E-bike sat navs for retrofitting
Support level, speed, distance travelled and - above all - the remaining range: Strictly speaking, that's all you need to know as an e-bike pedalist. But perhaps it would be nice if the display on the handlebars could show a little more information. Touring cyclists in particular, who want to discover new areas, would like to be able to follow pre-researched tours using GPS data, for example. Even better would be a powerful navigation system to guide you to new destinations individually and ideally on scenic routes suitable for cycling or city routes with little traffic.
Mobile GPS devices that can do this already exist, but an additional device next to the e-bike display neither makes the bike more attractive nor easier to use. There are two sensible options: either retrofitting a higher-quality device that combines the desired navigation and control capabilities of the bike and replaces the standard simple display, or using your own smartphone - if available - for the aforementioned requirements.
E-bike sat navs for retrofitting are usually mounted on the bracket instead of the existing display and operated via the thumb controller on the handlebar end; ideally, the devices communicate smoothly with the on-board electronics for the e-bike control system.
However, it is not easy for the manufacturers of sat nav devices to extend the range of functions of their devices so that they can be integrated into the motor control of pedelecs, as the drive manufacturers do not open up their control software - or only in individual cases. As a result, the range of such retrofit solutions is currently quite limited. Below we present combined e-bike control centres with navigation for retrofitting and clarify whether the extra cost is worthwhile.
POWER CONNECTION
Power for the sat nav or smartphone from the bike battery is generally not a problem; Brose offers a standard USB socket for this, while Bosch, Panasonic and Impulse offer a micro-USB connection. Adapters are available to connect different plugs. The iPhone's Lightning connection can be combined with micro USB, but this may cause problems when charging the mobile phone.
WHAT'S COMING TO THE MARKET SOON
- Conti eBike system: Second-screen concept with fitness and performance functions, weather data and navigation.
- Specialised Plus Garmin Edge: The Turbo-Levo drive transmits data via ANT+ to Garmin devices from the Edge series with the free Specialized app.
- Hibike eConnect: System for digital networking of the bike. With GPS-based monitoring function, automatic emergency text message and tour diary of recently travelled routes
The complete article was published in E-BIKE issue 1/2017. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
###new-page###Guide: E-BIKE displays & operating systemsRating Bosch Nyon
BOSCH NYON
The pioneer for pedelec motors offers the Nyon display as a complete system that integrates e-bike control, navigation and fitness functions.
Bosch's Nyon system, together with the ebike-connect.com online portal and the eBike Connect smartphone app (for Android and iOS), provides a networked on-board computer for the e-bike. At 4.3 inches, the display is a good size and always easy to read in all lighting conditions. The device is well protected against moisture, but the display is susceptible to scratches.
Compared to the control satellite of the standard Bosch Intuvia system, the Nyon also has a small joystick, which can be used to conveniently control all relevant functions while riding without having to take your hands off the handlebars. However, it is not always entirely clear whether a sideways movement or pressure on the joystick is required for the next desired function. As Bosch has decided against a touch-sensitive display, the entire control is inevitably carried out via the home button and joystick; this can be quite fiddly when entering destinations. The Nyon is not capable of moving the map section, as is possible on mobile navigation devices and smartphone map apps. When changing pages a little slowly, you realise that the housing does not contain a particularly fast processor. However, Bosch has at least upgraded the storage space and now equips current models with 8 GB for maps, which the user can load onto the device individually via Wi-Fi. Destination entry and route calculation are thus possible offline.
Sporty riders can connect a Bluetooth chest strap to the Nyon and read off further performance values and fitness data in addition to the cadence. The ebike-connect.com online portal displays the recorded tours in an attractive format.
While most pedelec manufacturers charge around 300 euros extra for the Nyon system when buying a new bike, a retrofit costs around 550 euros. It also requires a firmware update, which can only be carried out by a specialist dealer. The Nyon can also be expanded via the eBike Connect smartphone app; for example, "customised riding modes" and a "topo range" are available as in-app purchases for just under €6 each.
Conclusion: With the Nyon, Bosch offers a good complete solution for city and touring cyclists. Faster hardware would be desirable for the next stage of development. A touchscreen, movable map sections and voice output for navigation would further enhance the system.
The complete article was published in E-BIKE issue 1/2017. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
###new-page###Guide: E-BIKE displays & operating systemsRating Impulse Evo navigation app
IMPULSE EVO NAVIGATION APP
The Impulse drive's display becomes a digital guide with the right app for your smartphone. The test shows how well this works in practice.
The Derby Cycle Group uses its own Impulse drive for its Kalkhoff and Raleigh e-bikes. The so-called second display principle is used for navigation, which means that the actual application is in a mobile app for the smartphone and the display on the bike acts as a screen. Advantage: The sensitive smartphone can remain well protected in the bag and sends the navigation instructions to the Evo Smart display via Bluetooth connection. The route guidance is limited to an arrow with the next change of direction, an indication of the distance to the junction and the name of the road ahead. When travelling overland, however, this form of navigation quickly reaches its limits; instructions that follow in quick succession are not easy to follow due to a lack of concrete points of reference in the terrain. In contrast, the system feels much more comfortable in the city, partly because street names - in the display and on signs - help with orientation. In this respect, this form of navigation suits our S-Pedelec test bike from Kalkhoff; in our experience, the Integrale 10 is an excellent commuter bike for the city.
