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Hey Ladies....Any of you gals have a GPS for your bike? I noticed there's lotsa options with Garmin, lotsa pricey options too. Does anyone have your I-Phone mounted on the handlebars with the GPS app? I hear that works too. If you do have a GPS and love it, please share. I'm a gadget queen and don't care to carry a paper map in my pocket, stop, and have to figure out where I am. Thanks for the replies. :)
I usually keep the phone with me (though not mounted, I'm afraid of ruining the screen if it gets too hot/sunny). I use the runkeeper app to gps my route and use the normal maps function if I'm lost.
I've used the Map My Ride app on the iPhone, but wouldn't recommend it. It seems to drop out at times, making it inaccurate. I'm guessing that could be it relying on AT&T, but it could just be the app.
I have heard good things about Runkeeper; perhaps I'll try that. Of course, if its the mobile signal that is the problem, the app shouldn't make a difference.
There is also an issue with battery life for the iPhone. I tried it last summer and my phone died long before the end of my ride - I was using MapMyRide and it was fully charged before the ride.
If you have an android phone, you can get the app called MyTracks from Google. I used this when I walked on a regular basis to get a general idea of how fast I was walking and how far. I now use it with my phone tucked away in the little bag under my seat for the same purpose on my bike. It measures change in grade as well and allows you to save your routes. It was free and seems to be pretty reliable. I've also accidentally left it running when I wasn't using it and it didn't seem to adversely affect the battery life of my phone either.
I have MapMyRide on my iPhone and the first time it was great. Pretty darn accurate.
The second time I tried to use it I was in an area with a weak GPS and it wouldn't work. I don't know if this would be an issue with a Garmin as well.
I use RunKeeper on my iPhone. I love it. I love that it saves all the data to a (runKeeper.com) website, so you have history of every activity and your route.
You should know that RunKeeper recommends that you disable your WiFi and Push notifications before you start your activity. Battery life is greatly enhanced. I have done 2-2 1/2 hr rides without losing my battery.
FYI- the iPhone 4/with the OS4 is supposed to have a shorter battery life than the previous 3G/3GS model. I have a 3G and intentionally have not upgraded to the the new OS because of the battery issue.
Just had a guy in my club blasting the iPhone on our forum because his wife talked him into getting one because it would do "everything" he needed in one device. He tried using it on a 100 mile ride and lost battery at mile 86 and, because of that, says that iPhones suck.
I told him, "I would not say such things if I were you." ;)
I told him to use a bike computer for a bike computer and the iPhone for everything else on the planet. (My entire family of four has an iPhone each ... not to mention my brother, his wife, my sister, her husband, their daughter and son .... even my 3 and 4 year old niece and nephew have iPhones! They don't have phone service ... just use mom and dad's old iPhones for games. Pretty funny seeing a 3 year old totally iPhone savvy!)
The iPhone 4 has longer battery than the others, but still not sure it's the best option for a 100 mile ride. Guessing that's not what you need it for, but maybe the RunKeeper that CycleTherapy recommended will work for you. I don't typically use a navi while riding, unless I stop to check a turn so I'm not much help. Just love iPhones and had to share the discussion that's going on on my club forum. ;) Hope you figure out a good option.
DH loves his Garmin Edge 705- he uses it on his single and on our tandem.
Loves how he can see the gradient, heart rate, speed etc on the computer against the map of our ride.
He brought his off E-Bay as a factory reconditioned model and it works great- software was all updated and all the bugs repaired- even better than a brand new one from some feedback we heard and heaps cheaper.
It's also waterproof in rain and you don't have to buy a seperate casing to protect it. Also the maps are preloaded or on memory cards, so no need to have an internet plan to access Google maps. Battery life is great as it only goes into map/colour mode when you want it to, so reduces power consumption.
My vote would be to buy the tool that is made to do the job and leave the iPhone for making phone calls on the ride.
I have a Droid incredible and use worksmart labs cardiotrainer. I use the free app, I've had it on for hikes, walks, snowboarding, and use it weekly for rides. It maps even when I'm out of cell range - the map itself doesn't show at the time I'm hiking, but the little blip that's me does, and as soon as it uploads the map appears. Keeps track of elevation change, average speed, max speed and charts it.
I can also upload my routes to mapmyride, which I do to be able to share with my group riders and for posting routes in advance. I just stick it in a shirt or jacket pocket.
I got DH a Garmin Forerunner 305 for his birthday and he loves it.
Well, the guy in my club who had decided that iPhones were stupid has changed his mind! Read his comments below, which include info on a device that helps the battery last hours and hours while on a ride.
First of all I want to say I am sorry if I offended anybody on the I Phone comments that I made, and also sorry honey you were right. Long story short I once again Love my I Phone my step daughter gave this case that is a super fast charger made for the I Phone is call a Morphy I am not sure how is spell but this thing works great. I use it while I was ridding in Arizona this weekend and after four hour I notice my GPS on the I Phone was showing low battery. I flip a small switch on the case and within a few minutes my phone was fully charge WOW!!!! that means I can use it for another 4 hours may be even 5 anyway I am all excited because once again now all I need is one device that does all except pedal my bike. Tom T. I know you think I am cheap and yes you are correct I am cheap but also practical. Once again I love having only one device with a phone for emergencies; like Honey can you please come pick me up is starting to rain on my ride; a camera for those special picture that some how I never take. But the most important issue for me is abel to keep track of my distance and time speed etc. did I say all in one I really love this technology oh yeah my wife tells me there is an app for her keep track of me while I am ridding in case I don't come home she can look for me Wow!
I have a garmin forerunner 305 for my primary bike gps. However, on occasion I forget to charge it. I've used mapmyride on my iphone in a pinch. On my old iphone 2, it ran the battery dead on a short ride. Apparently, the newer phones and new app are better. A friend, who is a serious rider (and a cheap skate) uses it exclusively now.
The last time I checked for an iphone mount, they were unrelieable with damage resulting! I like to be able to monitor my progress, so I'll save up for a new garmin :-)