NAVIGATE: SMART FROM A TO B
Training computer, navigation device or classic bike computer. There is a suitable device for almost every purpose. But all you have to do is reach into your own trouser pocket and you have a complete solution in your hand. Modern smartphones are equipped with all the necessary sensors to turn them into highly functional bike computers at little cost. GPS sensors and even Glonass sensors in high-quality devices determine your location (Android users can check whether their device supports the Russian Glonass system with the AndroiTS GPS Test Free app). Bluetooth chips establish a wireless connection to speed, cadence or power meters. And the internet is packed with clever apps for navigation and training control, which you can often download to your smartphone completely free of charge.
We show you how to turn your mobile phone into the ultimate touring companion and training tool. The large, high-resolution displays on smartphones are particularly useful for navigation. Special GPS devices are optimised for use with vector maps and often only display the much more beautiful raster maps in pixelated form.
Smartphones rarely reach their limits with either map format. Another plus point: the MOBAC (Mobile Atlas Creator) software can be used to convert rasterised online maps for use on a smartphone. This makes it easy to create the actually expensive raster maps yourself, free of charge. After selecting the desired online map and the target format, the section is defined using a selection rectangle. MOBAC then downloads the required map tiles from the Internet, packs them into a file which can then be exported to the smartphone. However, if you want to use your mobile phone for routing, you still need the much more complex vector maps. But you can now also find them on the internet. On the Openandromaps website, ready-to-use vector maps are available for download. The map image can be customised to personal requirements using so-called TYP files. Cost: free, but the developers are happy to receive a small fee. We present three recommended apps for smartphone navigation in the box on the right.
SMARTPHONE VS. GPS DEVICE
Smartphones are already being used diligently for navigation in cars and cities. However, there are still a few serious disadvantages when using them as outdoor signposts.
PLUS
- According to studies, around three quarters of Germans already own a smartphone. Most bikers have their device with them on tour anyway.
- The large displays offer significantly better resolution and show raster maps in greater detail.
- Permanent internet reception allows you to spontaneously pull tours from the numerous portals. What's more, every user is sure to find the right app for their taste among the countless apps.
- Depending on the model, the battery of a GPS device usually lasts seven hours or more. The batteries of some devices can also be easily replaced.
- GPS reception depends on the quality of the antenna. This is usually better in a special GPS device.
- GPS devices made for outdoor use are dustproof and waterproof, do not require a special cover and can often be additionally secured to the holder.
MINUS
- Weak batteries are still the biggest drawback. After around two to three hours, it usually comes to an end.
- Only special outdoor devices are shock and water resistant. For all other models, there are only a few really recommendable cases and holders.
- Buying a GPS device is expensive. Good models usually cost more than 300 euros.
- The displays cannot keep up with the resolution of smartphones. Problems arise in particular when raster maps are used.
- They are usually operated using buttons and are generally less intuitive than smartphones.
THE BEST SAT NAV APPS
Oruxmaps
Very comprehensive, clear and free app for managing tracks and maps. Handling vector maps based on OSM and raster maps is easy. Online maps can be edited directly from the app for offline use. Available for: Android
Locus Map
The basic functions of the comprehensive and easy-to-use app are free of charge. For 8.50 euros, free online raster maps can be used or additional chargeable maps can be imported. It is also possible to convert online to offline-usable raster maps. Available for: Android
Galileo Offline Maps
Vector maps can be used here free of charge. However, track recording and offline maps are subject to a charge. Garmin-compatible vector maps such as those from the Openmtbmap project are recommended. Loaded tiles are stored directly in the device's memory and are available offline. Available for: Android and iPhone
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 3/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
BLUETOOTH SENSORS
Polar H7 heart rate sensor
The particularly soft soft strap of the Polar chest strap is much more comfortable to wear than the plastic straps of days gone by. In addition, it not only reliably transmits the heart rate to Polar training devices, but also to most common Android or iOS devices and is also recognised by most training apps.
Price: 69,95 Euro
Info: www.polar.com
BBB Bluecombo+
Clever little chap: The BlueCombo+ sensor not only transmits speed and cadence data to the end devices via Bluetooth Smart, but also via the older ANT+ standard. This means you are not limited to your smartphone on your rides, but can also use a classic bike computer if required.
