Longest ride yet - iphone power suggestions

[lozcs]

Since starting cycling a couple of months ago I have only recently commuted 8 miles a day.

Last week I did 16 odd miles on the Rea Vally Route home from work, yesterday I did a massive (for me anyway!) 44.6 miles! From Wychbold, Worcs to Preston on Wye, Herefordshire to join friends camping.

It took me four hours - had a few major climbs (that I didn't stop for!) I did stop three times for about ten minutes each time as friends who were driving down stopped to chat (and give me chocolate)

Average speed including stops was 11.1mph without stops was about 12.5 mph

Some of the miles you guys here clock up is amazing but I'm dead chuffed with myself...

A couple of questions..

I used mapmyride on my iphone to map this - phone died about 3 hours in so had to manually edit the rest of the route - Anyone recommend additional power for iphone on the go? I did have an emergency (2xAA battery) pack but that proved to be a waste of time seeming to do nothing.

Also, at about 23 miles there was a massive hill Fromes Hill - It felt like I was going over 40mph - amazing! Is it possilbe to see from the map what my speed on this section was? Would love to know!

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/47976636

Lawrence......

 

[Red Light]

A couple of questions..

I used mapmyride on my iphone to map this - phone died about 3 hours in so had to manually edit the rest of the route - Anyone recommend additional power for iphone on the go? I did have an emergency (2xAA battery) pack but that proved to be a waste of time seeming to do nothing.

Also, at about 23 miles there was a massive hill Fromes Hill - It felt like I was going over 40mph - amazing! Is it possilbe to see from the map what my speed on this section was? Would love to know!

http://www.mapmyride...s/view/47976636

Lawrence......

I use Cyclemeter and with the internet update switched off it does a 5+ hour ride without problems. I also switch off bluetooth and wireless while I'm out. Otherwise you can get either clip on additional batteries or plug in ones that will recharge the iPhone for you. Search on Amazon.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Yeah, cyclemeter will run a lot longer than and has better data, IMO.

I also have one of these: http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/portable-iphone-charger/index.html which you charge up with an phone charger and will take it back up to 50% from empty.

 

[Red Light]

Yeah, cyclemeter will run a lot longer than and has better data, IMO.

I also have one of these: http://www.iwantoneo...rger/index.html which you charge up with an phone charger and will take it back up to 50% from empty.

For not a lot more you can get one of these that will do at least two full recharges of an iPhone

 

[lozcs]

For not a lot more you can get one of these that will do at least two full recharges of an iPhone

Thanks that looks ideal... Just bought one...

The IWOOT one won't work with my biologic mount, thanks for the recommendation though MissTillyFlop.

Lawrence......

 

[JonnyBlade]

Well done on upping your distance btw

 

[jay clock]

Good ride.

First comment re mapping it would be don't bother. Get a cheap cycle computer.

Re power I have one of these and it is excellent http://www.amazon.co.uk/Veho-VCC-A0...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1314565989&sr=1-1

 

[lozcs]

Well done on upping your distance btw

Thanks..

 

[lozcs]

Good ride.

First comment re mapping it would be don't bother. Get a cheap cycle computer.

Re power I have one of these and it is excellent http://www.amazon.co...14565989&sr=1-1

I like the stats... ;-)

Would love a Garmin Edge 800 to be able to race against previous times and also the stats that the thing offers looks great.

Trouble is... £349!!! That's £349 more than I spent on my bike! LOL

 

[Red Light]

Would love a Garmin Edge 800 to be able to race against previous times and also the stats that the thing offers looks great.

Cyclemeter allows you to do that for £2.99 provided you've got an iPhone to run it on.

 

[lozcs]

Cyclemeter allows you to do that for £2.99 provided you've got an iPhone to run it on.

I've actually got it but not used it yet...

I might have a little trial tomorrow...

I would also like to be able to plan a route that I can easily follow - don't think Cyclemeter does that?

 

[Polocini]

I got a couple of these off ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-PORTA...ltDomain_3&hash=item43a75aaf09#ht_1314wt_1139

Perfect for use with cyclemeter.

AL

 

[PpPete]

I like the stats... ;-)

Would love a Garmin Edge 800 to be able to race against previous times and also the stats that the thing offers looks great.

Trouble is... £349!!! That's £349 more than I spent on my bike! LOL

For about half that - have a look at the Garmin Etrex Legend HCx
It's not quite at the same level as far as stats as the Edge 800 (can't record heart rate & cadence for example) - but the battery life is reckoned to be about the best around - about 20 hours if you are careful, and you can always buy a couple more AA batteries in just about any village shop if you are riding longer than that.

 

[StuAff]

+1 for Pete's suggestion. The number one battery killer on smartphones is GPS, and you need an open data connection for mapping to work. With the screen on all the time....your battery life is going to be non-existent, as you've already found out. Even with a powerful external battery pack, or a dynamo & USB setup, you're going to risk running out of juice on a long run. Whereas an Etrex (or, with care, or two AAs in a USB pack, an Edge) can last all day/night.

 

[lozcs]

+1 for Pete's suggestion. The number one battery killer on smartphones is GPS, and you need an open data connection for mapping to work. With the screen on all the time....your battery life is going to be non-existent, as you've already found out. Even with a powerful external battery pack, or a dynamo & USB setup, you're going to risk running out of juice on a long run. Whereas an Etrex (or, with care, or two AAs in a USB pack, an Edge) can last all day/night.

Not so sure...

The last (well only) long run I did with iphone running mapmyride lasted about 3 hours with just (2 year old) iphone battery. (display off and phone in pocket - forgot to disable any wifi or bluetooth)

I've now bought the New Trent battery pack recommended earlier in this thread which is 5000mAh (the standard iphone battery is about 1200mAh I believe) so should be good for at least 2 full charges - probably 3 - I reckon at least ten hours total.

I've now bought a Biologic bike mount (recommended) and also now using Endomondo instead of mapmyride, took it for first go today on commute home - did 17 miles in 1h14m - phone was on 17% when I left and still charging at 67% when I got home.

I don't think I'll bother with any GPS device - iphone suits me great.

Also, I did some trials tonight and found out that I can run Endomondo and switch to Bike Hub for navigation and endomondo still records - very useful.

I just want one of those small boxes that fix to top tube/stem Anyone recommend one? - used cable ties today...

Lawrence......