What to Know about Using GPS with Your Cycle

Using GPS with Your Cycle

When you start cycling more often, you may find yourself on trails that you are unfamiliar with. These trails are usually marked in an app or in a GPS based program of
some kind. You may be used to using GPS for various applications in your car on your smartphone. What you may not know is how to translate that same usage to your cycle.

Here is what you need to know to get the most out of using your GPS with your cycle effectively.

 

Stand Alone Options

The first thing you need to know about using a GPS with your cycle is the option of
going with a stand alone. There are several benefits to this over using your smartphone.
The first is that you can find maps for bike trails and add them to your GPS system.
These maps may not be routed on your smartphone GPS as most are off road trails and
do not show up on map applications. This makes the stand alone GPS ideal for people
who are doing mountain bike trails.

Some Maps Are Not Available

There is a misconception that GPS devices log all trails, maps, and locations. This is not
entirely true. Though there are maps you can purchase that show pre-made trails, some
may not be available. In these cases, you have a few options. The first is to make your
own trail map by using an app on your smartphone that uses GPS to track your
movement.

You can also just keep a GPS that lets you know roughly where you are and
you can go it on your own. You can also join an online group that allows you to pay a
small fee to access trail maps in your area and download them to use with your
smartphone or GPS system.

Bestseller No. 1
Garmin Edge Explore GPS enabled computer
  • Easy-to-use GPS bike computer with high-resolution, 3” glove- and rain-friendly touchscreen that’s visible even in direct sunlight
  • Includes preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with turn-by-turn navigation and Trendline popularity routing to find the on- and off-road routes most-travelled by cyclists
  • Built-in GPS tracks how far, how fast, how high and where you ride
Bestseller No. 2
COOSPO Bike Computer Wireless GPS BC26, Bluetooth Cycle Computer GPS IPX7 Waterproof, Bike Speedometer Odometer with 2.3 Inch Auto-Backlight, Bicycle Computer Support CooSpoRide
  • Speed alarm- you can set the maximum alarm speed. An alarm will be issued when exceeding. Note: The alarm sound can be set, and the default is off.
  • Dual positioning system- GPS & BDS offer you precise positioning and recording. Once power on in the open field, it will automatically capture GPS signals and calibrate the time. Note: Charging is required for the first start, please search for GPS in an open area.
  • CoospoRide app Support- with the App, you can set the bike computer very easily, load GPS track route map, record, share and analyze cycling activity, update the firmware, etc.
Bestseller No. 3
CYCPLUS G1 Wireless GPS Bike Computer with Backlight IPX6 Waterproof Bicycle Speedometer Odometer Cycling Computer
  • FAST & ACCURATE GPS: This bike computer has higher sensitivity, higher accuracy and faster positioning. The GPS tracks your route and it will display ride time, distance ridden, total ride time, total miles ridden, clock, current altitude
  • AUTOMATIC BACKLIGHT: The glare-free backlit screen introduces FSTN technology and is clearly visible in sunlight. You can read your data easier and more clearly, day and night.High quality tempered glass, no need to worry about nails scratching the screen
  • WATERPROOF& LARGE BATTERY CAPACITY: Wireless and waterproof design. Cluttered wires on the handlebars is now a thing of the past. It’s ready to work in the rain. 600mAH large capacity for over 20 hours of continuous working time
SaleBestseller No. 4
Garmin Edge Explore 2 Touring GPS Bike Computer with Connect Features, Black
  • Easy-to-use GPS cycling computer with 3” high-resolution,glove-and rain-friendly touchscreen that’s visible even in direct sunlight
  • Simple setup complete with preloaded road,off-road and indoor activity profiles that are ready to use right out of the box
  • Ride like a local, whatever your bike type, with improved ride type-specific maps that highlight popular roads and trails, searchable POIs and even eBike routing
Bestseller No. 5
Magene C506SE GPS Bike Computer Wireless, Route Navigation, 2.4-inch Colorful Screen Cycling Computer, Bluetooth and WiFi, 11 Languages, Indoor Cycling Training
  • Exquisite Colorful Screen: 2.4-inch colorful screen makes the display content clearer and more intuitive. It is more convenient to operate while riding with the reasonable configuration of 3 buttons
  • Colorful Track Navigation: When you deviate from the course, the C506 SE will remind you and re-plan a new route*. Automatically zoom in the map when turning and display the road name (available on navigation created by the “OnelapFit” APP). * Off-course re-planning is only available when C506 SE is connected to OnelapFit APP during cycling
  • Bluetooth and WiFi Dual Protocol: WiFi data transmission speed is 28 times faster than Bluetooth, which can upload navigation files and ride data faster. Offline AGNSS can be automatically uploaded, so you can start cycling without waiting for a long time to locate

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2025-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Equipment Options

If you plan on using a GPS for your biking, you will need the right equipment. Though
you could use voice turn by turn instructions, that could pose an issue later on. This, in
fact, will not help you when you have an issue of the map not showing up or being
complete on your current system. Instead, consider using a phone or GPS mount for
your bike. This allows you to place it in the center front of your bike where you can
easily reference it without causing issues with safety.

These are just a few things to know about using a GPS with your cycle. Keep in mind,
there are multiple GPS devices and methods. Once you start using the basic GPS
system, you will start to grow and understand how you want to branch out. This will lead
you to the methods and systems that work best for you and your cycling style.

Previous Post

Tips for Using Kettlebells at Home

Next Post

3 Excellent Indoor Trampolines