GPS Device vs. Phone for Cycling + Our Favorite GPS Units

День тому

One of the most frequent comments we get when publishing a cycling head unit review is, "Why not just use your phone?" In our latest video, Neil answers this by sharing some of the reasons he enjoys using a GPS head unit for all his bikepacking endeavors, and he also presents a few favorite options we use here at BIKEPACKING.com.
This video was supported by Tailfin, learn more about their offerings here:
www.tailfin.cc/?...
Outline:
Intro - 0:00
I love tech - 0:25
Hands-free navigation - 1:21
Built For Elements - 3:34
Battery Life - 5:04
Other features - 5:50
What we look for in a head unit and what we use - 6:40
Final Thoughts - 7:33
Mentioned Links:
HAMMERHEAD KAROO 2 REVIEW - bikepacking.com/gear/hammerhe...
WAHOO ELEMNT BOLT V2 REVIEW - bikepacking.com/gear/new-waho...
WAHOO ELEMNT ROAM REVIEW - bikepacking.com/gear/wahoo-el...
GARMIN EDGE 1040 REVIEW - bikepacking.com/gear/garmin-e...
Garmin EDGE 830 REVIEW - bikepacking.com/gear/garmin-e...
ETREX REVIEW - bikepacking.com/gear/garmin-e...
Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: bikepacking.com/join/?...
#bikepacking #pedalfurther #bikepackingnavigation
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::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko ( / neil_beltchenko )
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam, +2.5" Ape index

КОМЕНТАРІ: 107

@LucReceveur 2 місяці тому

I use my old smartphone (a Galaxy S10) with a Quadlock system and Komoot. There is no simcard in it but it tracks my location just fine and I can use my current phone as a hotspot while its in my wallet. The battery in the S10 lasts about 4 hours and using my S23 as a hotspot puts very little strain on it. For longer rides I bring a battery pack in my toptube bag. Both phones are waterproof and Quadlock provides great protection. I can lift the bike by the phone case. I've been using the S10 as my bike computer for years, so much so that Komoot is burned into the screen and both the battery and the telelens have suffered. I won't recommend using your current phone like this but if you have an older phone just laying around then go for it.

@michaelhoare5291 2 місяці тому

I use my S10 for everything. I've Tom Tom Mobile for car and motorcycle satnav, MapMyRun to record running and cycling, and when cycling often simultaneously with Komoot. Battery life no problem, I download my Komoot routes to my phone, configure Komoot so the screen only displays at turns, and I run the phone in flight mode. And the phone sits in a waterproof stem bag.

@erenkonu847 2 місяці тому

Also I use galaxy S8 with quadlock and komoot. I have my iPhone for gsm and S8 is just for bike computer. I have son 28 dynamo with cycle2charge which are charging my S8 and dont have problem for battery.

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

4 hours is short... GPS apps use a lot of power, but maybe the battery is old?

@LucReceveur 2 місяці тому

@@DR_1_1 Oh yeah, the battery is definitely old. It could do better though but I haven't spent the time to do a proper setup. Need to wipe the phone and fix the settings. Oh and the 4 hours is screen on time with full brightness.

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

@@LucReceveur I also mention the battery because you could find a new one online, eg eBay or Aliexpress, which I did for my 9 years old X-cover, it's easy to open so I can even keep a 2nd battery charged as a backup, not sure about the S10 though.

@backcountryFLcyclist 2 місяці тому

I have been exclusively using my iPhone with RWGPS for navigation. I don't want to carry more electronic devices than I need to. I ride with a cache battery and a dynamo hub all the time so charging is not an issue. I did have to switch to the quadlock wireless handlebar mount charger because during long rain events, the rain cover doesn't fit snugly on the phone with the charging cable connected and I had my phone charging port get wet and stop charging. With the wireless handlebar charger/mount the rain cover protects the phone and charges it.

@GeekonaBike 2 місяці тому

I can totally see Neil as a Disc Golfer

@BIKEPACKINGcom 2 місяці тому

🫶🏼

@mattk7798 2 місяці тому

Ironically I'm younger than you and I grew up with computers (and a PS1) too, but to me that's exactly the reason why I don't want to take more electronics than absolutely necessary. I don't want to look at a screen all the time when I'm outdoors and I hate battery anxiety when I'm out for longer than a week. For me a IP67-rated Smartphone with a fast-charging Powerbank is the way to go. I also got a small foldable solarpanel on sale recently, but I'm not sure how usable it is where I go (mostly northern Europe).

