GPS Cycle Computers
A Guide to how GPS Cycle Computers work with your bike
GPS SatNavs are now commonplace in cars, but it is only recently that GPS has been adapted to work with cycling in mind. There is now a small selection of GPS Cycle Computers available. The number of models is expected to increase rapidly as there is a great variety of uses for computer aided navigation when cycling, whether in competition or for leisure.
We're also expecting the development of GPS Smartphones that can be used on or with cycle computers on bikes. We'll bring you more information soon on this subject, with some of the latest products.
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How you can use a GPS Cycle Computer
Obviously you could just use GPS on a bike to ease your journey from A to B, but that would never have been enough. The cycle computer came first and that has given the opportunity to combine GPS data with cycle training information, to provide all sorts of useful results for fitness and sports training.When first switched on, the GPS receiver on the cycle computer locks onto satellites and can maintain your location in forests and cities, with some limitations around high rise buildings, as the satellite signal can't pass through them.
However, once you position is known, all the data becomes available.
GPS Data
The GPS unit on your bike can calculate cycling speed, bearing, track and trip distances and with additional programming, you can also plot and record routes combined with other data.That means combinations including Cadence, Power output and Heart Rate. From this and by using GPS online software, you can plan anything from simple exercise cycling routes to complex long term training plans for competitive cyclists.
With some GPS cycle computers, you can also get access online to large amounts of cycle fitness training information and share and organise your own cycling training with others or a team.
GPS Maps
There are four types of map you can use with your GPS Cycle Computer.(1) Topographic Maps
These are maps for GPS that show contours, paths and tracks, so are very useful if you are going off road or are planning cycling routes based on hill training.
(2) Electronic Maps
These are similar to the ones you have in a car, that show your position on a electronic representation of the roads you are cyling along.
(3) Google Maps
Some GPS Computers will become able to function using Google Maps.
This particularly applies to various GPS Smartphones that are becoming available.
(4) Your own Maps !
Theres both fun and usefulness in being able to generate your own routes on a computer and then upload them into your Cycle Computer. If you like the sound of this, check the specifications.
Compatability
(a) With cycle sensorsIf you're planning on displaying and recording cycling data onto a GPS cycle computer from your power meter or other sensor, check the current compatability. The number of compatible GPS products is likely to increase quickly however.
(b) With satellite signals
All GPS computers use the standard military satellites, but there are some limitations.
You can get increased accuracy with WAAS / EGNOS enabled models.
GPS online information and software
Some GPS devices for your bike now have USB ports, so they can store information and download onto a PC. This means you can save files created by the GPS computer with the option of manipulating, analysing and sharing them online. You can install analysis software on your PC (that is usually supplied with your GPS cycle computer).Conversely, you can generate routes and cycle training programs on your PC and then upload to the cycle computer. When you're buying, its worth checking exactly what software and tools are compatible with the GPS product that you have in mind.
There are likely to become an increasing number of sites available for you to use in analysing and sharing your information. The two major manufacturers, Garmin and Polar both seem committed to increasingly useful online areas, particularly for cycle and fitness training.
