iPhone/Touch owners and tracking software
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So, after some trouble with my last cyclecomputer, I decided to try something different. Having an iPhone, I thought it'd be interesting to get an iPhone mount, use the GPS, and even have a "radio" to listen to (with the speaker, not headphones).
I'm wondering how other people have felt about this. My first concern is the battery. I've looked into some solar battery add ons for the dock, but the ones I've seen face down, not up (so not much good for live trickle charging). Obviously you could kill wifi and the backlight to probably free up some juice, but will it handle a 4-6 hour ride if needed? I'm betting not.
Second is software. I'm playing with three apps: MotionX GPSLite, RunKeeper, and iMapMyRide. All have free versions.
MotionX's paid version is only $2.99, and the app itself seems to be pretty robust all around, but it lacks a web interface. The free version is still quite good, but is limited it track and waypoint saving (the only app of the three that had waypoints, from what I saw).
RunKeeper looks good, seems to have a decent web portal component, but the web side appears to lack a route preplanning tools. It's also more expensive at $9.99 for the pro version. The only difference appears to be ad support between the two and audio cues (which I don't really care about).
iMapMyRide has probably the best web portal by far and allows route planning or manual ride entering. But I've heard stories about problems running the app, and their site has a bothersome tiered membership structure which could get costly over time if the free service isn't enough.
What have you had success with or prefer, or even if you haven't used them, do you have any thoughts that you think might be of value in weighing them? I figure I can hardly go wrong, any of the apps would be cheaper than even a decent cyclocomputer, and WAY cheaper than a GPS unit.
I'm surprised, no iPhone GPS users out there yet? I figured this would be a hot area, maybe I over-estimated.
FWIW, I'm leaning more towards RunKeeper now. They have someone active on Twitter who tells me that they are planning a lot more stuff coming soon, like the ability to preplan routes, and manually enter trips.
So, after some trouble with my last cyclecomputer, I decided to try something different. Having an iPhone, I thought it'd be interesting to get an iPhone mount, use the GPS, and even have a "radio" to listen to (with the speaker, not headphones).
Well, it might be somewhat interesting, although it is clear that you will not match the utility of something like the Garmin Edge, say, with an iPhone. I have looked into this myself, but the problems already start with the mount. I have looked for solutions on the web, but what I've seen invariably does not seem really optimal for bicycle use, and typically looks quite awkward. Have you seen any good mounts?
And, yes, the next big problem will be battery life, I think. Evene the four hours you quote might be optimistic.
On the other hand, the iPhone offers some opportunities that other bicycle computers don't have. For example, your iPhone could upload your current position, speed, etc. to some website in real time, allowing third parties to follow your progress, to aid in coaching, possibly even during a race. Unfortunately, there is no software or onfrastructure for this available. Oh, and no cadence, heart rate, or power...
The mount I saw that didn't seem too bad was Amazon.com: iPhone detachable Bike Mount Kit with Swivel Feature: Sports & Outdoors, but then again, the reviews are so-so on it. Seems like it'd go nice on my mounting nub right in the middle of my aero bars. What would be awesome is if someone built a mount that also had a, say 800 or 1600mAH, battery built in to it.
Anyway, luckily for me, my biggest needs are speed and distance. The automapping is great too, but I can do that manually if needed, and elevation is a bonus. I've never really cared to monitor heart, cadence, or anything else really. Yeah, a $10 computer could do what I need then, but I HAVE the iPhone, so I figure if I can get it to do a bunch of cool extra stuff for me, why not?
I'd go for the $10 computer rather than risk damaging my iPhone.....if I had an iPhone. What happens to the iPhone in rain or in a crash.....or when the mount fails?
IMHO, there's nothing that would ruin a ride quicker than getting a call during a ride, except maybe listening to music during a ride.
A cheap computer seems like a no-brainer: better speed and distance measurement; way smaller investment; ususally stands up to the elements better; and typically have mounts that are much better.
Yep, I think you're right. One of the reviewers of the mount the OP linked to actually had his iPhone fall off that crummy mount. It survived, but doesn't look as good anymore. Good point about the elements, too: An iPhone will not like riding in the rain at all...
all the apps for gps tracking kill the battery. I bought the mapmyride app. it stopped recording a few times and other times it worked ok, not as accurate in terms of speed and distance as a bike computer. i use a non lubricated condom and make a knot at the bottom. makes it sweat proof/rain proof (not 100% water proof). works good.
i use a non lubricated condom and make a knot at the bottom. makes it sweat proof/rain proof (not 100% water proof). works good.
So, you like getting it on outside in the rain? :cool:
And, yeah, I bet the lady likes that knot... :D
Hi,
I've been using the Tune Up for a few months. While it's expensive, the sound quality is unbelievable. The upside is that my wife is relieved I'm not wearing headphones while riding anymore. I keep a Ziploc freezer bag and a rubber band in my saddlebag and throw the bag over the whole thing and secure it with the rubber band when it looks like it might get wet out. The sound still comes through the bag. The unit itself has a built in rechargeable lithium ion battery which lasts about 16 hours. The nice thing is that it has a quick release to remove the speakers but leave the mount behind. Just an FYI for anyone else looking. It works with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and later generation iPods.
Cheers,
-Mike
The Tune-Up : FREE SHIPPING: Google Checkout available. (http://www.thepocketsolution.com/psi-tuneup.html)
http://www.thepocketsolution.com/Merchant2/siteimages/TU7.jpg
Hi,
I've been using the Tune Up for a few months. While it's expensive, the sound quality is unbelievable. The upside is that my wife is relieved I'm not wearing headphones while riding anymore. I keep a Ziploc freezer bag and a rubber band in my saddlebag and throw the bag over the whole thing and secure it with the rubber band when it looks like it might get wet out. The sound still comes through the bag. The unit itself has a built in rechargeable lithium ion battery which lasts about 16 hours. The nice thing is that it has a quick release to remove the speakers but leave the mount behind. Just an FYI for anyone else looking. It works with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and later generation iPods.
Cheers,
-Mike
The Tune-Up : FREE SHIPPING: Google Checkout available. (http://www.thepocketsolution.com/psi-tuneup.html)
http://www.thepocketsolution.com/Merchant2/siteimages/TU7.jpg
My head hurts.
It looks like the perfect setup to ruin a good ride.
It looks like the perfect setup to ruin a good ride.
no kiddin.
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