@cruachan1191 2 місяці тому

I'm using a phone, simply because I can't justify the cost of a dedicated head unit just for the bike at this time. The Komoot app (on Android) works well enough IMO, although could at times do with being a bit earlier with turn notifications.

@philipcaldwell3187 2 місяці тому

Excellent overview of the significant topics! Finding yourself in freezing rain in a remote area is not when you want to learn the hard way that your cell phone is useless. There is no such thing as a fair weather adventure on a bikepacking trip. A tough hand held gps with buttons (no touch screens)for control powered by lithium batteries is how to reduce the stress when the weather goes wrong.

@pedaltopia-kingcog 2 місяці тому

I am an eTrex junkie. I love the simplicity of the 20x, but the 35T (touch) is very nice. Both are reliable and the battery replacement is so easy, and AA batteries are readily available. Thanks for another great video. You guys are awesome!

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

You are lucky, the rubber on my power button (eTrex 30) just cracked, so it's not waterproof anymore... and parts cost a fortune! nearly as much as I paid for the unit itself, 2nd hand, 10 years ago!!!

@peruvian05152 2 місяці тому

I use RWGPS on my phone. I download the route and then ride in airplane mode to save battery. Instead of following the screen, I use earbuds/shokz for turn by turn directions (I really do have voices in my head telling me what to do) so my phone is safe and dry in a bag on my bike or a pocket on me.

@crlarner 2 місяці тому

I will have to try airplane mode. Good tip

@JohnDoe-oe3dg 2 місяці тому

I'm phone guy, but you've made good points why standalone unit is better. Battery life on long routes, cold weather, elements protection, phone as a backup - these are really strong arguments, and for the rider of your level, and rider ready to go on a frosty weather it's really working. But in my 5y of riding, it was never a problem to me, because I never ride in cold conditions (below 8C I'd say), usually ride maximum 8-10h rides, almost never ride in the rain on purpose. So, my (someone could say shitty) Redmi Note 9 Pro can easily handle 8h ride without charging, with screen, GPS, Bluetooth music - on, and with powerbank in proper top tube bag - much more, while I can make phone calls, answer with voice messages in messengers, and choose and switch the music without having to dive in my jersey pocket and unlock the phone fingerprint with sweaty hands. So, my point is that for a weekend warrior, busy dad, or someone who does 100-150k per day maximum without extreme weather conditions, there's really no need for fancy tech, if one has proper smartphone. Otherwise, I'd go for 1040 Solar straight away👍

@AndrewPriest Місяць тому

I am with you, Neil in that I am not comfortable having my phone on my handlebar. It is often my emergency device and well I want it safe and usable. So it goes into a bag and off the handlebars.

@ignatiustremor 2 місяці тому

Wahoo Element Bolt V2 for its simplicity, screen, perfectly compact size and super snappy integration.

@EckmanJones 2 місяці тому

I dropped a bunch of money on the Wahoo Element Roam, I love all of it's features and I use most of them. I especially appreciate it's massive battery.

@petergarner 2 місяці тому

Same. I'd been using my phone for navigation before, but I can't imagine ever going back after using the Roam. Fantastic battery life.

@dmartel243 2 місяці тому

Beeline has been awesome for me. Minimalist, second screen for your phone. Love it.

@jeremyblakeborough8543 2 місяці тому

Excellent device. I personally use the motorcycle version as more robust and waterproof

@black.raven.adventures 2 місяці тому

Does this work with Komoot too, or only with their own planning tool?

@jeremyblakeborough8543 Місяць тому

⁠⁠@@black.raven.adventures beeline works just fine with Komoot GPX files. I use both. Komoot better for overall planning but beeline ideal in compact cities like Sienna when all you need is direction/ turn arrow. The biggest advantage of the beeline is keeping the phone out of harms way whether that be from the weather/ mud or urban security issues. In summary I develop the route with Komoot and ordnance survey apps and then upload to Komoot, OS and beeline. All have their advantages at different times whilst bikepacking.

