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Bike GPS systems
flak monkey - 10/5/11 at 09:30 AM

I am looking for a GPS system suitable for use on the bikes, planning on going on some touring type rides soon and it would be really handy.

Anyone have any recommendations for suitable systems? They seem very expensive compared to car ones anyway...

britishtrident - 10/5/11 at 09:37 AM

Android Smart Phone with GPS such as the Orange San Francisco

designer - 10/5/11 at 09:38 AM

I have a German car set, made a magnetic mount for the tank and then go through a set of phones.

Peteff - 10/5/11 at 09:39 AM

Givi cover to take an ordinary set which fastens on the bars might do it.

Miks15 - 10/5/11 at 09:53 AM

im considering making somesort of mount for my HTC desire. The google navigation on that is very good i find.

David Jenkins - 10/5/11 at 10:32 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Miks15
im considering making somesort of mount for my HTC desire. The google navigation on that is very good i find.


I got one of these for use in my tin-top - I didn't get it from these people (mine was cheaper) but it's the same thing. Surprisingly good for the price.

If you want to make your own mount then the bit that holds the phone is removable - it has a square plate that slides into a socket, so you could probably use that on your own base.


[Edited on 10/5/11 by David Jenkins]

blakep82 - 10/5/11 at 10:39 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Miks15
im considering making somesort of mount for my HTC desire. The google navigation on that is very good i find.


she sounds like a prison warden though
yes, android phone with the navigation that comes on them is very good. you will need it plugged to power in though really. also, if you have a good data package, google maps with streetview! i can't remember how you get it to do streetview, but it does. i've seen it

McLannahan - 10/5/11 at 10:55 AM

I don't personally think a mobile phone based solution would be very easy to use on a m/bike!

I would recommend TomTom Rider. The touch screen works through gloves (unlike most normal versions). It has a more simplified screen (for simple riders )and they're waterproof (rain proof is more accurate - not sure they would survive a good swim in the sea) and they've a more rugged durable case too, built in sun visor, decent mount....

Miks15 - 10/5/11 at 10:57 AM

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
quote:
Originally posted by Miks15
im considering making somesort of mount for my HTC desire. The google navigation on that is very good i find.


I got one of these for use in my tin-top - I didn't get it from these people (mine was cheaper) but it's the same thing. Surprisingly good for the price.

If you want to make your own mount then the bit that holds the phone is removable - it has a square plate that slides into a socket, so you could probably use that on your own base.


[Edited on 10/5/11 by David Jenkins]


Yeh it was that sort of thing i was thinking of. However i wont really be doing any road trips soon so unlikely to need one yet but when i do (planning some in the future) i will definitely look in to making one. Cheers for the suggestion.

adithorp - 10/5/11 at 11:18 AM

I use TomTom rider in the Fury. As said it's waterproof and usable with gloves. It also comes as standard with h/bar mount and bluetooth helmet headset. It doesn't have a built in speaker though so you do need to buy the in car mount for speaker option.

All the bike specific ones are more expensive than standard though.

flak monkey - 10/5/11 at 12:51 PM

Thanks will have a look. Tomtom Rider seems to start at over £300...will have to save the pennies!

I use my phone as GPS in the car, but its not great to be honest (probably as my software is 4 years old...) And I wouldnt want to use that on a bike either.

sickbag - 10/5/11 at 01:07 PM

I put my Garmin Nuvi in the map section of my tank bag - it's waterproof and the plastic 'window' is far enough forward for good visibility in all conditions. I don't worry about the voice directions as I only use it as a rough guide and use road signs for the actual directions.

franky - 10/5/11 at 01:57 PM

Look for a garmin quest.

About £50 on ebay. fully water proof, very reliable, 6 hours on battery if needed. Old but still the best for 2 wheels(IMO)