Garmin Varia alongside iPhone and turn-by-turn directions?

[topheavycyclist]

I currently use an iPhone (powered by my eBike battery, so no battery concerns there) and Komoot for my turn-by-turn directions (and music) via my Shokz headphones. I'm very interested in getting a Garmin Varia after riding with a friend last weekend who had one and being really impressed by how much practical freedom is granted by the knowledge of what's behind and the extra enjoyment of the ride that that brings.

My concern is that there doesn't seem to be a great way of interacting with the Varia in this scenario. Komoot doesn't seem to have an integration with the Varia (that I've understood so far!) and the Varia app on the iPhone isn't brilliant either, especially when running in the background so I can keep Komoot in the foreground.

I have tried using things like Strava for following routes but it wasn't as good at Komoot, so while I am very open to finding a different way of doing all of this, right now I'm not quite sure how to do everything I want (turn-by-turn directions, music, cycle radar).

Advice, please?

 

[PaulSB]

A Wahoo or Garmin head unit will give you turn-by-turn instructions and a variety of readings from the Varia.

I've never used a phone for navigation. I don't think you'll solve the issue using Komoot or any of the other mapping apps. They are just that, mapping apps, and can't be expected to integrate with a radar device.

 

[topheavycyclist]

Thank you. I've ordered the device, so I guess it's now a case of playing until I find something that works, but I think my current plan is to try and avoid having to buy a cycle computer and either use the Ride with GPS app which apparently does play nicely with the Varia or - if their turn-by-turn navigation isn't good enough, then just use Komoot with the Varia app in the background to give me audible notifications.

Last resort is to get a cycle computer to use with it, but I'm not entirely sure what the benefits are of a cycle computer. Isn't a smartphone more capable in every way apart from battery life?