@chrisalto7313 2 місяці тому

Bikepacked with phone navigation once, and never again! All fantastic points. The biggest disadvantages were frequent unlocking, unusable when wet/sweaty, and terrible accessibility for snapping a quick pic. Love my Garmin 830. Phone is then readily available for other uses

@Outsideville 2 місяці тому

I _think_ I still have the Garmin Edge 820. Loads of routes loaded on it and keep the phone in the back pocket. Best feature is responding to texts with the shortcut for "Out Riding" which always results in a lovely response from friends who are texting me and not riding.

@helocoastie1312 2 місяці тому

For MTB & gravel riding I use a Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Sapphire and carry my smartphone for a backup.

@warrenkommers 2 місяці тому

It's kind of ridicoulus to be carrying a smart phone, cycling computer, and GPS sat communicator in 2024 though.

@fredricgriffin6070 2 місяці тому

On GDMBR resourced both GPS & iPhone w/ ACA gpx and app. Going back to Garmin considering my Wahoo Roam experience!

@robertscooperphotographer8873 2 місяці тому

I, like Lukas, would prefer to use paper maps. Does he have a good source? Or, does he download printable routes? Love some detes in how best to do this.

@johnsampson2544 2 місяці тому

I have been using a free cycling app on my phone for the last 3 years. You can load routes, and it keeps track of all the stats that I'm interested in. However, it really doesn't do navigation very well at all. If I have to deviate from the route, it doesn't adjust for the change. I want something that will adjust if I leave a planned route, or can find the nearest bike shop and get me there. I'm actually going to be picking up a Garmin Edge Explore 2 and a Varia RL515 this afternoon. This will leave my phone available for music, pics, and to be... a phone.

@Shake909 26 днів тому

How do you rate the Explore 2 after one month? I’m close to the point of purchasing one!

@johnsampson2544 26 днів тому

@@Shake909 I’ve mostly used it to record the activity on unplanned rides. It does that as well as the phone app I had before. It records the maps of those rides, which you can then use Garmin Connect to turn into a Course to load into the Edge for future rides. I have also created and loaded several other courses, a few of which I’ve done the rides for. The turn prompts are very nice, and pretty accurate. It has also rerouted me when I had to detour for road construction, without getting me lost. For me the best aspect of the Edge is the Varia light/radar that I got with it. Having the approaching car indicator is worth the price of admission for me. It is accurate, and even indicated when a roadie flew by me one morning. All in all, for the riding I do, it was well worth the money for the computer and taillight.

@RobertJohnson135 2 місяці тому

One device to rule them all I’d use a Garmin etrex or gpsmap 66/67. Can be used for hiking, backpacking and bikepacking. I do love my Garmin 1040 solar and the battery life is amazing especially with all the sun I get living in Arizona. My iPhone isn’t even a backup device. It gets hot in the Arizona sun, I can’t read the screen when it’s bright out and it’s battery don’t last long. I’d take my gpsmap67 as my backup

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

I sill have my old etrex 30, but the power button is cracked, so not waterproof anymore. I only used it to save coordinates and not get lost in the jungle, I'd be curious to see how it handles road navigation! of course if I could repair it first, that would be better...

@kurt_on_dirt228 2 місяці тому

I am pretty happy with my Garmin Edge 830 but I am curious what the advantages and disadvantages of an eTrex are over the Edge series. That may be an idea for another video.

@slowwerthensnot 2 місяці тому

My order in UI, hammerhead, wahoo, garmin….. but I’d really like a wahoo or hammerhead with the battery life of Garmin as well….. I’d be down for a bulky unit if it doubled or tripled battery life

@michaljambor7772 2 місяці тому

I still don't get this. Looking at those images, seems like a GPS device gives you a broader view to navigate over long routes, with little details on those maps, and on tiny screen. Not unlike car navigation. Suitable for bike touring, obviously. Wherease a dedicated app in my phone uses a detailed "hiking" map, i.e. sees every little trail and shortcut deep in the woods. That is how I plan a ride after all. Including contour lines, springs etc. You can even identity potential camping spots with such detail...

