What To Look For
GPS cycling computers offer cyclists detailed maps of many bicycle trails and paths crisscrossing the U.S. Many GPS units also offer full cyclometer options including current speed, max speed and distance. online GPS resource, and GPS Tracklog. Road bicyclists and mountain bikers may desire different GPS units. Bicycle route map providers, such as the Adventure Cycling Association does on its website, offer GPS markings for route map assistance. Cyclists may download several GPS route maps for local or distance rides. Quality GPS bicycle computers mount directly to bicycle handlebars or stems for easy viewing. Cyclists desiring the least hills while riding should look for a GPS unit with topography features.
Common Pitfalls
Many cyclists attempt to use portable GPS navigators, such as cell phones, in place of cycling GPS units. While this works fine for directions, phones often do not mount directly on a bicycle and require a free hand to operate. Also, most other portable GPS devices do not offer cyclometer options that bicycle GPS computers come equipped with. GPS units cannot operate in every area and, though uncommon, may experience signal loss or interference. A GPS unit works best in tandem with a quality map.
Where To Buy
Cyclists may purchase quality GPS cycling computers at local bicycle shops and through several online distributors. Local bicycle shops will likely have a knowledgeable staff with GPS experience. Most bicycle shops will install GPS units as well. Cyclists may acquire GPS routes and maps, often for free or a small fee, as downloadable online content through a variety of distributors. Rugged outdoor versions with topography often sell in mountain bicycle shops. Sleek lightweight versions, perfect for road riding and training, often sell in road bicycle shops. Retailers typically stock several models in a single brand of cycling GPS.
Cost
GPS technology represents a relatively new advance in the cycling computer world. As such, most systems cost upwards of $100. Advanced models offering heart rate monitors and barometric altimeters often cost over $500. Many cyclists find GPS maps or map addendums free through a variety of online map distributors. Some map distributors require the purchase of a map before the cyclists may download the GPS map features. As GPS technology grows and more cyclists begin purchasing these computers, the costs will likely drop considerably, as did the price of the original cyclometers, which were little more than computerized speedometers.
Member Comments