Fifty Plus (50+) - Does anyone use their smart phone instead of a garmin?

I was going to buy a garmin for my bike, I found an android app called my tracks and decided to try it on my smart phone. I have used it twice on the bike and a couple of times while in the car. So far it has been acurate and is nice since you can upload the information directly to google maps. The information provided is max percent of climbs, max percent of decents, max speed, average speed both moving and overall. maps your route on google maps, links directly to my timex heart rate monitor, and displays charts showing the profile of your ride and charts your speed relative to ride contour.

So far with this app I can not see the reason to purchase the Garmin with this app avaliable for free.

Would like to see if any others have used their smart phones.

I do not have a smart phone but am wondering how much battery life does that app use?

I do not have a smart phone but am wondering how much battery life does that app use?

So far I have used the app on a 2 hour ride and saved the info. I then used the phone as normal and went another 24 hours before it needed charged.

I do not have a smart phone but am wondering how much battery life does that app use?

I have found that whenever I am using my iPhone to track a bike ride or run, if I start the activity with a full charge it doesn't seem to use the battery up as quickly.

I was going to buy a garmin for my bike, I found an android app called my tracks and decided to try it on my smart phone. I have used it twice on the bike and a couple of times while in the car. So far it has been acurate and is nice since you can upload the information directly to google maps. The information provided is max percent of climbs, max percent of decents, max speed, average speed both moving and overall. maps your route on google maps, links directly to my timex heart rate monitor, and displays charts showing the profile of your ride and charts your speed relative to ride contour.

So far with this app I can not see the reason to purchase the Garmin with this app avaliable for free.

Would like to see if any others have used their smart phones.

I just downloaded it to my iPhone, I'll give it a try today if the rain and heavy overcast allow it.

My husband the techie, has one. All I am going to say is this: It seems that at the end of every ride we take where he's using it, a) I need to refer to my odometer for the mileage; 2) Somewhere along the route, I have had to hail down a guy on a tractor to ask where we are. Just sayin.

I use AllSports on my android phone. I dont think it drains the battery much. I take the phone in case I need it.
BillMc

I have used mytracks, endmodo, but have settled on Sportypal Pro. I use a Zephyr HRM with it and it works with my android Casio Commando. It is pretty eay on battery life - it will last longer than I can ride right now. It uploads to website where you can review the data. I also use mapmyride and ridewithgps to map out routes. I think you can download the data for use on the bike while riding, but I haven't used that feature yet. Other than cadence, I don't see the need for anything else right now.

Roger

If you use them as just a bike computer they are ok. If you need mapping it will eat the battery faster. Also mapping will only work where you have cell phone service, and I don't always have service available in some of the places I ride. While there are options for some apps that allow you to add HR and cadence sensors I'm sure that will be an even bigger battery drain. Personally I like having my phone with a charged battery for use as a phone in an emergency and a dedicated bike computer for my bike computer. FWIW I once used the mapmyride app one day when I forgot to charge my Garmin. After 5 hours my iPhone was almost dead.

For the past three months, I've been taking my Garmin eTrex, iPod Touch (with Bluetooth GPS module), and Bell bike computer out with me to compare the readings. I ride various trails around the central Texas area, no street riding at all. The Garmin is significantly more repeatable than the others, and the recorded track seems to be much more accurate as compared with any of the four or five bike mapping programs I have on the iPod Touch. I've loaded the bike paths in the area into the eTrex and it tracks exactly, plus giving me functions that the bike mapping programs on iPod Touch don't have (such as get me back to my car in the shortest distance or retrace my path exactly). Plus the battery charge on the eTrex lasts 4-5 times longer then the iPod Touch (and it's easier to read in the sunlight).

To sum it up, f I had to choose just one, I'd pick the Garmin eTrex. It doesn’t do everything, but what it does is what I need, and it does that very well. I just pop it on the handlebar mount, and away I go.

Also... the eTrex does geocache navigation (the others don't), and that's part of what I do when I'm out riding.

I know several people who use these types of apps on their smartphones and they seem happy with them. Until and unless Verizon comes up with something better than charging an additional $30 per month for a data plan for each phone on a family account (major ripoff imho) my wife will remain the only one in our home with the luxury of a smartphone.

I like Bike Tracks on the iPhone.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bike-tracks-cycle-computer/id438688683?mt=8

Since I always have my phone on a ride, if I could find a decent handlebar holder for the iPhone, I'd probably use this instead. They are going to be supporting ANT+ shortly as well. When that happens, then I'm going to ditch my garmin and go solely to the iphone based hardware. One less thing to carry.