@MrAnimatografo 17 днів тому

I use an Iphone because it´s one less equipment to take with me (when I used a dedicated GPS I still had to carry my phone), but mostly because a phone is far more flexible. I can use my phone to give me weather notifications, traffic notifications, play music or radio, talking to my companions while I´m riding, I can setup shortcuts to automate lots of stuff (for exemple to warn me when my heart rate goes above X). And I can do all this just by talking to it. I don´t even have to touch it. As far as battery goes, just strap a powerbank for longer than 4 hours rides. It´s that simple.

@grumpy-dad3701 2 місяці тому

I use a wahoo for the general route. But use my phone if I take a wrong turn or need a little help on location. It's safer to use a GPS than your phone

@salzhaltigersalzhaufen586 2 місяці тому

I use a whaoo element roam and before I bought that one i considered a garmin 1040 solar but once I saw the price I didn´t wanted to buy that one anymore I´d rather go on a few more trips than spend all my money on gear and then have no money left to go out and actually use it xD great video as always

@tunic 2 місяці тому

you don't have to use your phone, you can get a second-hand older smartphone which can also work as a phone backup you also don't need to be using navigation constantly, you can use it whenever you need to see your location on the map (i.e. the same way you would use a paper map), which makes battery life a non-issue

@thomasgoller1953 2 місяці тому

I'd say it depends! There are many ways of doing bikepacking. Go for a remote ride in the wilderness or stopping at the hotel after a long day with charging all your devices. For me my phone is the fallback in case of emergencies, communication, research. Also I use it for re-planing routes if my route is blocked. As an APP to do so I use Locus Map which IMO is the most comprehensive APP around - not easy at the beginning but the best when it comes to planing a route. In combination with the BRouter routing engine you can create/adjust routing profiles the way you like or need. All completely off line. An with an additional app on the Garmin and phone it's easy to push planned routes to the Garmin as well. For riding I use a Garmin device (battery life, durability, always-on display), for photos, communication, emergency, research on-the-go it's the phone.

@peterhorgan3214 Місяць тому

That was me on the other line asking to go disc golfing. Ha!

@BIKEPACKINGcom Місяць тому

🤘🏼🎉🙏🏼

@ZotmundSzele 18 днів тому

I have mixed feelings and experience. I don't ride as much as you do - I am a hobby cyclist but I love tech, too. I have a Garmin Fenix to track my rides, so I don't need a head unit for that. However, for navigation phones just simply work better. Maps are more detailed, more colorful and there are a wide variety of apps (Komoot, BikeMap, LocusMap, you name it) The Garmin Edge and other untis have climb features and they are more robust and they are just there dedicated for riding. But when you need to pin another waypoint to add to your existing route, things become a mess. They are just awkward and slow. But I still have the desire to get one, not sure why :)

@MyopicAdventures 2 місяці тому

I've tried dedicated units and they don't work for me, but wish they did. I have unique vision problems and cannot view screens while cycling, I need to stop and view. I need the voice prompts that apps like Komoot & RideGPS offer. To make this work, I use an old cell phone with a new OEM battery, Quad Lock mount & case with cover, battery life's 1 day, maybe 2 if I lock all features down, but it works great for what I need. If there's a LARGE screen head unit that has voice prompts, not just beeps, let me know 😀

@shkrugwejurff9339 2 місяці тому

Говорят, можно ещё через Root заблокировать все ненужные приложения и оставить только навигационное. Но это актуально только если есть ещё один смартфон, при этом заряда может хватать на ~ 10 часов непрерывно. А если ещё обновить аккумулятор ✓ Со своим старым смартфоном собираюсь повернуть такое дело 😅 и проверить на практике. Режим полёта это не то, в нём также высокий уровень потребления энергии

@kornenator 2 місяці тому

The reason i use my phone is mainly price. Even an 840 costs over 400$ and the solar version over 500. That is the price of a decent phone new or an excellent phone used. Older units are a gamble, the one i tried had miserable battery life, while my phone with navigation and screen off takes maybe 15-20% battery for a whole day on the bike, and i can just check the map with a press of the button or listen to voice navigation on earbuds. Plus a phone has Komoot, which has a way more detailed map than the ones on head units. The climbing assist/gradient would be a nice feature to have though.