The navigation app for smartphones is available free of charge for both Android and iOS smartphone operating systems. It is based on the relatively widespread bike app Naviki and, in addition to the specific Impulse look, offers some extras for free that are not included in the free Naviki app, for example additional profiles for planning city trips, cross-country or mountain bike tours. However, the additional options of the paid premium version of Naviki cannot be used in the Impulse app. However, if you already use the Naviki app and have planned tours stored in it, you can use these with the Impulse app, in addition to the classic destination entry via address, points of interest or the map.
A disadvantage of the Impulse app is the lack of offline mode for maps. The recalculation of the route, for example after leaving the planned route, is very delayed. It can happen that you have already travelled past the next planned turn-off, which immediately triggers a recalculation.
Conclusion: The Impulse app cannot replace a fully-fledged navigation system in conjunction with the existing display on the bike; the simple arrow navigation is often not clear and too slow.
The complete article was published in E-BIKE issue 1/2017. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
###new-page###Guide: E-BIKE displays & operating systemsRating Teasi Volt
TEASI VOLT
Navigation device specialist Teasi offers the "Volt" system for retrofitting to Brose and Ansmann drives.
The Teasi Volt - based on the well-known One3 model - for e-bikes replaces the display on bikes with a Brose mid-motor or Ansmann hub drive. Retrofitting - our test bike was a Steppenwolf Transterra with Brose drive - is very simple: you remove the original display, attach the Teasi and you're done. When you first start riding, however, you notice that the functions of the handlebar buttons used to select the support levels are reversed; pressing the usual button reduces the support instead of increasing it. The button assignment cannot be changed either.
After a short familiarisation phase, however, you realise that the Teasi navigation system is very easy to use overall. The cyclist controls everything except the choice of assistance level via the touch-sensitive display, although this always requires one hand to be taken off the handlebars: Switch on the lights, display the mileage and enter the address directly for quick navigation to your destination. The route suggestions are calculated completely offline and are mostly suitable for touring cyclists. However, it is better to plan complex tours with specific destinations that you would like to visit en route on your PC at home. Teasi offers the free Tahuna planning software for this purpose, which is customised for Teasi mobile devices. The display navigation along these pre-planned routes, which are then imported onto the device, works reliably. There is no voice navigation, but a range calculation based on the topography of the route is included. This function costs extra with the Bosch Nyon system. The Teasi can also be paired with a suitable chest strap via Bluetooth to display heart rate values.
The problem with the Teasi is that the processor is too weak. Route calculations and even the operation of the other functions are very sluggish and sometimes try your patience. The display is not particularly easy to read in strong sunlight. From time to time, the connection to the bike did not work after a break and required the device to be restarted. In our opinion, the Teasi is a good addition to the standard display of the Brose drive if the focus is on navigation - for example, you use the normal display in everyday life and the Teasi on tour and on holiday. A small disadvantage is that you have to get used to the button assignment for selecting the support level every time.
Conclusion: A good alternative to the standard display for leisure cyclists. Very easy to use and, at around 300 euros, good value for money.
The complete article was published in E-BIKE issue 1/2017. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
###new-page###Guide: E-BIKE displays & operating systemsRating Cobi
COBI
The long-announced and now finally available retrofit solution for e-bikes with Bosch drive. The special bracket and your own smartphone take centre stage.
The Frankfurt start-up Cobi offers a retrofit system for bikes with Bosch motors under the same name and calls it a "Connected Biking System". The centrepiece is the user's smartphone. Cobi is suitable for bikes with a Bosch drive and Intuvia display from model year 2014 onwards for upgrading and retrofitting. The conversion is done quickly. You remove the Intuvia display and attach the Cobi hub to the base, clamp the smartphone in the universal holder (there are suitable cases for iPhone 6 and 7) - and off you go. Charging cables for Android (Micro-USB) and iPhone (Lightning) are included to charge the smartphone from the bike battery. A weather protection cover is available for the iPhones, otherwise the smartphones used must be waterproof on their own.
To get the system up and running, you need to set up an account with Cobi and download and install the Cobi app (for Android and iOS) on your smartphone. A firmware update is also always required for the initial setup, which takes a relatively long time, which is why the charger should be connected to the bike, otherwise the Bosch motor will switch off in the meantime. Setting up the account is simple, and basic settings are also easy to make.
The Cobi app is controlled via the Bosch thumb controller on the pedelec while riding. After a short period of familiarisation, the three buttons are easy to use. On the main screen, the assistance level is selected as usual using the plus and minus buttons. If you select the map page for navigation, the buttons take over the zoom function. However, if you want to change the assistance level, you have to switch back to the main page.
Navigation based on the maps in the smartphone memory worked well in the test. If you also use the Komoot tour portal, which is very easy to integrate into the Cobi world, the range of functions increases even further. Tours planned with Komoot are imported online and used as a routing basis. The route is signposted with voice instructions, either via the loudspeaker or via a Bluetooth headset.
In addition to controlling the pedelec and navigation, Cobi offers even more functions. For example, you can access your music collection, use the device as a hands-free phone system and call up fitness functions. An electronic bell is also included, as is anti-theft protection in the form of an alarm signal that reacts to movement when the bike is parked. The basic Cobi-Sport package costs 250 euros. If you are currently riding a stylish city e-bike without a lighting system, you can order the complete system including headlight (with daytime running light function) and rear light for 340 euros. And of course Cobi can also upgrade any other bike (without an "E").
Conclusion: Cobi is a good retrofit system including navigation for e-bikes and bicycles. Regular updates keep it up to date and its performance increases with each new generation of smartphones. Cobi's range of functions is comparable to Bosch's Nyon system, but the retrofit is cheaper (apart from the smartphone).
The complete article was published in E-BIKE issue 1/2017. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
