Originally Posted by
RNAV
What I've found most frustrating about turn-by-turn navigation for bikes is that it's designed to only be useful getting from point A to point B, versus point A -- circular route -- back to point A. It seems like something that would be so simple for app developers to incorporate, but they don't. And I don't feel like spending $400 to get this feature when I've already got an Edge 500 and a $600 iPhone.
I agree that turn-by-turn direction is helpful in various situations. I sometimes do group rides in unfamiliar territory and don't like pulling out the cue sheet or the phone to look at my location. Although I almost never need it, its nice to know when and where the next turn is coming up. It helps to gives others in the group the heads-up on an upcoming turn so there are no quick surprises.
But if you have the Edge 500, then why bother using the iPhone for this feature? Also, ridewithgps allows you to design a looped route or and out and back. This route can then be loaded onto the Edge 500 with turn-by-turn directions, so don't see the problem.