@IowaNinersFan 2 місяці тому

I have the non-solar Garmin 840 and love it. Battery life lasts a week as I bike commute to work daily. I was skeptical about buying a bike computer when I first started riding but over the years, it has grown on me. It has all the features and functionalities that I need on my handlebar and I agree with the author about using cell phones as backup for GPS. A couple of months ago, I found out the hard way when my S8 bounced off my handlebar as I was going downhill on a gravel road and that left my phone with several cracks and dings on my screen. It's an S8 so I'm not heartbroken by it but at the same time am not looking forward to upgrading to another cell phone either.

@eternaltome3376 2 місяці тому

I use Gaia on an iphone exclusively it is objectively worse but gets the job done. Invest in a good power bank that can charge your phone 2-3 times.

@charliebamford2807 2 місяці тому

I primarily use a Garmin 1030+ but I find the screen very poor. I always create routes in Komoot & store the ones I need offline. When I am confused by my Garmin I look at Komoot on my phone. Sometimes I temporarily switch on navigation on my phone. This provides a trail of where I have been. Ideally I'd ditch the Garmin but phone battery life isn't great & (like a lot of other people) I'm nervous about mounting my phone on the handlebars

@Jean-jk4zv 2 місяці тому

I stopped using my smartphone as a head unit because I missed so much opportunities to take quick photos and I prefer having a dedicated tiny device on my handlebars. I choose a wahoo bolt for the form factor.

@63Harpo 2 місяці тому

Any reason the Edge explorer 2 is not on the bikepackers list? On paper, it seems ideal and has just the functions we need to go out there and have fun… without all the performance analytics that seems to fit serious road racers better?

@flyingskier1913 28 днів тому

I use one and it's pretty good. I like having the color touchscreen and the battery life is pretty good, especially compared to a phone, as is the price. It's probably not on the list because it's not a flagship but out of my suunto 9 watch, phone, and edge explore I'd pick the edge any day. Just wish the garmin connect app was better

@weeringjohnny 2 місяці тому

Coming from Scotland, bright sunlight is less of an issue than in Colorado, I guess. I do like the big screen of my phone though but otherwise it's etrex all the way on a multi-day trip.

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

Do you keep the etrex on your handlebar, or in the pocket for occasional use? My waterproof smartphone has touchscreen issues when it rains, btw, and if not on sleep mode, I doubt it would last many hours with a navigation app running all the time...

@weeringjohnny 2 місяці тому

@@DR_1_1 I attach the phone to the handlebar with a bit of tatty old elastic, keep it occasionally in the back pocket of a cycling jersey or chuck bag on the stem, or in an Ortlieb waterproof front bag if it looks like rain. The battery lasts a day if I keep the screen very low but that makes navigation difficult. The etrex is more primitive but needs less babying.

@weeringjohnny 2 місяці тому

@@DR_1_1 Sorry, you were asking about the etrex, not the phone. I keep the unit on a non-Garmin mount from China which rattles a little, so would recommend the original. I use aerobars for bike packing so mount the etrex there. Battery life is 2-3 days according to screen brightness, way more than my phone. I carry a couple of spare batteries. After a while I get used to the small screen and the clunky interface.

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

@@weeringjohnny Thanks for the details, both about the phone and etrex. I'll have to experiment with those as I never used them as a main navigation tool for the road... My waterproof Samsung X-cover feels more convenient, as it can also be used for pictures, but all these bike apps like Komoot and RWGPS require to log in, so it's a no go (border nearby without GSM on the other side, and don't really like to have all my data stored on remote servers)... I might be left with the etrex 30, survival mode, with a map and track planned in advance in BaseCamp. Of course the rubber on the power button just cracked... some electric tape might be enough to repair it, since parts are as expensive as what I paid for the unit (2nd hand) 10 years ago!

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

So I just tried the etrex for the bike, and it's surprisingly good despite its tiny screen! It even beeps when on a false track, like a car GPS or app would! I think it should do the job for my needs... Now if one needs to plan a new route while travelling, it's another story, a larger screen and internet connection are needed...