Price: 59,95 Euro
Info: www.bbbcycling.com
Wahoo RPM Speed/Cadence
Barely bigger than a lozenge and yet packed with technology. The RPM sensors work magnet-free and send the data to the end device via Bluetooth or ANT+. The speed sensor is simply attached to the front wheel hub. The cadence sensor can be attached to the crank or the cycling shoe.
Price39.99 euros (set: 69.99 euros)
Info: www.wahoofitness.com
4iii Innovations Precision Powermeter
At just 9 grams, it is probably the lightest power meter on the market. It can be used on one or both sides of the set and is said to deliver a measurement accuracy of less than +/- 1 per cent. The 4iii
Precision can be mounted on existing cranks and transmits via Bluetooth to the most common apps and training devices.
Pricefrom 376,99 Euro
Info: www.4iiii.com
EXERCISE: GET FITTER WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
Bluetooth is the magic word for training enthusiasts. Just a few years ago, bike sensors could only be connected to a smartphone via an extra antenna (dongle) - back then, data was almost exclusively sent via ANT+ and then had to be sent to the home PC for analysis. Today, almost any type of sensor can be connected to a mobile phone via the energy-saving Bluetooth Smart standard. Chest strap, cadence sensor or power meter - the possibilities for collecting data digitally are almost limitless. The range of suitable apps for training control is also constantly growing, and the right analysis tool is usually already installed. This gives you an overview of your own performance immediately after the ride. You can then analyse your training in the app and, ideally, plan your next session in advance.
Whether you want to use your smartphone display as a simple speedometer or keep an eye on all your performance data at all times, the app store has the right application for every taste. We have picked out three of the best applications for you in the box on the right.
THE BEST TRAINING APPS
Training Peaks:
The largest training platform for free is available for iOS and Android. Training plans, workouts and analyses can be conveniently controlled from your mobile phone. Even with a free account, Training Peaks can be used as a comprehensive training diary. If you want to take your training seriously and are looking for all the analysis options, you can upgrade to the premium version. The app is also recommended for athletes who work with a trainer.
Wahoo Fitness:
Cycling, running, indoor training and much more. The free app for iOS and Android is particularly suitable for athletes who practise many sports, can be linked to many sensors and records all relevant data as well as watt values. The app is easy to use and yet ideal for data collectors who want to upload their training directly to various platforms (Dropbox, Training Peaks, 2Peaks, etc.).
Cyclemeter GPS:
Customisable app with many functions that can even be controlled by voice command. Previously travelled routes can be divided into splits so that training progress can be recognised more quickly. Automated e-mail dispatch and detailed training analyses as well as the connection to all Bluetooth sensors work very well. Unfortunately, the app is not available for Android, but can also be used for running or roller training.
REFUELLING: MORE POWER FOR THE BATTERY
Smartphones are hungry, they literally crave power and drain their battery within a few hours. This is due to the large backlit displays and the apps and applications that are constantly running in the background. If you as a biker don't want to find yourself disorientated halfway through a tour, your smartphone needs to be supplied with an external power source. There are plenty of power banks and additional batteries available, but only very few of them are suitable for tough off-road use. They only work reliably if they are dustproof, waterproof and shockproof. We have found a small selection of usable power stations. The NC-17 Connect Appcon GT#1 offers bikers who want to equip themselves for multi-day outdoor adventures a completely self-sufficient power supply. However, this requires a hub dynamo. Son and Shutter Precision now also build dynamos with a 15-millimetre thru-axle. Equipped with converter electronics, the Appcon brings the voltage of the dynamo to a USB-compatible 5 V. The large buffer battery compensates for the fluctuating power and ensures a constant charging current. The Appcon also measures barometric altitude, temperature and speed and can be connected to a smartphone via an app.
MOBILE POWER FOR SMARTPHONE USERS
NC-17 Connect Appcon GT#1
On-board power for dynamo users. The Appcon GT#1 provides enough juice to power a smartphone continuously at speeds of just over 12 km/h. Excess energy is stored in the buffer battery and released when required or when stationary.
