GPS

If you have ever lost your way in the city or out of town, you know exactly why a GPS is golden! Discover new paths! Go on an adventure! Never ask for directions again!

Already have a GPS on your phone? Well, it is sucking your battery dry every minute! Get a separate GPS unit to be sure you always have enough juice in your phone, AND you know where you are every moment! You’re probably okay using your phone GPS if you never leave home for more than an hour or two, but after that, a dedicated GPS unit is the best idea.

If you have a GPS in your car, you know the benefits. But unlike the unit in your car, a bike GPS unit has a smaller screen and runs on a battery. Your car GPS runs on the car’s power, so although the bike unit is smaller, it actually might cost you more. The whole bike GPS unit must be smaller and lighter to carry around with you and somewhat aerodynamic. And of course, your bike GPS has to be waterproof and weatherproof, whereas your car unit is inside the car and protected from the weather.

Why Choose a GPS for Travelling on a Bike, E-Bike or Scooter

A GPS cycling computer uses satellites that track your position, accurately calculate your speed, the distance you travel, and tell the time without using magnets or wires. They keep a record of your route and collect data like your heart rate, power and cadence. You can then upload all that data into a ride-logging service that evaluates your performance - just for fun or serious training.

Like other digital gadgets, GPS units have evolved and changed rapidly, especially over the past few years. New models roll out all the time, and existing models have new features added and bugs fixed with regular firmware updates.

But the basic core functions of a GPS unit like displaying speed, time, distance, elevation, cadence, and your heart rate hasn’t changed. New features add value to the latest models. Some examples include:

• Navigation
• Smartphone pairing
• Incident detection
• Built-in coaching

These new features can improve your safety and fitness and add to the overall enjoyment of your rides. New, brighter, sharper screens make them easier to read. A smartphone app makes setup and customising quicker and easier.

The Best Screen on Your GPS

Colour screens make navigation easier because streets and points of interest are easier to identify. Colour also accentuates training data like your heart rate or power zones. A monochrome screen is probably enough for just reading numbers like your speed, distance, time, and elevation.

Touchscreens make setup and using functions easier—especially the navigation function—but be careful if you regularly wear gloves or get sweaty hands when you ride.

Features to Check Out

Many GPS units sync with your smartphone via Bluetooth. This works with a companion app to make setup and customisation quicker and easier. Some units offer push calls, so messages and other alerts go to the GPS, so you don’t need to use your phone mid-ride.

All these GPS units display and record basic ride information. Also, most offer turn guidance (“turn left in 50 meters”), but full-feature navigation is only on the highest-end units. For regular bike rides close to home, you won’t use those fancier features. But if you plan to go on adventures in unfamiliar territory, they become invaluable.

Notes On Battery Life

Every model claims a particular length of battery life. These can be optimistic because so many factors influence battery life:

• screen brightness
• recording intervals
• sensors
• smartphone links
• satellite connections
• temperature
• what’s on the screen
• colour maps

Most should go a few days of leisure rides after work or a long backcountry ride on one charge. Use the claimed battery life as a tool to compare the relative battery life of various units.

You’ll have lots of choices of different GPS units here at Eazyro.com. We work to collect the best value units, so you can get out and about, knowing you won’t get lost!