GPS cycling computer or a smartphone on the handlebars?

When planning long cycling routes, you should consider whether to equip yourself with specialised equipment or use the smartphone you already own. The choice is not as simple as you might think.

Some people simply like to record their achievements: distances, speeds, the height of their ascents, or to get an idea of the number of calories burned. If you are navigating a route using guidebooks that give distances between successive points, you will need some sort of cycling meter. You can currently choose between two types of devices that use GPS measurement rather than wheel speed counting. The advantages of GPS measurement are its accuracy, the ability to export your route to an app (although unfortunately not on all models), the ability to count elevation gain, and the gadgets being wireless. So what to choose?

The smartphone era has given us one of the most powerful and versatile tools ever. A smartphone can replace anything, so why not a bike computer? A smartphone attached to a handlebar mount is at the same time navigation, an odometer and a media centre for those who like to ride with music. In addition, almost everyone has such a device, it is enough to buy a solid holder for a small amount of money. Problem solved! Is that though? Let's take a look at the summary of the advantages and disadvantages.

Disadvantages:

• possibility for background applications to drain the battery quickly
• the phone holder may fail on a difficult terrain
• problems using the phone while riding
• handling problems in the rain

Advantages:

• a large number of tracking and other applications useful on the move
• quick and easy access to data and knowledge about passing objects through the internet
• large screen
• accessibility - almost everyone has one

Disadvantages:

• lack of access to knowledge via the Internet
• only some models allow real-time route correction
• no choice in applications
• the price increases with the number of functionalities

Advantages:

• simple display
• stability and long operating time on a single charge (up to 100 h)
• ease of use with physical buttons
• resistance

Think about what you need and what you want to use your measuring device for. Do you prefer a leisurely route for a few hours, mostly on asphalt roads, and like to learn about the places you pass? In that case, we would rather suggest a good phone holder and an app. Are you riding just for speed and distance? A simple cyclometer is for you. However, if you ride competitively, on infrequent, bumpy routes, and also in bad weather, and want ease of use with gloves, then consider a GPS cycling computer.