One feature that I like about this is the mapping portion that specifically shows bike trails which can be pretty handy.

We've used the companion app Ski Tracks all last year and found it to be an excellent app as well. They have some sort of algorithm that helps save battery life. Don't notice a big hit on battery life on the bike app. FOr the skiing app, it would easily make it through an entire day of skiing with nothing more than a moderate hit on the battery (you have to expect some).

J.

Yes, I use Endomonodo (see my signature for links), which works on iphone/adndroid/blackberry -- there is even a BikeForums "bike team." (http://www.endomondo.com/teams/1747411)

Most online systems like Endomondo can probably read files from others -- at least I know Endomondo can read garmin data.

I also use the phone as an audio player while riding. I've found that on a full battery my Nexus One android phone will be good for 6-7 hours with tracking and music and occasionally google maps all running. A spare battery (yay non-iphone!) cost me about $7 as I recall.

I was going to buy a garmin for my bike, I found an android app called my tracks and decided to try it on my smart phone. I have used it twice on the bike and a couple of times while in the car. So far it has been acurate and is nice since you can upload the information directly to google maps. The information provided is max percent of climbs, max percent of decents, max speed, average speed both moving and overall. maps your route on google maps, links directly to my timex heart rate monitor, and displays charts showing the profile of your ride and charts your speed relative to ride contour.

So far with this app I can not see the reason to purchase the Garmin with this app avaliable for free.

Would like to see if any others have used their smart phones.

I use "My Tracks" on my T-Mobile My-Touch Slide. I ordered a 2.5 x oversize battery for the phone from China and I have accidentally left the GPS function on for 24 hrs and still had battery. I have no reason to buy a Garmin.

Don in Austin

I use Runkeeper to track my rides, and Google Maps for the navigation if needed. Had to make a "custom mount" for the phone, as I was never happy with the Off-the-shelf mounts I found (Didn't try a RAM mount...).

I use one of these to mount my iPhone http://www.ibikeconsole.com/ It does a good job, but is not waterproof. Since I try not to ride in the rain, that is not normally a problem. I keep a zip lock bag in my tail bag in case I get caught by surprise.

I also use the Runkeeper app since I have a friend at work that uses it, that's what I started with and it does everything I need. With the iPhone 4, I can ride with music to the headset and display turned off for longer than I can ride. I did 5 hours Friday and the battery showed about half full.

Can't see it in the sun. Useless.

The display technology we really want doesn't exist yet. Something like the Kindle's b&w display would be a lot more useful in my opinion. I'd give up color to tbe able to use my smartphone outdoors.

I have tried B.iCycle, BikeMate and another one I forgot the name. Features are nice. But I don't like any of the iPhone mounts I have seen and none work with the mophie battery backup I have, so I carry my iPhone in my jersey in a zip lock bag.

The programs did drain the battery, where I would not want to ride more than two or three hours with it. So for centuries and touring, I wouldn't recommend them.

The main thing these programs did for me was convinced me I wanted a Garmin, and I love my Garmin 800 I bought in February. (The heart rate and cadence is very important to me, being a heart patient.)

It uses quite a bit of battery, however I use my Android phone from Sprint. It a Samsung Epic. It had great battery life before Android pushed their 2.21 update. Now the battery life is not near as good. The app I use is "Map my ride" I like it allot. But when you have your GPS and Digital signal the batter has a demand on it. You can look at some of my posts, it shows what the app records when it's used.

Here is one of the pages of information from it.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/46963368

Do your smartphones pair with a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor?

I love my Windows 7 smartphone, but would never substitute it for my Garmin Edge 800.

I don't believe I'm smart enough to use a "Smart Phone". :eek:

I'm tired and burnt out and not in the mood to learn how to use the myriad of techno-gizmos that are flooding the market these days. I am close to mastering the use of my inexpensive Cateye and Avocet bike computers and damn proud of that accomplishment!! I would prefer to live a simpler life devoid of expensive and seemingly quirky equipment.

My daughters seem to be very adept at navigating through their various fancy gadgets though, and are quite satisfied with the apps etc.

Of course I know that I'm in the minority here, but as Popeye used to lamnet "I am what I am.". :D

No, mine does not monitor heart rate and cadence, my Cat Eye does that though,, between both I am happy.

I don't believe I'm smart enough to use a "Smart Phone". :eek:

I'm tired and burnt out and not in the mood to learn how to use the myriad of techno-gizmos that are flooding the market these days. I am close to mastering the use of my inexpensive Cateye and Avocet bike computers and damn proud of that accomplishment!! I would prefer to live a simpler life devoid of expensive and seemingly quirky equipment.

