I don't want to pay for both if one would work fine.
Nine answers:
johnm
2014-04-18 16:24:51 UTC
I have tried a car GPS on a bicycle; it is not very good at providing verbal directions (you probably don't want to keep looking at the map). A smartphone GPS isn't that good either, as wind noise and traffic noise make it difficult to hear and the speakers are small and tinny sounding. But the smartphone works well on a tandem, because the device is in my rear pocket, where my wife can hear the directions. One of the best uses of the GPS smartphone is with an app called My Tracks, which records your position,
speed, and elevation. You can download the data to google earth, and have a virtual replay of your ride, which you can share if you wish.
Another great app is Back Country Navigator, which uses the GPS to display your position on a standard contour map, which is great if you are not in a cell data area. You can set way points, create tracks, find trails, etc.
Mtrlpqbiker
2014-04-18 05:46:35 UTC
The batteries in a car GPS would run out long before you finished your ride. Car GPS units are designed to direct you to a certain place, not to provide directions over a specific cycling route that may start and finish in the same place. Car units are large and the mounts are not designed for a bicycle handlebar
Bicycle GPS units are designed for a very different purpose than a car unit
Red E3
2014-04-18 07:32:38 UTC
most of us cyclist use a GPS for an entirely different purpose than a car GPS.
A car GPS is designed to give you location and directions. Most of the time being plugged directly in and not a mobile device. Large screen for easy viewing while driving.
A bike gps is designed more for data. How far did you go how much did you climb how fast did you go how does this compare to different rides. What was your cadence, what was your heart rate, what was your power output. They sometimes have map capabilities as well such as the Garmin 800. As cyclist we rarely use it as a map as we plan beforehand where we are going. The feature is often used more for a preplanned route course with turn by turn direction. The feature can be used as a map but the screen is very small.
A backpacker GPS could be used as both like the Garmin 60 or similar products
Each works best for its designed purpose. The backpack or walking one is the most versatile but has a small screen for driving and is bulky for biking.
The phone is a great option for short trips but the GPS uses a ton of battery and any thing past four hours is not a good option
bikeworks
2014-04-18 12:29:36 UTC
Why would you need a GPS on a bicycle? Going on a cross country tour?
A question was asked recently on the most useless accessory on a bike. I think it is a GPS.
?
2014-04-18 06:39:37 UTC
If you have a smart phone get a GPS app for bicycles. There's several bike cell phone holders out now. And several backup battery packs that you can mount on your bike. There's even spin generators designed to charge cell phones.
Skoda John
2014-04-18 04:01:57 UTC
Yes but a few issues.
Power most car GPS systems have small batteries
Mounting the GPS
Car GPS systems are not weather proof
I use a walking GPS in my 4x4.
John M
2014-04-18 04:41:22 UTC
Yes but it will have to be a hand held one that runs on batteries.