Apps and computers

[Simon_m]

Hey again. I've seen this has been gone over a few times in the past, but to make it quicker...

I use Cyclemeter app on the iphone and its great. However, if I go out on a long ride I always end up getting lost or taking a long alternative route. Cyclemeter doesn't allow you to upload a pre-planned route, so I've had to do with sweaty stained bits of print out maps from the computer and Google earth. So, the question is... Is there an app which allows you to make a route and upload it into your phone which you can thus follow? Or do I need another type of expensive kit to add to the bike? Final part to the question, has anyone used the iphone "holder / braket" which sits on your handlebars? is it good, wobbly? Thanks people

 

[DrSquirrel]

Sat nav apps can do this (inc google maps/nav?) although more meant for cars so might take large routes, set them to "walking" and it will usually take the back country roads etc.

I'd never mount a phone on the handlebars, if you insist on it, buy a decent mount, looking at £30-40 for this.

 

[Simon_m]

ok thanks for that, will take a look. I'd rather not put in on the handle bars but it saves whipping it out from your back pouch every 5mins to see where your going. I did just do a google search as wasnt sure if anyone was going to bother replying and found these:

"Trails"
http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/maintenance/bike-apps-for-the-iphone/

and

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/#create

 

[nilling]

Motion-X GPS for iPhone

http://gps.motionx.com/iphone/overview/

Not used in anger but I have imported routes (gpx files) via a special email. But like all iPhone apps limited by the relatively poor battery performance

 

[chris-s]

Hey again. I've seen this has been gone over a few times in the past, but to make it quicker...

I use Cyclemeter app on the iphone and its great. However, if I go out on a long ride I always end up getting lost or taking a long alternative route. Cyclemeter doesn't allow you to upload a pre-planned route

Have you not seen the update? I updated yesterday, it's stocked full with new features including the ability to upload a route via email. I use bikehike to layout the course and save the gpx file and emailed it to myself, works a treat.

Chris

 

[DrSquirrel]

ok thanks for that, will take a look. I'd rather not put in on the handle bars but it saves whipping it out from your back pouch every 5mins to see where your going. I did just do a google search as wasnt sure if anyone was going to bother replying and found these:

"Trails"
http://www.londoncyc...for-the-iphone/

and

http://www.mapmyride.../routes/#create

The pain with touchscreen phone is you cannot easily cover up the screen and still use it accurately.

You could just get a waterproof phone case and lash it along the stem/bars rather than some long wobbly mount.

I can't say much about iOS software, but im sure there is enough if you just look at the app stores.

If you want to do something serious with GPS on the bike, you'd save a lot of bother if you'd just consider a dedicated unit.

 

[nilling]

I also have Cyclemeter must check out these new features

 

[nilling]

Cyclemeter Version 5.0

http://www.abvio.com/category/cycling/

 

[Simon_m]

but its more money and more kit to lug around, if i can use the iphone then all be well. going to check out motionx and see waht the reviews are etc and the trails one:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/trails-gps-tracker/id289190494?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo=6

i know on cyclemeter i can email myself the route i've just done, that's not a problem, but actualy upload a route and follow it? i cant see that anywhere.

 

[Simon_m]

just watching the video on importing now. cool. imports GPX, are there a good selction of these on the net? free? london brighton, hastings etc etc?

 

[Simon_m]

FAB, sorry for all the posts, excited and happy i've found what im looking fot

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/24779638. you can export them from here. Anyone else here looking to do some rides?

 

[Simon_m]

Great site:

http://www.cycle-route.com/

 

[chris-s]

but its more money and more kit to lug around, if i can use the iphone then all be well. going to check out motionx and see waht the reviews are I know on cyclemeter i can email myself the route i've just done, that's not a problem, but actualy upload a route and follow it? i cant see that anywhere.

No, the UPDATE allows you to send a gpx file to the cyclemeter application. You can create a route using any number of apps or websites, I like BikeHike. IIRC, mapmyride needs to connect online to save/retreive routes whereas cyclemeter stores them all on the phone.

Chris