My daughters seem to be very adept at navigating through their various fancy gadgets though, and are quite satisfied with the apps etc.

Of course I know that I'm in the minority here, but as Popeye used to lamnet "I am what I am.". :D

So, why on on earth did you even open this thread much less comment on it???

J.

I have the Magellan app on my iphone...works great for navigation, but never checked for accuracy on miles travelled, etcc

I use Google My Tracks on my android. It does everything I need quite well.

I also use Google Latitude, so my wife can see where I am, so she doesn't have to call to ask when I'll be getting home.

Pretty amazing tech for free, IMHO.

I use MotionX-GPS on my iPhone 4. The battery lasts 4 hours but it doesn't last 8. I had a Garmin GPS before it died on a flash update. Garmin's do that.

I use my iPhone in a ibike setup, to keep track of and analyze my rides. It records where I go (has a moving map), speed, cadence, heart rate (I did not get the power option). I can send the data via an email to my computer for collection of data and analysis, I can then bring the ride up on Google earth. The box the iPhone sits in is waterproof (I have used it in the rain) and I can see it in direct sunlight. The is a battery in the box so my phone isn't drained by a ride. Everything is just so easy with the ibike setup. I'm carrying the phone on rides anyway so using it for ride data and gps as well eliminates the need to carry two devices. The best thing is that you can customize screens to give you just the data you want. It's nice.

Well as far as the baterry on my Motorola I1, I took the phone off the charger this morning at 0800, checked my work emails, went on a 2 hour ride where I used My tracks, came home uploaded the data to Google maps, checked email 3 more times thru the day, made 2 phone calles and direct connect for 2 convesations and the meter on my phone still shows a full charge.

MotionX-GPS
iPhone 3GS

works great - I use it daily on my mountain bike and street bike. I ride a lot where there is no cell phone service and the GPS records perfectly. The APP allows me to use a variety of maps while riding including GoogleEarth images. It has a nice AutoPause that stops/starts recording automatically. It is quite precise in tracking when put in Automatic mode or Bicycle mode. I overlay the recorded track onto Google Earth and it follows tight windy trails and paths very nicely.

IF I want to have detailed maps of the area with no cell service - I download the maps, at whatever level of detail I want, before I go out to ride.

I also download Google Earth images before I go ride and can then display them in place of the map.

on my iPhone3GS the MotionX-GPS & location services uses about 25% - 30% of the battery PER HOUR. I carry a Duracell LiIon battery model PPS2 (about 3 oz weight) and connect it to my iPhone with the USB cable. The Duracell gives me another 3 - 5 hours of tracking.

MotionX-GPS records .kmz files that can be e-mailed, saved, and viewed in Google Earth.

The APP interfaces with the camera in the phone and will make geotagged photos that can be linked to the track it produces.

I've been looking at Garmin stuff but don't see what more I would get for my simple needs - track, pace, altitude, gain/loss in elevation.

I have a 2GB/month data plan and have never used more than 750 - 900MB even when downloading many maps.

So, why on on earth did you even open this thread much less comment on it???

J.

Um, 'cause the OP asked?

Nope. I ride all weather and they haven't made a smart phone yet that survives a good soaking. As a previous poster mentioned, they are lousy in bright sunlight. 300 and change for a Garmin Edge 500. Money well spent.

The view of the screen in sunlight seems to be more of a model specific problem. I have never had a problem reading mine. Second, true nothing electronc is truly water proof, some are more water resistant than others, but got caught today in the strorms moving out of the gulf and got drenched, no problems from the phone.

Nope. I ride all weather and they haven't made a smart phone yet that survives a good soaking. As a previous poster mentioned, they are lousy in bright sunlight. 300 and change for a Garmin Edge 500. Money well spent.

I use a ziplock snack-size bag in wet or dusty conditions.

Works like a charm.

I use a ziplock snack-size bag in wet or dusty conditions.

Works like a charm.


+100

You can even still use the touch screen through the ziplock baggy.

I use a ziplock snack-size bag in wet or dusty conditions.

Works like a charm.
Just curious how that mounts to the stem or bars?

Just curious how that mounts to the stem or bars?

I do it like this:
http://lifehacker.com/5747897/how-to-build-a-car-mount-for-your-cellphone-from-office-supplies

It works for the handlebars too. Stem is to big around.