@crlarner 2 місяці тому

Video was helpful, but still use my phone for to reasons. It’s convenient and isn’t much of an issue to charge with a portable charger. However it is an issue in cold weather. Another is cost and still trying to make comparisons. $700 for the 1040 is overkill, while 300 is doable still the same for what I get out of phone. At some point I will need one for areas with no signal. Surprised you didn’t mention that.

@jhoff80 2 місяці тому

Jepster is a great bike computer app for Android phones (including any Bluetooth sensors you would ever want to use), but it's not as simple to use as a dedicated computer would be. The battery life is definitely a factor though. But I think Apple is coming hard after Garmin/Wahoo/etc. Even as someone who doesn't prefer Apple... using the Apple Watch for sensors/GPS and using the screen of the phone just as a dumb mirrored display is going to be 'good enough' for tons of people.

@CharlieMetcalf 2 місяці тому

That is exactly what I do. I have an apple watch/phone and use that to track my cycling and hiking.

@ZotmundSzele 18 днів тому

Oh man, I've got to try this. Great tip!

@dalj4362 2 місяці тому

Wow, what GPS device gives you 2 days of battery life? I'm lucky to get 7 hours out of my Garmin 1030 😅

@markmoreno7295 Місяць тому

I was born when the internet sadly just a thought. But I was lucky that my school had a mainframe with terminals everywhere. We emailed all over campus. I have a Garmin Tactix, a Wahoo and a smart phone too. My Son dynamo charges whatever I plug into it. So far I like the Garmin app so I am thinking of trying the Garmin 1040. Mostly I like knowing the altitude, the grade, outside temp, coordinates, speed, plus a few other less important bits of data. The Wahoo is great but does not communicate with the Garmin app. If someone out there knows a way that would be wonderful.

@walcottav 2 місяці тому

Eventually, I will have saved enough pennies to upgrade from my Garmin Edge Explore and its - by today's standards - abysmal battery life to something solar-powered, but for now it just keeps on ticking. It has survived some spectacular crashes without missing a beat, which is more than can be said of my history with cell phones. I will stick with purpose-built head units.

@maike.lindhout 2 місяці тому

Has anyone used the Garmin edge 540 solar? does it last a lot longer that a normal one? Is it worth the extra money, I'm thinking about buying one because I do cycle a lot in the sun so if it charges well it would be a great upgrade...

@IowaNinersFan 2 місяці тому

Don't have the solar version of the 840 but personally, I think it's all gimmick and not worth the extra $100. Unless you live in the desert and are expected to be riding in sunlight all day, I don't think you'll need that extra 40 minutes of ride time on your Garmin. Battery life on the 840 is superb as is and you can extend it further by turning on battery saver mode. Also, the solar version has less contrast in the display due to the solar panel on the face so everything looks darker and not as bright outdoor.

@maike.lindhout 2 місяці тому

@@IowaNinersFan Thank you for the insight, my mom said the same 😆

@Mike-ql4sz 2 місяці тому

i get ur point BUT still: when u crash down in the mud, don't u have ur phone w u somewhere in a pocket, which still crash alltogether w ur bike and ur dedicated GPS? 🤔 (and u fall ur whole weight actually over it?)

@IowaNinersFan 2 місяці тому

While I can't speak for all cyclists, many typically store their cell phones in their top tube or frame bags for easy access. Also, cyclists like myself do not like riding with items in pockets as they tend to be bulky and bounce around and possibly fall out like keys, cell phones, loose change, etc.... The trick is NOT to crash your bike because you could end up with flat tires, damage components which could put your bike out of service and leave you stranded.

@bironbrunelle5186 9 днів тому

I’ve been wondering about bringing a small tablet for taking days off the bike in the outback. Anybody else does this?

@shashankrao8791 2 місяці тому

I have a garmin 1030plus and i can 24 hours of battery. This allows me to efficiently use my phone for other purpose like media.

@mowensmd Місяць тому

I'm with the NOPE folks here. I rode 8000 mi a year on a Garmin Edge 500 mostly to track training/racing. I don't want/need a computer in my face now. I don't care about my speed, it is what it is. I don't need constant navigation. The phone goes in the frame bag slim side pocket, or my back of jersey pocket. It gets pulled out as needed, and the tech stays out of the way so I can enjoy the reason I'm riding. I have battery backup and an InReach.

