Choosing a navigator for a bike

The need to choose a navigator for a bike increasingly arises among true fans of tourism and extreme trips. On long journeys, the need for precise route coordination is great. But is it necessary to use separate devices or can you get by with the usual capabilities of a smartphone? The review of GPS navigators for Android and iPhone for cyclists quite clearly demonstrates that there are a lot of route planning applications. But how comfortable and reliable are they on the road?

The classic bike navigator - it is a compact device that provides the ability to successfully plot, route and track a route. Conventional car options are not suitable - you need a model with a profile for cyclists. In the city, many users use applications with a voice navigator and are quite satisfied. So which one to choose for daily use?

The GPS navigator for cyclists is essentially a classic on-board computer with advanced features. This device is initially adapted to different road conditions, easily transfers stress, vibration, contact with dust and dirt.

A bike computer with a route planning function should also have additional useful options - downloading maps for offline use, working as a tracker, recording the distance traveled with the ability to travel the distance in the opposite direction.Support for memory cards and a powerful battery that can withstand up to 2-7 days without recharging is required.

On long journeys, it is worth choosing a navigator model Battery operated or replaceable AA rechargeable batteries... In addition, you need to consider: GLONASS is practically useless for cyclists, it is worth focusing on GPS devices.

Garmin is the undisputed leader among the most popular bicycle navigator manufacturers. It is not surprising that the best models, according to the fans of two-wheeled vehicles themselves, most often end up with this brand. Consider the options that deserve special attention.

• Garmin EDGE 1000. An expensive, minimalistic device in a sealed case. The diagonal of the screen is small - 3 inches, the display has good brightness and contrast, the resolution is low 200 × 400 pixels, good sensor sensitivity - you can control functions with gloves. Mounting is made on the steering wheel, by default there are detailed maps of the Central Federal District and Northwestern Federal District.

• Prolech MT4301... The Chinese navigator is three times cheaper than Garmin, but with pretty good functionality, there is a capacious battery, a bright 4.3-inch screen, a stylus in the kit, and a protective visor against rain.

• Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx. Model with a compact screen, glare-free, working in bright light. Powered by AA batteries, the case is waterproof, there is a memory card slot inside. Push-button control.

It is considered that bike navigators are morally outdated. Android and iPhone have long had applications that support voice commands, routing programs, and other useful options. So is it worth spending money on a separate device? But the classic navigator has its advantages.

1. Increased body protection. A smartphone may not withstand extreme use.
2. Energy saving. The battery is only consumed for essential functions.
3. Lack of binding to the presence of an Internet connection. If the application does not support offline access, the smartphone will simply refuse to build a route. This will not happen with the navigator.
4. Wide range of card types. It is in navigators and allows you to track topographic, road, water objects.
5. Adaptation to cycling. Programs for pedestrians or motorists will not work. In addition, the cycling route often lies outside the paved trails and paths.

The cost of special GPS navigators for cycling tourism is quite high, which is why many travelers still opt for smartphones. But not every device is suitable for plotting a route. To use your phone conveniently, it should have a large screen and touch controls. As a mount, it is better to immediately choose a bracket with a waterproof cover included in the kit - it will fit on the steering wheel. You need to pay attention to the possibility of changing the angle of inclination - it is very important.

Optimally, if the smartphone will be installed GLONASS, GPS, Assisted GPS sensors. This will improve positioning accuracy. In addition, a magnetic compass is a useful option. Also, for a smartphone used as a navigator, a capacious memory and a battery of at least 2600 mAh are required. It is optimal if the purchased model will immediately have a case protected from moisture and dust with plugs.

Which navigation apps work successfully on Apple devices? Thanks to user feedback, leaders can be distinguished.

The app has been tested by millions of users. Maps are available by subscription, you can select countries and regions, including the EU.

An application that provides permanent and complete offline access to detailed maps. It works on the basis of OSM, there is a convenient search tool, everything works completely free of charge and without access to the network.

Navigator for iOS and Android with free functionality and additional paid options. The navigator is good because from the very beginning it is focused on hiking and cycling tourism, it allows you to build individual routes, write down and memorize them.

An application for cyclists that combines the functionality of a tracker and a navigator. It has a map with GPS coordinates, a voice assistant, the application is compatible with many gadgets. The version for road and mountain bikes differs only in the possibility of building routes outside the highway network.

Android smartphones have some advantages over their counterparts running other operating systems. For example, the Yandex. Navigator ”with voice control - this is convenient if you make route adjustments while driving. The main problem of the application is its focus on constant access to the network, in the case of trips outside of settlements this is a big drawback. But now there is an option to build cycling routes.

Routes are built in advance, indicating the start and end points, synchronization with a smartphone or tablet is supported.

Bikemap 10.10.2 - bike tracker app with extensive navigation support... With its help, you can easily draw up your travel plan and follow it. The lack of Russification in the menu does not affect the detail of the available maps. Everything is very detailed, there is sorting by distance, type of road surface and bike.

To choose the right bike navigator, you just need to pay attention to its main characteristics. The most important ones can be noted.

1. The reliability of the case. The included rubber booster and shockproof properties will help keep the device in the most extreme situations.
2. Moisture resistance. For a forwarding router, tightness and plugs are important at port locations.
3. Fastening strength. It is better if it is included in the package or comes from the same company as the device itself.
4. Power supply type. If you choose a navigator with a Li-ion battery, you need to give preference to options with 1500 mAh or more, otherwise there is a possibility that the device will have to be recharged every 6-8 hours. For long journeys far from civilization, there is a technique on AA batteries, you can use a battery of this size.
5. Ports. You need a USB input for software updates, a slot for a memory card, a socket for charging.
6. The number of supported card formats. The more, the better.

Considering all these factors, it is easy to find a bike navigator for travel and trips to the most distant places.

For an overview of the Xoss Sprint Bicycle Navigator, see below.