I use Cyclemeter iPhone App, and I love it. Get great battery life with the display off. Also tracks walks and Runs. When you are done, it emails the stats to you, and will even post it on Twitter or Facebook. Here is the map you get: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/95d1/767d/4e62/dae9/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110904-1633.kml

Best $4.99 I've spent. More accurate calorie burn, and it will announce over speaker at intervals you set.

That is where I am going with my questions. I carry a phone as well but in a ziploc in my jersey pocket. It sounds like most people are using them as recorders rather than real time info use. I like to know heart rate zones and trends as well as cadence, watts, grade and speed but I want it in front of me, not jammed in a pocket.

We all have different applications for the information so need different equipment. Right tool for the job I guess.

Personally, I can not afford a Garmin at the moment. I do however own a Blackberry. Coupled with a GPS puck I track all my rides. I do not use it as a mapping device on the bike, rather as a record keeping tool. The app I use on the BlackBerry is GPSed. It uploads to GPSed.com automatically, then I simply download the gpx file then distribute it to any tracking site I wish to such as MapMyRide, Ridewithgps.com or Strava.com. Like I said, I use this simply for keeping my tracks (where I've ridden). As far as battery life, it does eat battery. I do hope I can get enough battery to track my MS City to shore ride in a few weeks. :-)

I use map my ride on my iPhone for short 20-30 mile rides since the battery life does not last much past that...

I use a Topeak dry bag mounted on my stem.... Works great and keeps it dry and comphy...
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1105935_-1___


http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx117/Bytor_Photo2112/IMG_9833.jpg

That is where I am going with my questions. I carry a phone as well but in a ziploc in my jersey pocket. It sounds like most people are using them as recorders rather than real time info use. I like to know heart rate zones and trends as well as cadence, watts, grade and speed but I want it in front of me, not jammed in a pocket.

We all have different applications for the information so need different equipment. Right tool for the job I guess.

Cadence is about the only thing I watch on a regular basis, sometimes speed and average, but I can generally "feel" where they are if my cadence is within a certain range on a certain type of terrain. Ditto my heart rate.

All that other detail stuff is recorded on my google My Tracks.

I just can't see myself looking at a moving map when I'm in traffic doing 20+ mph.

I use Endomondo because it gives me an audio update every mile, I keep the phone in my pocket. Before I used My Tracks. The nice thing about My Tracks is if you don't have a data signal it track you on a blank map and fills it in when you get a data signal. At least it did on my EVO.

Does anyone know how to post your rides from an app to the "Where'd you ride today" threads in most of the forums? I know I can export to .gpx but I don't know what to do with it from there.

MY smart phone does it all. No need for a separate GPS, camera, video camera, computer(real one), radio, mp3 player, flashlight, etc, etc, etc. I use it to track my ride but use a cheap cyclocomputer because I don't want the phone vulnerable to a fall or the elements. I like a multi-tasker. I hate numerous individual items, each with their own power supply/cord/batteries, etc.
Droid X does!

I use Cyclemeter iPhone App, and I love it. Get great battery life with the display off. Also tracks walks and Runs. When you are done, it emails the stats to you, and will even post it on Twitter or Facebook. Here is the map you get: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/95d1/767d/4e62/dae9/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110904-1633.kml

Best $4.99 I've spent. More accurate calorie burn, and it will announce over speaker at intervals you set.

Agreed! One thing - on a day long ride, it WILL run the battery down. Mine lasted from full charge to DOA six hours. I do really like the features of Cyclometer, though, and for short rides and runs it's great.

I use my Garmin edge 305 as my primary computer for rides now.

I used a Garmin eTrex and bought bike mounts for it, but ditched it for Endomondo on my Android phone. Much more compact, love auto-uploads, plus has much better maps. My phone's battery doesn't last much longer than 5 hours, but I can get an extended battery.

I use my iphone with some cycling apps a few times, not very accurate but ok.

Zombie thread alert!

I don't believe I'm smart enough to use a "Smart Phone". :eek:

I'm tired and burnt out and not in the mood to learn how to use the myriad of techno-gizmos that are flooding the market these days. I am close to mastering the use of my inexpensive Cateye and Avocet bike computers and damn proud of that accomplishment!! I would prefer to live a simpler life devoid of expensive and seemingly quirky equipment.

My daughters seem to be very adept at navigating through their various fancy gadgets though, and are quite satisfied with the apps etc.

Of course I know that I'm in the minority here, but as Popeye used to lamnet "I am what I am.". :D

Me too.

My phone doesn't have any apps that don't start with me saying "Hello." I don't have a smart phone, I have a dumb a** phone and I neither know nor care it that describes the hardware or the user..

Map My Tracks for IPhone....works well and is free