Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

TECH NEWS

Nextscape launches new AlterLock lightweight anti-theft solution

Alarm and GPS tracking device is hidden underneath a bottle cage and claims not to affect aerodynamics or aesthetics

Nextscape’s new AlterLock device features an anti-theft alarm and a tracking system, and has a slim, lightweight design so you can attach it to your bike without compromising aerodynamics or aesthetics.

2021 Nextscape AlterLock 4

When the AlterLock device detects a vibration it sounds an alarm to deter theft and tampering, as well as notifying a user’s smartphone.

Locking and unlocking, alarms, and vibration levels are set with the AlterLock app.

AlterLock’s proprietary vibration detection algorithm claims to have “evolved dramatically” in this second-generation release.

“By analysing the shaking and impacts that are likely to occur in different situations, we have succeeded in reducing the number of false alarms caused by shaking and impacts in a cycle rack, for example,” Nextscape says.

That said, when the bike is in an entirely stationary environment, the system can be switched to a setting that reacts to the slightest vibrations, to protect tampering with items attached to your bike such as lights.

In the event that your bike is stolen, AlterLock tracks the location once a minute.

“By employing a highly accurate GPS module and Sigfox communication, the device transmits location information even from hundreds of kilometres away, unlike Bluetooth, which has a maximum range of about 100 meters,” Nextscape says.

2021 Nextscape AlterLock 3

“Sigfox is one of the communication standards called LPWA, which enables low power consumption and long-distance communication.”

2021 Nextscape AlterLock 5

The second generation of the AlterLock now also uses WiFi signals for “increasing the possibility of determining your location even indoors, where there is no GPS signal”.

The anti-theft device promises not to compromise the bike’s aesthetics or aerodynamics as it can be discreetly installed using a bottle cage's base or in conjunction with an existing bottle cage. It has a slim design, measuring 159mm long x 38mm wide x 9mm thick, and weighs just 50g.

2021 Nextscape AlterLock

Nextscape claim that at 40 km/h [25mph] the aero impact of the AlterLock is negligible, slowing you by less than 0.01 seconds per hour.

The long-life battery in the device is said to last up to two months.

Available for £114.99, there’s a special pricing offer of £84.99 lasting until May 7, 2021, while the bicycle guard service costs £3.49 monthly or £34.99 for the year.

Pre-ordering opens tomorrow (February 25, 2021) and shipping starts from May 12, 2021.

We have an AlterLock on the way, so we'll let you know how we get on with it in due course.

www.alterlock.net

Anna has been hooked on bikes ever since her youthful beginnings at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit. As an avid road and track racer, she reached the heady heights of a ProCyclingStats profile before leaving for university. Having now completed an MA in Multimedia Journalism, she’s hoping to add some (more successful) results. Although her greatest wish is for the broader acceptance of wearing funky cycling socks over the top of leg warmers.

Latest Comments