Some people denounce the smartphone as a technological leash forever tying those who own them to the world of digital screens and the internet. I, on the other hand, choose to think of my smartphone as the ultimate liberation from the burden of mountain biking electronics.
(Note: In this article, I may say “iPhone” frequently, simply because I own an iPhone, when in reality most smartphones can fulfill these same functions.)
Once upon a time before I owned an iPhone, packing up and hitting the trail was an ordeal. In addition to gathering the standard gear, such as bike, helmet, water, tools, etc., I also had to grab the various electronics I’d need. I rode with a minimum of cell phone (for emergencies), point-and-shoot camera (to document the experience for Singletracks), and a GPS unit (so I didn’t get lost, to record statistics, and to create maps for Singletracks). In addition, I’d often carry an iPod for long endurance rides (4+ hours), GoPro camera to record video, and a light when riding at night.
All of these (plus an mp3 player, not pictured) vs. one of these.
Once you start adding all of these things up… that’s a lot of expensive electronics to be toting around! It’s also a lot of things to remember (or forget) to pack, make sure are fully charged, and worry about getting broken in a crash. Plus, for those who are gram counters, all of those different electronics add a lot of weight.
Enter the iPhone.
I bought my first-ever smartphone with some Christmas money this past December. Suddenly, I was packing remarkably few electronics. In fact, on most of my rides, the sole battery-powered device that I carry in my pack is my iPhone.
Using an iPhone completely eliminates the need to carry the first four devices on the list: it is, first and foremost, a phone; I quickly realized that my 4S takes better-quality photographs than my point and shoot camera; the GPS capabilities are remarkably accurate (with the right app); and it can, of course, play music.
Obviously, if you’re night riding you’ll still need a helmet lamp, and despite having tested a video case for my phone, the GoPro (or Contour) is still unrivaled for on-bike video.
Nowadays with my iPhone, I feel free from the oppression of mountain bike electronics! While I used to get irritated at having to pack so many gadgets, now I just throw my phone into my pack, which I carry with me all day regardless of what I’m doing. I don’t even have to worry about making sure my battery is fully charged: just plug it in to the car on the way to the trailhead, and I am good to go!
Several people on the forums have recently been contemplating the pros/cons of buying a smartphone versus buying a GPS unit. Sure, a GPS unit might have better battery life and is a little more accurate than a smartphone, but can it function as your phone, camera, mp3 player, and a mini internet browser, among other things, as well? I think not.
Your Turn: What electronics do you carry with you on the mountain bike trail?
45 Comments
Nov 2, 2012
Still carry my favorite camera because its still takes the shots I like. But am curious if anyone has used the new contour camera that has the capability of using a smart phone to view the video's ?
Apr 20, 2014
Nov 2, 2012
Jan 18, 2013
lasted about 6+ hours. I keep my phone attached to the shoulder straps of my pack (inside a small zippered camera case). I have a Sony 2000 mAh litium ion battery that weighs in at a whopping 3 ounces. I kept the battery in one of the pockets inside my pack and just run a usb cable to my phone. This kept it powered up all day no problem. The battery is easily charged using a usb connection and with the proper adapter you can charge it through the cigarette lighter in your vehicle.
My phone has a 8 megapixel camera and a panorama feature that allows me to take great wide scenic shots by stitching together 5 or 6 single shots. And it does it on the fly. What's not to like?
Regarding the accuracy of the gps, it seems to rely heavily on the app. My favorite app so far is Map my Ride as it has Auto Pause. But I gotta say I don't think the accuracy is anything to write home about. I stay with it only because of the auto pause.
Nov 4, 2012
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Nov 2, 2012
So, now I just carry my smartphone with me, and it is enough.
Nov 2, 2012
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Nov 3, 2012
Cheers
Barry
Nov 5, 2012
I do ride with a dedicated GPS unit and with my dumbphone, but that's it for electronics. I do wish I had a cheap P&S camera though, it's just not in the cards, atm.
Nov 5, 2012
Nov 5, 2012
This is pretty simple stuff -- the software just records periodic locations into a file. If your phone is delivering reasonably accurate location info and the software is sampling at reasonable intervals then you should get good results. Who knows, maybe your phone is doing better than your friends...
Nov 5, 2012
I've settled on Trimble Outdoors.
Nov 5, 2012
Nov 6, 2012
Nov 6, 2012
Nov 5, 2012
Nov 5, 2012
The home screen is too busy.
The free version does not allow you to export the track as a GPX.
That last one is an absolute show stopper.
I've also had a Trimble Outdoors account for years, from back when I had a DeLorme GPS tracker puck. By using their app, it automatically syncs all of those old tracks. And it works great going forward too.
Nov 5, 2012
Nov 4, 2012
Nov 2, 2012
However, I sometimes have to bring my padded camera backpack (pro camera, flashes, batteries, memory, cables, lens filters, and a bunch of extra lenses). That is way too heavy to wear while riding. I tried that and quickly gave up. That is when I put on the rear rack on my bike to bungy strap the backpack to it.
Nov 4, 2012
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Nov 4, 2012
Actually, GPS data collection requires your phone to be in regular on mode, ie it will not run in airplane mode. However, it does communicate directly with GPS satellites and will collect GPS data even if you have no cell service. I know this because most of my trail system doesn't have cell coverage, lol!
A related issue is battery life. If you are out of cell coverage, the phone is constantly trying to find a tower so that drains your battery faster. I've found that I have significantly more battery life when riding a trail system with good cell coverage.
But again, cell service does not impact GPS reception. Hope that answers your questions! Let me know if you need any additional information!
Nov 5, 2012
When there's an iOs 6 jailbreak for the iPhone 4s I'll let ya'll know!
Nov 5, 2012
Nov 5, 2012
Also, you can buy additional external battery packs for not much money... I've been thinking about picking up one of those.
Nov 5, 2012
Nov 2, 2012
Nov 3, 2012
1. You don't burn you primary phone's battery so it is there when you need it
2. You do need to plan ahead and download maps of where you plan to ride while connected to WiFi (such as with Motion-X)
3. There are multiple mounts and accessories for iPods/iPhones (I personally love the Topeak DryBag on my stem)
4. There are multiple excellent GPS apps (Motion-X, Mountainbike Pro, etc.) so you have choices.
Nov 2, 2012
Trail navigation is a big plus too, my phone has gotten me out of a jam on the trail on more than one occasion.
Nov 2, 2012
Also check out this accessory:
http://www.earthtechproducts.com/nomad-7-watt-flexible-solar-panel.html
Nov 2, 2012
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Nov 2, 2012
For those going longer distances and durations, there are some nice blue tooth connectable GPS receivers to help extend battery life of the smartphone. GPS tends to eat up a lot of power, compared to running an app and blue tooth. Holux has some nice options available that connect nicely with MyTracks, an app I use for tracking my rides.
Don't forget the ability of the smartphone to connect to blue tooth heart rate monitors to complete the workout package. The Zephyr HxM unit pairs nicely with MyTracks and provides a whole other level of data points for workout rides.
Nov 2, 2012
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Nov 2, 2012