Which bicycle compass?

[BluesDave]

Ok so I recently bought this on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bike-Cycl...K_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item19cd3e01a7

when I tried to fit it to my bike I discovered that a. the (undetachable) bracket was too small for my handlebars and no ammount of weird and wonderful contraptions would make it do so.

and b. The needle which is painted on points to South which seems a bit daft considering they are supposed to point North.

Now I know what did I expect for a pound and all that but what bicycle compass would you recommend for a budget of about £10-15? Erm yes I do need one.

 

[GetAGrip]

Ha Ha, yes, I bought one of those once. Returned it within 24hrs. When attached to the bike, the surrounding metal sent the needle loopy. Knew not if I was coming or going

 

[BluesDave]

Ha Ha, yes, I bought one of those once. Returned it within 24hrs. When attached to the bike, the surrounding metal sent the needle loopy. Knew not if I was coming or going

It would cost me more to return it than I actually paid for the damn thing.

 

[PpPete]

A magnetic compass on a bike is never going to accurate. A better bet is to use your watch (assuming it has hands) and the sun - which is accurate enough for deciding which road to take at a unsignposted junction.... or a GPS with an integral compass like the Garmin Vista.

 

[snorri]

A compass from the Silva 'Carabiner' range would do the job, it hangs from your belt loop. Their Carabiner 10 has helped me keep on the right track when far from home!
http://silva.se/products/outdoor/carabiner-10

 

[fossyant]

Why do you need one ?

 

[psmiffy]

Why do you need one ?

It nice sometimes to know which way up the world is - however to be honest ive carried one for years while ive been touring and never used it for navigation

 

[fossyant]

It nice sometimes to know which way up the world is - however to be honest ive carried one for years while ive been touring and never used it for navigation

Ah, but If I'm looking up at the sky or at the road, I know I've fallen off !

 

[psmiffy]

Ah, but If I'm looking up at the sky or at the road, I know I've fallen off !

true - it sounds like what you need is a compass clinometer or someone with a steadier hand when they are pouring the shots

 

[Gareth]

When I am out on my bicycle seeking for potential clues and checkpoints for the AlleyCat I will often wear my Suunto Diver's wrist compass. Not because I need to take any bearings with any degree of accuracy, but to help me plan circular routes that incorporate the clues and checkpoints. I bit OTT I know, but it works for me.

 

[tjw_78]

I've been wondering whether anyone made a decent handlebar mounted compass. I do adventure racing (trail-running+mountain biking+navigation - bit like a cross between triathlon and orienteering). I keep losing my expensive Silva compasses - particularly on the mountain biking sections. Often I do need to take an accurate reading, not just working out which way to go at a junction.

 

[ufkacbln]

A better bet is to use your watch (assuming it has hands) and the sun .

You have looked outside in the last 6 months?

Its a bit like solar powered chargers - the theory is good, but in the UK the application is a little limited

 

[ufkacbln]

To be quite honest as GPS prices continue to fall, a cheap ETrex is available from about £30

This will show both a compass, but also a simple arrow indicator of direction