Recording rides

[Domus]

I have a CatEye speedo that works off a magnet on the front wheel but I also record using Runkeeper on my iPhone.
It works very well and I like the interface. However, even though I turn off WiFi and Bluetooth and dim the display my now longer (to me) rides leave the battery in a very low condition. I know people use a Garmin device which I think links to Strava but how long does the Garmin battery last and can it link to Runkeeper or not?

 

[User33236]

The latest crop of Garmins have a battery life of 10 hours or so and also you can upload from them to Runkeeper using a browser plugin from Garmin.

https://support.runkeeper.com/hc/en...To-Runkeeper-Using-Garmin-Communicator-Plugin

 

[albion]

Turn the screen and data/and/or mobile signal off.

The newer crop of phones, with a decent size battery should record for 24 hours.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Garmins have a very clever way of preserving their battery life. They switch themselves off, at random, usually in the middle of nowhere, at night. Then resolutely refuse to come back on, until you are in a place where you won't need it. It's a clever system.

 

[jefmcg]

mobile signal off

Airplane mode basically.

You can also get an external battery, which is a useful general accessory for a smart phone. I use mine all the time (on rides and elsewhere), and have bailed out myself lots and many other people, including two riders at different times who have been separated from their buddies with a flat phone, and a fellow passenger on a 14 hour flight whose plane to sleep with headphones on was nearly derailed when there was no USB port in her seat. eg http://www.amazon.co.uk/TeckNet-120...41908874&sr=8-5&keywords=external+usb+battery

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

Just been for a ride with my Garmin Edge 200 for 3 hours and the battery life is still at maximum. Phone batterys suck energy when WiFi and Mobile data is switched on. I would think you need mobile data to actually record the GPS route and other data. I suppose my Garmin does not suck energy because I am not using a heart rate monitor!

On the other hand (pun intended) I use a Polar M400 GPS watch to record my hr and GPS this is showing after the 3 hour ride that the battery is now only half charged.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have a garmin touring and the battery lasts for hours. I also carry a very small power bank that will fully charge the Garmin, but I have never used it. I think fully charged the touring lasts 17 hours.

Ive never had a problem with mine.

 

[jefmcg]

I would think you need mobile data to actually record the GPS route and other data.

No, not at all.

Though GPS does use a significant amount of power.

 

[MikeW-71]

Garmin 200 would give approx 12 hours battery, my 500 goes up to 14 (but never tested that) and my Touring about the same as the 200.

200's are reasonably cheap and very easy to use.

 

[Domus]

Thanks all, looks like Santa may be asked for a Garmin Touring. I have been a good boy.......................honest.

 

[mwktar]

I ride with an edge 800, if i have maps/gps on for then entire ride then i'll get about 6 hours out of it (6 solid hours) - without maps/gps easily 10+

 

[albion]

Airplane mode basically.

You can also get an external battery, which is a useful general accessory for a smart phone...

I think Airplane mode also kills the GPS on IOS, something to do with it needing mobile signal to boost reception.

You can remove the Sim to get round that problem.

 

[HLaB]

When my 800 was new, I rode to the start of the Tour of Flanders (1:20:26 elapsed), did the tour (11:12:47), over 12.5 hours and the battery was still going strong. I was going to cycle back to a hotel (13 miles iirc) but the organisers of left luggage lost my lights, so I decided against it; on hind sight that was probably for the best

Two and a half years after I got it the longest its done 10.5hours moving (it was switched off for the café stop).

 

[MiK1138]

Garmins have a very clever way of preserving their battery life. They switch themselves off, at random, usually in the middle of nowhere, at night. Then resolutely refuse to come back on, until you are in a place where you won't need it. It's a clever system.

This is what they call in the trade a "Unique Selling Point"

 

[jefmcg]

I think Airplane mode also kills the GPS on IOS, something to do with it needing mobike signal to boost reception.

You can remove the Sim to get round that problem.

Professor Google says you're right. Stupid ios. Been an apple fan since.... a long time.... but never owned an ios device. Still have a Newton 2000 though.