Price: 149,95 Euro
Weight: 123 gram
Performance3000 mAh / DC 5V 1A
Charging timeapprox. 8 hours
Info: www.nc-17shop.de
Topeak Mobile PowerPack
Mounted under the stem or on the top tube to save space, the waterproof PowerPack charges up to two devices simultaneously. An iPhone can easily be recharged twice. Charging is only prohibited in the rain.
Price: 89,95 Euro
Weight: 149 gram
Performance6000 mAh / DC 5V 1A
Charging timeapprox. 8 hours
Info: en.topeak.com
Topeak RIDECASE WITH POWERPACK
Perfect protection, a stable mount for the stem and an additional battery - Topeak combines the three most important functions in one case. The iPhone remains fully operable, while the PowerPack roughly doubles the battery life.
Price: 139,95 Euro
Weight: 162 grammes
Performance3150 mAh / DC 5V 1A
Charging timeapprox. 5 hours
Info: en.topeak.com
ZNEX emergency power
The mobile charging station for smartphones is simply attached to the bottle cage and makes bikers independent of the power socket for days on end. Two devices can be charged simultaneously via the waterproof and fast 2.1A output.
Price: 89,95 Euro
Weight: 286 gram
Performance: 10000 mAh / DC 5V 2.1A
Charging timeapprox. 7 hours
Info: www.znex.de
PROTECT: CASES AND HOLDERS FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE
In addition to a powerful additional battery, smartphones for outdoor use need one thing above all: reliable protection. Very few models are protected against dust and splash water, and in the event of a fall, the expensive gadget would probably just be electronic scrap. A robust, ideally waterproof case with a sturdy holder is therefore a must. IPhone users have a clear advantage here. Due to widespread use and long product life cycles, many companies develop special holders for Apple devices. Anyone who owns an Android or Windows device is often faced with a problem: the variety of models is simply too great to cover all the products available on the market. This often leaves you with no choice but to resort to a universal mount. However, this only offers protection from the elements in very few cases and is usually much bulkier than the special covers. The only other option is a special outdoor smartphone, which is already protected against dust and rain. Each manufacturer offers its own solution for attaching the smartphone. The screw-on stem mounts from NC-17, Herbert Richter or Topeak hold the smartphone in place better and more securely than rubber O-rings or cable ties.
UNIVERSAL BRACKETS
If you can't find a suitable case for your smartphone or have an outdoor model, you can also attach your mobile phone to the handlebars or stem with a universal mount.
NC-17 Connect 3D Universal holder
Price 24,98 Euro
Info www.nc-17shop.de
Weight* 69 / 103 g
Suitable for Smartphones from 56 x 114 mm to 92 x 182 mm in size and up to 12.5 mm thick
Special features Rack and pinion drive with locking mechanism for adjusting the holding arms, robust aluminium holder for stem
RATING
Assembly 8 out of 10 points
Bracket 9 out of 10 points
Operation 10 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The robust aluminium holder is permanently mounted on the stem. The holder is screwed on using a ball head and can be rotated 360 degrees and adjusted in viewing angle. The four holding arms can be adjusted over a large area and securely hold even large smartphones in place using a rack and pinion drive with integrated locking mechanism. Three soft pads allow the holder to be adjusted to the thickness of the device used. This makes it possible to clamp smartphones including a protective cover with a thickness of up to 12.5 millimetres in the holder.
HR Grip Bike Mount / iPhone 5c
Price 17,95 / 13,95 Euro
Info www.hr-imotion.com
Weight* 26 / 75 g
Suitable for Various Apple and Samsung devices, optional dust and waterproof universal cases
Special features Mounting bracket with stand, freely rotatable bracket for stem mounting
RATING
Assembly 9 out of 10 points
Bracket 7 out of 10 points
Operation 10 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The Richter 4QuickFix system is one of the most flexible fixing systems on the market. The centrepiece is the 4-hole grid system. The connection between the base and the device holder is released by pressing the buttons on the side. Various models are available for stem or handlebar mounting on the bike. There are even suitable holders for car navigation systems. Custom-fit HR Grip holders are available for the most popular Apple and Samsung models. All connections and buttons remain freely accessible, but there is no protective function.
Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor:
The smartphone offers almost endless possibilities for navigation and training. However, I find it hard to get used to the huge device on the cockpit and the worry about my expensive mobile phone. A smaller but robust display
display that serves as a mirror for the smartphone would be the ideal solution for me.
MODEL-SPECIFIC BRACKETS
They protect the smartphone from dust and splash water or, in the best case, are even completely waterproof - a comparison of four protective cases for iPhone users.
Biologic Bike Mount Plus
Price 29,95 Euro
Info www.thinkbiologic.com
Weight* / Protection class 127 / 175 g / IPX4
Suitable for iPhone 6/6s; 5/5s
Special features Accessible and sealed connections, integrated stand, audio openings
RATING
Mounting / Bracket 7 out of 10 points
Readability 6 out of 10 points
Operation 6 out of 10 points
Protective function 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The chunky case packs the mobile phone securely and shockproof. The ports are protected from splashes inside the case. The display is easy to use, but appears dull and slightly reflective. The home button is difficult to operate. The volume control and Touch ID are not available on the iPhone 5 version. Although the holder looks clunky and cumbersome, it also offers useful details such as a screw lock and a rasterised rotation function. This allows the case to be rotated 360 degrees on the mount. Handlebar and stem mounting are possible.
Catalyst Case
Price 74,99 Euro
Info www.catalystcase.com
Weight* / Protection class 46 / 210 g / IP-68
Suitable for iPhone 7/7 Plus; 6/6s/Plus; 5/5s/SE, 4/4s
Special features All buttons can be operated, connections accessible and sealed, Touch ID compatible
RATING
Mounting / bracket 5 out of 10 points
Readability 9 out of 10 points
Operation 10 out of 10 points
Protective function 9 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The slim cover seals the mobile phone completely watertight. Nevertheless, all buttons and connections remain accessible. Operation is just as easy as without the cover. The display appears clear and without reflections. To attach the smartphone to the bike, you also need the Multi Sport Mount for 48.99 euros. Although this is individually adjustable thanks to its ball head, it is very bulky and has difficulties with the large lever of the mobile phone when off-road. Good: the mounting plate for the smartphone has a lock function and is also compatible with GoPro accessories.
Annex Quad Lock
Price 69,95 Euro
Info www.quadlockcase.eu
Weight* / Protection class 53 / 76 g / water-repellent
Suitable for iPhone 7/7 Plus; 6/6s/Plus; 5/5s/SE
Special features Connections only accessible without rain cover, rotating function integrated in the holder
RATING
Mounting / bracket 7 out of 10 points
Readability 7 out of 10 points
Operation 6 out of 10 points
Protective function 6 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The Quad-Lock case fits snugly, but offers less protection than other models. The display is sufficiently clear, but is more reflective than without the cover. In addition, it can no longer be operated as securely under the thick plastic, and the Touch ID function is also not available. The rain cover covers the ports and the volume down button. The case snaps securely into the compact holder with a quarter-turn and light pressure. The smartphone can be mounted vertically and horizontally as well as on the handlebars and stem. A tip is the screwed out-front mount from the accessories.
Topeak Weatherproof RideCase
Price 69,95 Euro
Info en.topeak.com
Weight* / Protection class 68 / 122 g / IPX6
Suitable for iPhone 6/6s Plus; 5/5s/SE
Special features All buttons can be operated, connections accessible and sealed, Touch ID compatible
RATING
Mounting / Bracket 10 out of 10 points
Readability 8 out of 10 points
Operation 9 out of 10 points
Protective function 8 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION The mobile phone fits neatly into the RideCase without any fiddling. The case is highly water-repellent and sits comfortably in the hand thanks to its rubberised sides. The dis-
play is clearly displayed through the protective film, but tends to reflect somewhat. The usability is excellent and all buttons and connections, with the exception of the mute button, can be reached. The elegant aluminium holder is screwed onto the stem cap, sits securely and can be adjusted in angle. The case engages firmly with an audible click and can then be orientated up or down.
*BIKE measurement, cover only / cover including bracket
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 3/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
