Ride tracking

[stuarttunstall]

Hi

I am looking at getting suggestions what people use to track there rides, I was thinking of a bike computer but speaking to the sale chap he suggested Strava and my mobile phone is a good option...

What are your more experienced thoughts and recommendations?

Stuart

 

[vickster]

Mobile phone and Strava if you don't want to buy something like a garmin or wahoo. If phone, you'll probably need a back up battery pack of planning to ride all day

 

[flake99please]

If youre only planning on a ride lasting 1-2 hours, a smartphone should be fine. Anything longer, then spare batteries or a separate GPS unit would perhaps be better.

 

[stuarttunstall]

I was thinking that, but as my Samsung S8+ is all built in I suspect I would need one of those power backup devices like THIS

 

[s7ephanie]

I use map my ride x its free to down load onto phone

 

[stuarttunstall]

Will take a look at that thank you...

This is good for planning rides https://www.cyclinguk.org/journey-planner

 

[vickster]

I was thinking that, but as my Samsung S8+ is all built in I suspect I would need one of those power backup devices like THIS

Yes, that's what I meant, a power pack

I got an excellent 10000mah capacity one from Amazon, neat sleek, double the capacity and lower in price than the one you linked

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06ZZ571D9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[stuarttunstall]

Thank you, looks a good buy will take a look at that

 

[mjr]

Osmand and my little Sony Xperia Tipo battery lasts the day tracking and navigating. Started about 7am today with 70% charge, finished 7pm at 14% charge.

 

[mjr]

Power banks: get one with a charge indicator to remove the guesswork about how much is left. Ideally numeric, but at least a decent number of dots.

 

[NorthernDave]

Map My Ride is a great free app to get started with and is very light on battery use.

I've got a Garmin 810 paired up with my phone to provide live tracking while I'm out on a ride AND run Map My Ride as a back up.

I've been out all day doing 100 mile rides and still had 20%+ left on the phone battery when I've finished.

 

[stuarttunstall]

Thanks for the suggestions, may try Map My Ride to start with and see how it goes, but will get a power bank as well I think

 

[PaulSB]

Hi

I am looking at getting suggestions what people use to track there rides, I was thinking of a bike computer but speaking to the sale chap he suggested Strava and my mobile phone is a good option...

What are your more experienced thoughts and recommendations?

Stuart

As said if you’re on rides of 1-2 perhaps 3 hours your phone and Strava app are a good option. My iPhone is six years old and the battery life is no great so I prefer to keep the phone for emergencies.

I have a Garmin 810 which will obviously navigate and record rides plus a host of other functions. The device is quite old and the drain on the battery when navigating alone is heavy, 6.5 hours, if I record as well it’s less. I’ve always felt battery life on Garmins is poor.

I now use a Garmin Vivoactive HR Smartwatch which gives at least 9-10 hours recording time. Make sure you get the GPS version!!

I’m considering buying a Wahoo. Everyone I know who has one speaks very highly of them.

 

[bpsmith]

DC Rainmaker is renowned for thoroughly testing devices. He has debunked the 17 hour battery claim and reckons its more like 8-9 hours.

Compare that brand new device to your aging Garmin 810 battery life of 6.5 hours and it would appear to not be particularly superior in comparison @PaulSB?

I am sure that the Wahoo is great kit, but personally can’t see how it is any better than the current Garmin options.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Having owned Garmin and Wahoo, I have got to say Garmin’s software was a major let down. I’m not really bothered by the device itself. It has just got to work and sadly Garmin was utterly unreliable. Their help desk was left wanting too. I can’t afford to lose navigation on tour, Audax rides or when I’m trying to enjoy myself.

Wahoo are constantly evolving and improving. They are working on ‘getting back on track’ when you leave a route or course I believe. For now you have to back track or use map reading skills. But if you do go off course, alarms and lights go off. I am very pleased to have jumped ship.