Long gone are the days when cyclists had to rely on paper maps or memory to navigate their cycling routes. With the advent of GPS technology, cyclists now have access to unprecedented levels of data and navigation tools right at their fingertips. From tracking your speed, distance, and elevation, to planning and following precise routes, GPS devices have revolutionized the experience of cycling, particularly for sport bike enthusiasts. But with so many options available, choosing the right GPS device can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the top GPS systems specifically suited for UK sport bike enthusiasts, focusing on key features, their operability, their battery life and how they can enhance your ride.
Garmin Edge Series: Leading the Pack
At the forefront of GPS technology for cycling is undoubtedly the Garmin Edge series. Garmin has been a trailblazer in the GPS realm for years, and their Edge series builds upon this expertise, providing an array of features tailored specifically for the needs and desires of sport bike enthusiasts.
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What sets the Garmin Edge series apart from its competitors is its comprehensive range of data recording and navigation functionalities. These devices not only track your ride metrics such as time, distance, speed, ascent/descent, and calories burned; they also provide advanced metrics like VO2 Max, recovery time, and cycling-specific VO2 and recovery dynamics when used with power and heart rate monitors.
Additionally, the Edge devices come with preloaded Garmin Cycle Map that provides turn-by-turn directions and alerts for upcoming sharp turns. They also allow you to ride like a local by choosing from millions of rides and routes uploaded by fellow cyclists through the Garmin Connect app.
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Another standout feature of the Edge series is its robust battery life. Depending on the model, the Garmin Edge can last anywhere from 15 hours (Edge 530) to up to 24 hours (Edge 1030) in GPS mode. This long battery longevity ensures that your device won’t run out of power during even the most extensive rides.
Garmin Varia Radar: Visibility and Safety
While not a standalone GPS system, the Garmin Varia Radar is a device that pairs with your Garmin Edge to enhance your cycling experience, particularly when it comes to safety.
The Garmin Varia Radar is designed to alert you of vehicles approaching from behind, up to 140 metres away. Visible and audible alerts on your Edge device warn you of its distance and relative speed of approach, hence providing ample time to react. This feature significantly improves the safety of your ride, especially when cycling on busy roads or in low visibility conditions.
While the Garmin Varia Radar doesn’t offer navigational features, it’s compatible with a wide range of Edge devices. Its battery life is impressive, providing up to 7 hours in day flash mode, ensuring it has enough power to sustain even your longest rides.
Strava App: For the Community Driven Cyclist
While not a physical GPS unit, the Strava app deserves a mention for its popularity amongst the UK cycling community. This mobile app turns your smartphone into a sophisticated cycling computer, using the device’s in-built GPS to track your rides and collect a wide array of data.
One of the main draws of Strava is its community features. The app allows you to join challenges, share your rides with friends, and even compare your performance with other cyclists on the same route. It also has a feature called “segments” – specific roads or trails where cyclists can compete for time.
While the Strava app does provide a wealth of data and a strong community feel, it relies on the battery of your smartphone, which can be a drawback for some users. Extended use of GPS, particularly on longer rides, can drain your phone’s battery quickly. For those who prefer to keep their phone battery conserved for emergencies, a standalone GPS device might be a better choice.
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: User-Friendly Functionality
The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt is another top contender in the realm of cycling GPS devices. Known for its user-friendly functionality, this device offers a host of features that can enhance your cycling experience.
The ELEMNT Bolt is designed to be easy to set up and use. It comes with a companion app that allows for quick and easy customization of settings, selecting which workout screens to display, and linking to other cycling sensors and apps.
This device provides detailed data about your ride, including real-time tracking of numerous metrics like speed, distance, power, and heart rate. It also offers turn-by-turn navigation and a “take me anywhere” feature in the ELEMNT companion app, where you can select a location directly on your smartphone, and the app will create a cycling-friendly route for you.
With a battery life of up to 15 hours, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt certainly has the power to get you through the day. It’s also water-resistant and comes with a preloaded global map, making it a reliable companion for all your cycling adventures, both in the UK and beyond.
Lezyne Mega XL: Durability and Dependability
The Lezyne Mega XL is known for its durability and dependability, making it a great option for UK sport bike enthusiasts seeking a rugged and reliable GPS device. This handheld GPS is built to be tough, with a durable casing that can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough terrains.
The Mega XL offers a full-featured GPS with turn-by-turn navigation, alongside live tracking and Strava Live Segments. It also integrates with other cycling sensors and supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart devices, allowing you to pair it with your heart rate monitor, power meter and other devices for comprehensive ride data.
Its standout feature is its impressive battery life. The Lezyne Mega XL offers a whopping 48 hours of runtime, making it one of the longest lasting GPS units on the market. Whether you’re out for a long weekend ride or a multi-day adventure, you can rest assured that the Mega XL will keep going for as long as you do.
The Lezyne Mega XL also offers offline maps and route building, meaning you can plan and save your routes beforehand and access them without an internet connection. This is particularly useful for those who like to venture off the beaten path, where signal may not always be reliable.
Garmin eTrex 32x: Compact and Comprehensive
If you’re looking for a compact yet comprehensive GPS device, the Garmin etrex 32x is worth considering. This reliable handheld GPS may be small in size, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on features.
The eTrex 32x offers an easy-to-read 2.2-inch, 65K color sunlight-readable display, which is perfect for viewing data in any lighting conditions. It comes preloaded with TopoActive maps, featuring roads and trails useful for cycling, hiking and more.
The eTrex 32x also supports paperless geocaching for fun, high-tech treasure hunts. Utilizing both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems, it delivers excellent tracking even in more challenging environments.
One of the main advantages of the Garmin eTrex 32x is its battery life. With an impressive 25 hours of battery life, this little device has the stamina to support you through your cycling adventures.
Conclusion
Selecting the right GPS system for your sport bike is crucial to enhance your riding experience. From the comprehensive Garmin Edge series and user-friendly Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt, to the durable Lezyne Mega XL and compact Garmin eTrex 32x, there are plenty of options to suit UK sport bike enthusiasts of all preferences and needs.
Remember, the best device for you depends on your specific requirements, such as the type of data you want to track, how you plan to use the device, and your budget. So whether it’s a standalone bike computer, a robust handheld GPS, or even a smartphone app, there’s a GPS option out there to meet your cycling needs and help you get the most out of every ride.
