Using an Android phone app to follow an mtb route

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GrimUpNorth

Active Member
Hi,

I have a old phone and being a tight g1t I am wondering if I can use an app on it to navigate a route rather than buying a bike computer. So with audio notifications if you go wrong etc.

Is this something Strava offers - I'm having a look but I must be missing it as I can see lots on how to create a route but nothing on using the Strava app to follow a route.

Thanks
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
You need premium strava to do it. Loads of other apps that work too.
 

BurningLegs

Veteran
RideWithGPS is great on iPhone and I think they have an Android version. No idea how good it is on Android.
 
Location
España
Hi,

I have a old phone and being a tight g1t I am wondering if I can use an app on it to navigate a route rather than buying a bike computer. So with audio notifications if you go wrong etc.

Is this something Strava offers - I'm having a look but I must be missing it as I can see lots on how to create a route but nothing on using the Strava app to follow a route.

Thanks
It should work.
The question is what app?
Strava/Komoot/RWGPS wiil require subs/payments to import a route and follow it.

If you want to create your own routes that's different. Again, you'll need a sub or buy maps.

Lots of discussions on the best planners. Try using the search function.

Osmand is a free app that will allow you to do both. The first few regions are free, world maps a one off fee.
Clunky to get a hang of, but it works. It will even navigate you out of trouble off line.
Paired with cycle.travel it's a great introduction to gpx. (Cycle.travel may not be great for MTB routes).

If you are using someone else's route it may contain a route (or parts of) not recognised by your navigation app. (For this reason be careful transferring routes from app to app).

However, is using a phone a good idea? Especially on an MTB route?
Think about power, a holder, rain/glare, impact of a crash.
The charging sockets on a phone are not designed for the abuse they can get being charged on the road. Especially a bumpy one.
You may save money but damage or break your phone en route.

In any case, Osmand is a great app to learn about gps and how it works for bikes. Once on your phone it is the perfect get-me-the-hell-outta-here app.

Good luck
 
OP
OP
G

GrimUpNorth

Active Member
Thanks for the replies.
I'm thinking of using a Lenovo p2 I had in the bottom of a draw so I'm not bothered if it breaks. It also has a large 5100 mAh battery so should last.

I'll check the apps - as I said I couldn't see the function with Strava but I'll look again.
 
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