Using iPod Touch as a Bike Computer

Eric Norris

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Aug 28, 2013, 9:47:13 AM8/28/13

to randon

Does anybody on this list have experience using an iPod Touch as a GPS-enabled bike computer?

–Eric N
Sent from iOS 7

NormC

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Aug 28, 2013, 11:06:12 AM8/28/13

to ran...@googlegroups.com

The iPod Touch doesn't have a built-in GPS receiver (it relies on WiFi signals for approximating geolocation). Given that it's useless as a GPS as soon as it is outside the range of any WiFi, it's not very useful as a bike computer. There may be add-on accessories that overcome this limitation, but given the iPod will still have all the disadvantages of a smartphone-as-GPS (delicate, not waterproof, poor battery life, difficult to operate with gloves on), you'd probably be better off just buying a GPS unit.

-Norm

Russ Loomis

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Aug 28, 2013, 12:14:27 PM8/28/13

to NormC, ran...@googlegroups.com

I use a Garmin GPS if I am doing and specific route like a brevet. However, during my usual riding I use my iPhone with the cyclemeter app. This has worked great for me and does everything a cycle computer will do plus more. They sell waterproof bike mounts and other accessories if you want. I can get about 8 hrs of riding with the phone battery. If I need more I charge the phone with my hub.

Russ
Sent from my iPhone

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Charles Coldwell

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Aug 28, 2013, 12:55:51 PM8/28/13

to Russ Loomis, NormC, ran...@googlegroups.com

On Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 12:14 PM, Russ Loomis <cycle...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I use a Garmin GPS if I am doing and specific route like a brevet. However,
> during my usual riding I use my iPhone with the cyclemeter app.

I'm also a big fan of the Cyclemeter app.

--
Charles M. Coldwell, W1CMC
Belmont, Massachusetts, New England
"Turn on, log in, tune out"

keithmo

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Aug 30, 2013, 10:24:36 PM8/30/13

to ran...@googlegroups.com

I occasionally use the Dual XPS150A (http://gps.dualav.com/explore-by-product/xgps150a/) Bluetooth GPS with my current-generation iPod Touch. I've had mixed results with this combination. The Bluetooth link between the two units seems fragile; the iPod regularly goes "catatonic" and stops receiving data from the GPS. Sometimes this can be fixed by repairing the two units, but often the only solution is to hard reboot the iPod. Plus, as NormC mentions, there's no connectivity when your out of WiFi range, so no moving map.