t last in the cold which doesn’t surprise me.

[@waxedgoat]

The one thing I'd like to add is that the price becomes even better vs an air tag when you need to pay another $20 or so for an air tag mount for your bike if you're not storing in a tool bag etc.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Great point

[@hemaccabe4292]

You must like this gizmo. I don't have an iphone though? Maybe they could become compatible with Android?

[@BikeShopGirl]

It relies on the apple tech to be a "finder". Without that, it would just be an alarm :)

[@benoittouzeau4202]

You can secure it and hide inside the seat tube with an end cap to hold it inside. Result 100% guarantee and alarm is still listenable.

[@b.griffin317]

Reviewing some of your previous videos on the Scout: Do you have any results about battery life? Especially cold weather (since winter is ending in the near future)?

[@BikeShopGirl]

It hasn't gotten below 20 here long enough to get good results. The two times it did hover around 23-25º, I had at least 50% (from 100%) in the morning.

[@kylecharlie2432]

does it show battery life in the app? @@BikeShopGirl

[@BikeShopGirl]

yep!@@kylecharlie2432

[@Opekillz]

what insurance do you have? great video by the way.

[@BikeShopGirl]

State Farm

[@lennwilkinson1974]

Great review, too bad the product only works with Apple currently.

[@superseiyan]

Does it drain the iPhone battery significantly or it’s a negligible effect?

[@BikeShopGirl]

Such a small amount I wouldn’t worry about it!

[@SergioCastro-g6f]

Is there an alarm like this for android phones?

[@manp1039]

i am wondering if you can be charging it while the alarm is activated.

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

So does this tag work outside America and Canada? Would it work in say Scotland , part of the UK or GB as it is better known, across your side of the pond (Atlantic Ocean)?

[@BikeShopGirl]

Yep. Anywhere an Apple product is.

[@HullioGQ]

How about an in-depth review of the Cycloop Bike GPS Tracker and the Gen 2 GPS Bike Tracker? Both of these devices utilize a phone network for tracking, offering a level of reliability that far surpasses that of an AirTag, especially for protecting a high-value e-bike worth $5,000 or more.

[@BikeShopGirl]

I tried the Cycloop and it wouldn't fit on 90% of my bikes! What is the Gen 2?

[@midwesturbanfarmstead]

Hi, pulling the trigger, finally, on getting the Knog Scout. In your review, you briefly mentioned a gps tracker. Would you be willing to share the brand you are using, or like the best? I'm trying to cover my bases with multiple points of defense! Any feedback would be most appreciated.

[@BikeShopGirl]

What type of bike are you putting it on?

[@midwesturbanfarmstead]

@@BikeShopGirl New all terrain touring bike, the Co-Motion Divide, so I don't want to get stranded on a tour. Lots of bags and a couple flat surfaces for mounting. Including under rear pannier platform rack and on the Pinion internal gearbox (in between the cranks where normal bottom bracket would be). That's probably the bigger question, where/how to mount such a thing so it doesn't easily get separated from the bike after theft. That's what I like about the Knog Scout, put some tamper proof screws on it and it's not going anywhere quick. Plan be might be to double or triple team it by adding a Tile and Air Tag somewhere else as well. I'm nearing 12k into this thing, and I'm told it's not paranoia if they're (bike theives) really out to get me.

[@Olmud]

@@BikeShopGirl I would also like to know this. I have a road bike that I would love a GPS tracker as a backup. I've been doing a fair amount of research and only find ones available in the UK.

[@Olmud]

Just found your video on GPS trackers..thanks for that.

[@ryanharris8479]

Thanks for the insight on this piece of kit.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tiffchang4466]

Thanks for this review!

[@nerosapien]

I hit. & I subscribed ,,,can I ask you 1 question is there a similar device. like. Knog Scout. on android platform you can recommend

[@BikeShopGirl]

I haven’t found one. Maybe tile but it doesn’t have such a large network.

[@batterybikes]

Does this notify other people that they're being "tracked" like normal Airtags do? ie has your wife gotten notifications when riding this bike around?

[@BikeShopGirl]

Typically an AirTag only notifies when you’ve arrived home/work, some location you goto often, or within 6-12 hours. I’m not going to over think the stalking notice of an AirTag.

[@powerpopjoey]

Great review. The deal breaker for me is that it requires an Apple iPhone. Android holds a 70% share of the phone market, and I'll never use an Apple product. This item is very appealing... but I'll just have to settle for a basic motion sensor alarm combined with something like a TILE. The Cyclotrac looks good too, it's supposed to send a text to your phone if tampered with.

[@drob00spy]

Great video and thanks for the insight. I have a question, @2:40 you mention throwing out Airtags when they die. Are the batteries not replaceable?

[@BikeShopGirl]

They are replaceable, I just don’t get good battery life after opening and replacing.

[@drob00spy]

@@BikeShopGirl Thanks for clarifying. Good to know.

