GPS, use my I-phone maybe?

[Beckwith66]

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.

[jessmarimba]

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.

[tangentgirl]

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.

[Catrin]

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.

[westtexas]

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.

[loopybunny]

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.