The use of GPS devices has spread not only among the drivers of motor vehicles, but also among motorcycle enthusiasts. These devices are able to receive data on the satellite positioning and process information to provide more or less complex, depending on the level of progress of the device itself.
For detailed information on GPS technology in general, see the article on dedicated GPS runners. GPS Devices for cycling are not limited to indicating the current position: they are real bike computers, with a more or less large number of functions that depend on the technological level of the device.
GPS, Maps and Cartography.
GPS Devices for road bike and MTB can be divided, for the purpose of use, into two broad categories: GPS with mapping and GPS without maps. The difference between these two types of products is simple: in the first case, you cannot upload route maps on the GPS pre-built, while in the second case, it is possible to do so. The maps can be created from scratch using one of the available software, or can be downloaded ready for one of the Internet sites of enthusiasts and manufacturers that allow for the sharing and dissemination of this kind of information.
Features of GPS for Road Bike and MTB.
Let’s see some features to check and compare before purchasing the GPS for our two wheels favorite: Maps and cartography:
- As mentioned before, some models cannot load maps complete data relative to the path. You should consider whether this option is indispensable, or if you can help it with no problems using any device’s ability to record the routes actually traveled, download them to your PC for analysis and other navigation features.
- Battery life, water resistance of the device and durability are all characteristics that should be considered.
- Completeness of the cycle computer functions: check the completeness of the functions of a typical bike computer, such as detection of various data relating to speeding, altitude, distance and so on.
- Readability of the display: you have to pay attention to the material of the screen and the possible presence of the backlight which is important in low-light conditions. Check, whether you can change the size of text to increase readability.
- How to display data on the screen: they are shown on a single screen, or you can rotate between different screens? You can customize the data screens?
- Touchscreen is a comfortable option, but it is better to see if we can turn it off. In the rain and mud, it may be necessary to give a clean ” on the fly ” to the screen by hovering over the hand: the controls of the GPS in this case you do not have to activate accidentally.
- Data transfer: what are the data that can be transferred from the GPS to the computer?
- And from your computer to your GPS?
- Possibility to connect to an iPhone or an Android smartphone.
- Ability to connect to other devices, such as heart-rate monitors, data transmission protocol using the ANT+.
- Flexibility and ease of mounting bracket.
- Ability to use the device on most bikes, keeping the data in separate files.
The Advantages of GPS.
GPSA Aside from the obvious convenience of having an instrument of navigation, the most advanced bike computers equipped with GPS allow the enthusiast to examine in detail its performance over time. The ability to save on computer data on journeys allows to analyze performance trends over the course of several weeks or months. You can also decide which path to follow before going out on the road, in-depth analysis of all of its features and thus preparing for journeys to suit any specific need for training.
With some models, you can also share the benefits through online communities of fans who regularly face about their experiences riding the bike. Here you can also download routes already prepared by other cyclists, even the manufacturers can make available maps ready for use.
As with any other element of the bike, even for the purchase of GPS devices the choice depends on personal preference and budget. The top of the range models have many features missing from the cheaper models. It is best to carefully examine the offer available on the market and buy a product that actually suits your needs.
