Recommend me a navigation app?

[RichardB]

I'd like to use my phone as an occasional navigation device for the bike. I don't really need a dedicated device. I've tried Apple Maps and Google Maps but I find them hard to read - all the minor roads (the ones I mainly use) are pale grey on a pale background and I have to squint to see any detail. Can anyone recommend a decent navigation app which has nice, clear graphics and is easy to read in sunlight? The TomTom I have for the car is easy to read in any lighting, so I know it can be done.

Alternatively, what about a cheapish dedicated satnav? I only need the moving map and an ability to set a route, not cadence, heart rate etc. Would be good if also usable for walking trips. I have recently sold a couple of things on eBay and I have a Paypal balance burning a hole in my pocket. Budget £100-ish.

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[wonderloaf]

I use Viewranger on my phone for navigation:
http://www.viewranger.com/en-GB

 

[Markymark]

I use rwgps.

 

[mjr]

I use osmand as both satnav and tracker. Map style can be configured a bit and it does voice prompts... but not always perfectly.

 

[midlife]

Navmii for free?

Shaun

 

[RichardB]

Great suggestions, which I will chase up. Many thanks. As for a dedicated GPS unit, I've heard a lot about Etrex. Any good?

 

[jefmcg]

I use osmand as both satnav and tracker. Map style can be configured a bit and it does voice prompts... but not always perfectly.

Osmand doesn't do navigation on the iphone (yet). I assume that's what @RichardB has. But I gather it can display and follow GPX routes, if he has already plotted them.

 

[RichardB]

Osmand doesn't do navigation on the iphone (yet). I assume that's what @RichardB has. But I gather it can display and follow GPX routes, if he has already plotted them.

Thanks. Yes, it is an iPhone 5s.

 

[classic33]

 

[Blue Hills]

Great suggestions, which I will chase up. Many thanks. As for a dedicated GPS unit, I've heard a lot about Etrex. Any good?

I have the etrex 20 (latest model is the etrex 20x). It's brilliant and one of the cheapest, which is of course why it's quite rare to see it in bike shops, at least in london. They would rather sell you something that also monitors your vital organs with minute-by-minute status reports you can wirelessly download to your fridge. It does have a steep learning curve, but there are some excellent guides on the web to getting the most out of it. I use free openfietsmap (variant of OSM) on it. Have used it in various bits of the UK and also abroad.

 

[seraphina]

Have you had a look at the Cyclestreets app? Gives balanced vs quick routes as well.

 

[clid61]

I have the etrex 20 (latest model is the etrex 20x). It's brilliant and one of the cheapest, which is of course why it's quite rare to see it in bike shops, at least in london. They would rather sell you something that also monitors your vital organs with minute-by-minute status reports you can wirelessly download to your fridge. It does have a steep learning curve, but there are some excellent guides on the web to getting the most out of it. I use free openfietsmap (variant of OSM) on it. Have used it in various bits of the UK and also abroad.

Seconded for etrex 20, brilliant piece of kit

 

[RichardB]

More good ideas. Many thanks all.

 

[Mark trek29er]

I have used bike hub on my iPhone it's free and easy to use and also map my ride is good

 

[RichardB]

I have used Map My Ride but not as a navigation device. Is it possible? Will look into Bike Hub, thanks.