[@SingaporeUntold]

Air tags last a long time. I still haven’t replaced the batteries yet on most. I think it’s been over a year. Ymmv if you are sounding them off or putting them in lost mode which I found drained out the battery in a few weeks on one of them.

[@BikeShopGirl]

It depends how often you are traveling and they are pinging

[@oldmanriding6291]

Entertaining me Ok. Educating definitely!

[@EkusNet]

Great review, kept answering my questions as soon as I thought them :-) We're mostly Apple-free home but we have one iPhone for tracking our family's lost airtags occasionally. The airtag network is really impressive and as of 2023 it's more reliable than Tile (I use both on my bikes). BTW airtags do have replaceable batteries, just like some tiles, just not rechargeable. Thanks for mentioning the bluetooth Abus lock, I missed that one!

[@BikeShopGirl]

I have had terrible luck when replacing the airtag batteries. Using top quality batteries I don't get nearly as good battery life as I did with the original. Have you had any experience with this?

[@EkusNet]

@@BikeShopGirl I have used Tile for years and no real issues, I only replaced Airtag batteries once I think. Some of my batteries did sit a long time in a drawer before being used so this may vary, we'll see, but I'm gonna set some quarterly reminders just in case.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Nice idea, thanks!

[@superseiyan]

Does this knog alarm drain the battery a lot or it’s a negligible effect on phone battery?

[@EkusNet]

@@superseiyannegligible. If you lose the device, normally you will depend on other people's phones being in Bluetooth range of it, and those phones will relay the position to Apple (and then to you). It works surprisingly well.

[@Faisalkhan-kz6th]

i don’t know how to add it in (find my), alarm is easy to set and it’s working but i can’t add it in find my, and there is no video on youtube to set it

[@BikeShopGirl]

You add it through the scout app, not through the apple find my

[@Liefpj]

Was disappointed by its range. Unless your 30-50ft in point of sight… it will disconnect. Peace of mind gone. I’m wondering if I should use an Apple Watch and leave my phone in my backpack with security of the stores i frequent. I wonder if that will notify me if set off? Thanks for the examples Arleigh!

[@karljohn8247]

Will a thief get alerted that theres a tracking system like AirTags or only the user ?

[@BikeShopGirl]

Yes

[@youseestefan]

Do you have a picture or video how you mount the knog scout on yout bike to hide it? I dont have a bottle mount option on my bike and dont know how to secure this product

[@BikeShopGirl]

I don't have it hidden. There are no bottle holes on your bike? That's a rare!

[@youseestefan]

@@BikeShopGirl yeah the Veloretti Ace doesn’t have a bottle mount

[@BikeShopGirl]

Just checked it out. Cool bike! Is there any room in the battery cover/cavity?

[@youseestefan]

@@BikeShopGirl There is no space in the battery cover/cavity.

[@LR6092]

Do they work with android yet or do only people with an apple device get to protect their bikes

[@BikeShopGirl]

Ha. Apple only. There are other alarm options that work with both!

[@enciksilentz1018]

​@@BikeShopGirlwhat is it ? hehe hopefully u spill the android version tq

[@LiamC9]

If someone does steal your bike does this notify them like an Apple AirTag does?

[@BikeShopGirl]

They do. Typically only when they are going to a saved location (home/work/etc).

[@LiamC9]

@@BikeShopGirl thank you! Mine came yesterday and my new bike came today! So easy to install and setup especially for such a good price 👏🏼

[@BikeShopGirl]

Great to hear!!!!

[@BikeShopGirl]

And congrats on new bike day!

[@LiamC9]

@@BikeShopGirl thank you!🥳

[@sergiustancu561]

you know the alarm for android ?

[@batterybikes]

I love the visibility and easy access charge port. Concealing and extracting Airtags and GPS trackers for charging/battery replacements is a chore I'd love to be free from.

[@BikeShopGirl]

There's a few new trackers coming out that have magnetic charging, super slick!

[@ianbruno8120]

Funniest part of the video was where she said "im gonna rely on my local police"

[@robertkrysik100]

I read reviews on Amazon about this equipment and people are not very happy with it

[@stephenalishtasen1540]

I am locked out of the App … no customer service … i tried resetting password via email but the App still responded with incorrect credentials … the alarm will not turn off .. very frustrating ,,, removed from bike .. and looking for alternative … the bottom line … you pay for what you get … cheap solution!

[@sleepdeprived9181]

Lol, airtag battery is replaceable. It also takes about a year to replace, if you buy a good battery.

[@BikeShopGirl]

I’ve had nothing but bad luck after replacing them 😂

[@luudest]

What happens if the thief does not have an iphone and they drive the stolen bike to a remote area. It will not be possible to track the bike anymore?“

[@NerdTouchingGrass]

pro tip the cops will do nothing BUT if you call them and tell them you are about to go to this address and end whoever stole your bike they will probably show up and start asking questions.