@falcoperegrinus82 2 місяці тому

Even though I ride on mainly pavement, I still never liked how much vibration I'm subjecting my phone to, so I stopped mounting it on my bars.

@Windingify 2 місяці тому

With apps like MApOut, I really do not see the need for another device. My phone takes rain, snow and works just fine.

@dtbrooks7325 2 місяці тому

I'm very disappointed in my Garmin Edge 530 -- - or possibly disappointed in the instruction manual. Among its quirks : I bought a digital map from Adventure Cycle for the GDMBR. While riding a segment it kept instructing me to return to the beginning of the segment (I had started in the middle.) Another, quirk -- on multiday rides, it gets befuddled on the successive days. Among all this functionality for counting pedal strokes, posting to friends your hero ride, or heart rate it's not worth much when you are looking for water or the trail.

@whirving 2 місяці тому

So I'm a land surveyor and we use a lot of field tech stuff. For years we have done very complex stuff with field computers that have the brain of a pea. They are dumber than the first generation iphone, but they are brutes in the field. They can take rain (usually) cold, heat and getting dropped, and abused. I actually accidentally drop kicked one into a grader blade and it shut down, then re-booted and I didn't lose any data. That's what the "GPS device" is compared to the smart phone. The only advantage a smart phone has is that you have almost unlimited off route exploration available, with a Garmin, not really.

@VeloObscura 2 місяці тому

I love my Wahoo, but the software is just so buggy. It hasn't worked properly for months and I've tried everything to fix it. Wahoo themselves have been zero help. It's such a shame.

@yurihuertavasquez9544 2 місяці тому

👍👍

@coltseav 2 місяці тому

Wahoo...😀

@THEGEEK2001 2 місяці тому

i carry a pair of rugged phones with 6 spare batterys (hot swaps) but yes a dedicated unit would be nice. just not at £500.

@yuriis1790 2 місяці тому

Smartphones with IP68 and 120W charge units are a real game changer while traveling. No worries about rain. You can charge it from 20 to 100% for just 20 minutes while coffee or dinner stops in a cafe, shop, patrol station etc. And smartphones are much faster than any GPS navigation device. No need for an extra device, all you need is a modern smartphone with IP68 and quick charge.

@imcbocian 2 місяці тому

I use Garmin Edge 530 since 2021, but still didn't master its interface, and to be honest, I hate it😅

@ellerybice3787 2 місяці тому

🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼

@gregmittelman3600 2 місяці тому

Hey I’ve thrown some rounds of disc golf

@kidShibuya 2 місяці тому

The best GPS you don't have on test. It's a Beeline. The units you have are for power numbers and heart rate monitors etc. Take any of them, ride out to the middle of nowhere and get them to navigate you to the nearest cafe. Go on, try it. They will all fail, but a simple beeline is an actual GPS and can do it.

@devilsboxcar3925 2 місяці тому

Still use paper maps….still teach my kids how to use a paper map….love tech though 😂

@BIKEPACKINGcom 2 місяці тому

I think that’s a great thing, a good skill to know.

@juanjo2d Місяць тому

They are nice but too expensive.

@slowwerthensnot 2 місяці тому

Haven’t owned a phone in 10 years

@outbackwack368 2 місяці тому

I'd rather replace a $400 device than a $1000 device

@youtubecopyrights 2 місяці тому

If cost is what keeps you, maybe just buy a good protective case or insurance and save a lot of money.

@seanflorian4653 2 місяці тому

Maybe just don't spend that much on a phone

@odinata 2 місяці тому

Why in the eff do you have a 1000 Molalla phone?

@DR_1_1 2 місяці тому

I bought my X-cover waterproof phones for less than 250 euros each, the first 8 years ago, the latest in 2023, and my Garmin etrex 30 for less than 100 € 10 years ago, 2nd hand...

@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte 20 днів тому

phone win all day a bike computer is just that but much more over priced , my being a major geek , u can rom a phone a get the same thing with way better apps in a phone add a text now 5.99 sim and guess what phone service with ur bike phone , an the best part i have apps lol why dose no gps use the app api , we truly get scammed in every product , and by scam i mean , product design should be made to enhance not to limit , build a system dont buy a service!