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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 【Equipped with a Complete GNSS (positioning satellite system)】The BSC200S bicycle speedometer is compatible with five major positioning satellite systems: GPS, BEIDOU, GLONASS, GALILEO and QZSS, which can provide accurate location information in real time. Compared with the traditional three-star and four-star systems, this can acquire signals faster and improve positioning accuracy, and highly accurate location information can be obtained even in cities and mountainous areas.
- 【2.4-inch Color Display】The BSC200S bike computer features a 2.4-inch translucent color screen, which provides a clearer display even in bright environments and is also energy-efficient. The large screen can display multiple data at the same time, allowing riders to easily view important information in real time. The display backlight automatically adjusts the brightness according to the sunrise and sunset times, but it can also be set manually. This feature provides comfortable visibility during the day or night, significantly improving safety and visibility while riding.
- 【Route Navigation】By connecting the iGPSPORT app, you can easily create routes and transfer them to your BSC200S cycling computer. You can also import routes in .gpx format from third-party websites. In addition, it also supports Strava/TrainingPeaks/Komoot routes verified by the iGPSPORT app. When navigating, it displays important information such as turn information, road names and remaining distance, and the deviation warning function helps you stay on track. In addition, the new BSC200S has added the ability to freely customize route and track colors. This allows you to improve visibility while still being able to customize settings.
- ON-DEVICE TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION – The ELEMNT BOLT will automatically generate turn-by-turn prompts for routes and file types; including GPX files, TCX files, and routes imported from Strava, Ride With GPS, and Komoot. Top LEDs and audible cues let you know, at-a-glance, what your next turn is or if you’ve gotten off-course.
- AUTOMATIC ROUTE DOWNLOADS & WORKOUT UPLOADS – When synced with compatible accounts (Strava, Ride With GPS, Best Bike Split, Komoot, MTB Project, SingleTracks), your saved routes will be automatically & wirelessly downloaded to the ELEMNT BOLT. Completed rides will automatically upload to all authorized third-party accounts.
- TAKE ME TO ON-DEMAND ROUTE GENERATION – Allows you to create a route with turn-by-turn directions by selecting a location directly on the ELEMNT BOLT map page, using its pan and zoom, or by selecting from one of your saved locations. In the ELEMNT Companion App, enter a destination, address, or point of interest and generate a route with turn-by-turn directions; sync it to the ELEMNT BOLT via Bluetooth.
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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.