[@KellyS_77]

My local authorities will do nothing. Often they won't even take a police report. I have a Gen1 Tern GSD. We're moving soon (yay!) but where we are moving is even more of risk for bike theft and even bike-jacking where a team of thugs on motorbikes surrounds you and steals your bicycle. I'm considering only using the GSD for the school drop off (if necessary) and just switching to a junker bike or a bike share for running errands and such. I'd considered a folding bike like a Brompton, but those are frequently a bikejacking target. Bike theft when it's locked up is something that I can deal with, but getting jacked by violent criminals while I'm riding? Heck no, not going to risk that. This is why we can't have nice things.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that. What has your PD said to you? Staffing, bike pricing, etc?

[@KellyS_77]

@@BikeShopGirl I've never talked to the police here. But we have organized bike theft rings. San Francisco Bay Area is nuts. We're planning on moving near London, UK. That's where the bikejacking gangs are. Hopefully we'll be able to find a neighborhood where that isn't so common.

[@dalemorgan6210]

Cute

[@SuburbaniteUrbanite]

Sorry but a device that relies on an app to function just isn’t worth it in my eyes.

[@letsgoOs1002]

It may be crazy but not everyone has an iphone.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Completely understand but many folks do.

[@letsgoOs1002]

@@BikeShopGirl fair enough

[@markthecuttysark]

"Throwing out the airtag every time they die" no you just change the battery inside, you don't throw away the airtag...

[@CatMeowMeow]

Im really disappointed by the bike teackers out there. This comes the closest to what I want, but doesn't quite hit the mark. I wish I could get a notification with my bike is being touched as well as an alarm. That way if someone is tampering with my bike I can know about it and either tell police or go stop it before the bike is even stolen. I couldn't find it so I'm attempting to make it. Maybe I'm being too paranoid, but wish me luck 😅

[@BikeShopGirl]

Bosch’s new smart bikes are the closest thing!

[@Mr.Smolny]

Where is the place u r throwing your AirTags ? 😂

[@gosman949]

The only problem I see is recharging that dang thing after you have mounted it under your water bottle cage!

[@BikeShopGirl]

I use a little battery block that plugs in

[@pastorreginaldrichardsonjr6052]

AirTags have replaceable batteries

[@anthony_786]

Will it also notify the bike thief that they are being tracked? Because I know Apple AirTag does.

[@BikeShopGirl]

If the thief has an iPhone and locations like home saved it will.

[@obeii1805]

The review is good but visual test is missing !!

[@BikeShopGirl]

Give the other videos in the series a try 👍

[@Velobetty]

iOS Only - Immediately I'm out. Understand why but it's a shame.

[@SingaporeUntold]

I think because they use the Find My iOS network. I bet there is a stipulation that they can’t use the network for an android app. I bet they pay license fee to use it as well. No way apple will allow android use their perks

[@Velobetty]

@@SingaporeUntold Yeah, it's a shame these technologies aren't open and work together but I understand. Thanks.

[@JuanRamirez-xw3gc]

Majority of people use android tho

[@beeroge1020]

This sounds cool, but it's useless for Android users :/

[@kottelkannim4919]

60$

[@Eulenspiegel1977]

Airtags have batteries that are exchangeable. What is this nonsense?

[@BikeShopGirl]

For me they don’t last after you swap batteries. I find humidity builds up and they fry.

[@TeeGar]

I Have an android. What a shame.

[@LR6092]

Me as well. They're just cutting out half their demographic lol

[@BikeShopGirl]

Totally hear ya.

[@lizvickers7156]

That's no good, not everyone wants an iphone. Would have been better as an alarm that suits all phones.

[@BikeShopGirl]

There are many cheap alarms that work just with Bluetooth 👍

[@wtopp345985]

No help for me here.

[@davelangley2965]

And if you own no other apple devices, useless.

[@BikeShopGirl]

100% but it’s still the best there is without paying a subscription.

[@davelangley2965]

@@BikeShopGirl So ones useless and the others a con, when I asked my local bike shop for information on the new Bosch alarm module I was told that the first year was free and then a subscription thereafter, when I told him that paying a subscription was therefore a con his reply was "that's the way things are these days" so when I asked him did he pay a subscription for his car alarm his reply was "well no", so making it a complete con for a bike alarm if you are mug enough to pay for it.

[@BikeShopGirl]

@@davelangley2965 you aren’t paying for an alarm for the subscription… you are paying for the gps part. There are many easy to use alarms for bikes, abus makes one of my favorites, none of them need a subscription. 🙌

[@rakasmart1998]

you are so beautiful! 😍

[@DoccieDraaiorgel]

This is full-on bollocks. Bicycles really don't need this kind of stuff, just don't leave your key in the lock and chain it to something solid, and you'll be 'right

[@BikeShopGirl]

Depends where you live

[@josmith8205]

NICE THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL😘

[@yojomojo6262]

Will this be available with android compatability?