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?

 

[Bristolian]

My only reservation with using a mobile phone on a bike is that they're not designed to take the continual vibration that the bike creates. I did that for about the first six months after getting back into cycling but was always a little worried about the phone.

PS: I once dropped an iPhone and cracked the screen. When the local Apple store opened it up all the insides fell out 😲

 

[Alex321]

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?

No.

Phone screens are much harder to read in bright daylight than those on dedicated devices, which are specifically designed for outdoor use.

The Garmin/Wahoo/Bryton/Hammerhead devices are also generally much more robust than phones, so much less likely to be damaged in a crash, and they come with dedicated mounts, designed to hold them securely.


The only possible advantage a phone has is size of screen. Everything else a device designed specifically for te job is more capable than a phone which only has those t6hings as an afterthought.

 

[PaulSB]

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?

Well, that's interesting. I had no idea a Varia could be connected to RWGPS. It is remarkably easy. Based on sitting in my front room it appears you get the same display as I do on my Wahoo.

No, it's the opposite. A Wahoo or Garmin is far more capable than a phone for this purpose. I don't have any experience of other devices. Many riders are very happy to use their phones but it's something I would only consider in an emergency.

Aside from functionality there is the risk of physical damage. I once failed to correctly attach a Garmin to its mount. During my ride it fell off and the person behind rode straight over it. Accidents happen. We all make mistakes.

Garmin replaced the device for £85. Do you think Apple would do the same? Would your iPhone survive the impact of a fall My direct experience is a Wahoo or Garmin does. My other experience is dropping a smart phone indoors can result in a smashed screen.

In my view using a phone gives inferior functionality and results while coming with much greater risk of damage to the device. You might consider safety. Fall and smash your phone and you have no means of calling for help.

 

[Emanresu]

RWGPS with Varia is useful in that not only do you get the sound, but there is a vertical line on the side of the map screen that shows the distances of the various vehicles behind you. Found it very useful to keep your eyes on the road for the multiple potholes. The Shokz headphones are also a benefit, though I used a Sena M1 for the same purpose.

 

[Bristolian]

RWGPS with Varia is useful in that not only do you get the sound, but there is a vertical line on the side of the map screen that shows the distances of the various vehicles behind you. Found it very useful to keep your eyes on the road for the multiple potholes. The Shokz headphones are also a benefit, though I used a Sena M1 for the same purpose.

My Garmin does the same thing, although distance is by interpolation with 150m being the bottom of the screen and 75m half way up, etc..

 

[PaulSB]

RWGPS with Varia is useful in that not only do you get the sound, but there is a vertical line on the side of the map screen that shows the distances of the various vehicles behind you. Found it very useful to keep your eyes on the road for the multiple potholes. The Shokz headphones are also a benefit, though I used a Sena M1 for the same purpose.

This is what it does on any device with the right functionality.