What Device?

[roubaixtuesday]

could be a viable option for some.

It's viable for anyone, just not preferable unless you've got a really really good reason. Like being skint, or only a very occasional user.

 

[Alex321]

I agree it's going to be a bulkier solution than a dedicated device and might be more of a lash-up but could be a viable option for some.

Where "some" is a very limited number of people.

Basically, only those who can't afford a dedicated unit, or whose usage is so limited that it doesn't justify it.

I've used both, and I suspect most of those responding to you have also used both. And there really is no comparison. I would never go back to using my phone unless I really had no choice.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I disagree with this for five reasons:

• The choice of cycling specific navigation apps is similar on a phone as a bespoke device.
• Phone screens are not easier to read than a purpose designed GPS unit
• In the event of a fall a phone screen is more likely to break
• Battery life is very poor in this situation especially if using an older second-hand phone
• Who wants to stop to recharge a phone? Riding with a power pack attached to the phone is unreliable.

I'd add a 6th. You want your phone for other reasons. For general communications and some people rely on them for payments and other stuff too. Using it as a GPS puts it at risk of damage or just running out of juice. Sure, use the phone as a backup if your GPS goes kaput.

 

[Dadam]

I'd add a 6th. You want your phone for other reasons. For general communications and some people rely on them for payments and other stuff too. Using it as a GPS puts it at risk of damage or just running out of juice. Sure, use the phone as a backup if your GPS goes kaput.

Which is why, if you read my original point, I was suggesting a second dedicated phone for the purpose.

 

[YMFB]

I use a Garmin 1030 + and varia rear light/radar with Wahoo cadence sensors on two different bikes. Each bike has its own profile mainly because the roadie has Ultegra di2 and I like knowing which gear I’m in and I have different screen setups for each bike.

i started with a Wahoo head unit but found it confusing and the map display woeful in comparison. I suspect they are similar now, but I use Garmin on my motorcycle so have become biased in that direction. BMW & Ducati have their own built in sat nav’s, both of which I have tried but gave up on and retrofitted the Garmin XT 2.

There is a lot of talk on motorcycle forums of people moving over to the cheap mainly Chinese units that are more like a modern cars units with Apple CarPlay, Waze and other programmes built in.

like choosing tyres you have to make your own decision, the biggest in my opinion is to have a head unit and save your phone For comms.

 

[Webbo2]

View attachment 769331
One of these, make is Magene if you can see it. Fits on hub so better than magnetic job on spoke etc. These also "double" up as a cadence sensor so I have one on my non drive crank as well. Can get on AliExpress for less than £10 and work great.

I got one of these £7:95 with free postage. Took a week to arrive fitted in 30 sec and on first ride no speed fluctuation.
Cheers 🍷for the advice Binky.

 

[Mike_P]

I found a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v1 confusing when using it with a rear Varia and trying to follow an uploaded route as you get the same warning for going off route as for a rear approaching vehicle. Bought a Garmin 530 and whist that is clear in those respects its user interface must be one of the most confusing there is.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I'd assume so too, given it's 'ANT and all that'

If it’s Ant then things can be implemented a number of different ways. If it’s Ant+ then the cadence is a defined profile with defined rules and standards and it’ll work