Why is cycle navigation so complicated?

[Sloth]

Sorry if this is in the wrong sub-forum.

As I await my new bike I’ve been doing some online ‘research’ into a few extras.
One is for some form of navigation.
I know there are three basic options here, 1: Human nav app. Know where you’re going at all times, 2: Use an app on your phone, or 3: Use a specialised cycling nav computer such as a Garmin.
From reading a little it seems that it’s too much to ask for a nav tool that has accurate pre-loaded maps, options to avoid main roads (that actually works!) and an intuitive and easy to use interface.
I’m not interested in pre-loading routes, nor do I want to become a software engineer in order to use the darn thing.
I’d like to disappear into the local countryside and use the in built maps and nav to get home (or to anywhere) should I get lost or just wish to go somewhere but don’t know the way.
I’d like to just set it like I do my car nav, but for it to be cycle friendly and not send me onto dangerous and busy roads (for example just sticking to B roads or country lanes but to also avoid any off-roading).
Why is this such a big ask and why is it seemingly necessary to mess around on complicated settings to even try?
I read so much about so called road avoidance settings simply not working or not being available. This should be a standard and reliable feature of the device or app is sold as for cycling.
I fear for any astronauts being sent to Mars if we can’t even provide a reliable navigation tool for a cycle?
Perhaps I’ve totally missed something here but willingly await education on the subject.
Thanks.

 

[DRHysted]

Given I have got lost following (supposedly) marked cycle routes where I live (knew the area so went in the direction I wanted in the end). I’m not surprised that companies cannot successfully write an algorithm that satisfies all cyclists needs, especially as different cyclists have different opinions of safe roads.

 

[fossyant]

Its hardly difficult to map a route on Garmin Connect. It has a handy heat map too sk you can see minor roads that are used. Round where our caravan is there are a number of lanes that wouldn't be suitable for road bikes, so the garmin software shows road rides and not Gravel/mtb if you select and visa versa

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Perhaps I’ve totally missed something here

I think you're missing that a bike GPS is a lot smaller than a car GPS and it needs a battery. The small size seriously limits the processing power at a price people will pay.

The trick, I think is to separate planning a route from following a route.

And as @DRHysted says different cyclists will have different likes, dislikes wants and needs. It really is a matter of finding out which one is best for you.

Having said that I really like https://cycle.travel/ as a planner. You still need a phone, device or (provided) maps and cue sheets to follow it. If you have an iPhone an app is in development. Android will be later. Then it will do both - plan & follow.

I was very frustrated too when I started looking at navigation but if you stick with it, things will become clearer. A lot of settings can be "remembered" so the effort goes in at the start and the benefits are realised with use.

There is a simple device that just points you in the direction you need to go. I'd imagine having "home" as a set place it may well do what you seek. Can't for the life of me remember the name Buzz? Bumble? It's mentioned on a few threads here.

 

[Jameshow]

I agree sloth why you cannot get a decent GPS bike nav like a car one but smaller.

I bought a Garmin. Touring and it's soooo slooow to calculate a route it's unbelievable.

I have to feed it 10mile chunks otherwise it's never calculates stops at about 69% !!

Perhaps it's because I brought it s/h🤣🤣🤣

 

[GuyBoden]

No technology needed, a few OS maps of your area is all you really need, you'll soon memorise the routes and roads. Sit at home with a cup of tea and look at the map in peace, put it in your pocket on rides for reference.

I prefer the laminated OS Explorer.

£10 each from Dash4it
https://dash4it.co.uk/act-5-the-english-lakes-north-easter..html

 

[ClichéGuevara]

If you don't plan a set route and just go out following your nose for the pleasure of pedaling, you can never be on the wrong route, and can stumble across things you may never have thought of looking at.

 

[Sea of vapours]

I was going to say the same as @GuyBoden : simply taking an OS map covers just about all your requirements.

OS maps are pretty much the best option for clarity in choosing quiet roads, seeing where you are at a glance, choosing a route .... pretty much everything other than actually following it whilst moving in fact. To address that, you can augment it by a piece of paper and a pen with which to write a list of place names you'd like to go through on your route. Taping that to the stem makes it even more functional. (Not a great solution in rain, unless laminated, as above.)

 

[wiggydiggy]

No technology needed, a few OS maps of your area is all you really need, you'll soon memorise the routes and roads. Sit at home with a cup of tea and look at the map in peace, put it in your pocket on rides for reference.

I prefer the laminated OS Explorer.

£10 each from Dash4it
https://dash4it.co.uk/act-5-the-english-lakes-north-easter..html

View attachment 663791

Includes mobile download.

The OS app is pretty good and can be run offline when you have no signal, I've got a few online.

 

[Arrowfoot]

I think what OP is saying after using a car GPS and its ease of use, a map or any map become redundant. And these GPS provide essential as well as trivial info such as next petrol or feed point. tourist location, accommodation. And if the same can be done for cyclists.

Personally I think its the lack of cyclists demand for nav compared to the demand for fitness data. Second which Hobbs mentions is the size which constrains processing power and screen size etc.

I have been to countries where taxis are fitted with dedicated Nav but drivers still use phones. When asked they say that it is clearer, provides landmark info such hotels etc and have multiple features.

I have also seen touring cyclists use mounted phones rather than Cycle GPS nav such as Garmin, even if it too is present. I have used both and phone comes up tops.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

No technology needed, a few OS maps of your area is all you really need, you'll soon memorise the routes and roads. Sit at home with a cup of tea and look at the map in peace, put it in your pocket on rides for reference.

I prefer the laminated OS Explorer.

£10 each from Dash4it
https://dash4it.co.uk/act-5-the-english-lakes-north-easter..html

View attachment 66 to

^^^^ +1

Not many cyclists need full-on Nav.

Rides of 20/30/40 local miles etc are not difficult to memorise, at least in the countryside. Cities are a bit more complex.

Even far from home it is not that difficult tbh.

Only problem is if you get lost.

1 x Garmin Instinct (watch) and an exact map reference from it plus OS map of the area and you are sorted.

As an aside map reading seems to be a dying art, at least when hiking in the local mountains.

 

[november4]

The ridewithgps app is free, and you'll have your phone with you anyway

Quadlock is excellent for holding cell phone

 

[Jameshow]

No technology needed, a few OS maps of your area is all you really need, you'll soon memorise the routes and roads. Sit at home with a cup of tea and look at the map in peace, put it in your pocket on rides for reference.

I prefer the laminated OS Explorer.

£10 each from Dash4it
https://dash4it.co.uk/act-5-the-english-lakes-north-easter..html

View attachment 663791

Agreed for local riding but no good for lejog or similar long distance rides!

 

[Oldhippy]

I always travel holistically but carry an OS map on occasion for reference.

 

[Sharky]

Think these sat navs are making us all soft, me included. Last time we drove down to Spain, just set the sat Nav. Didn't even look at a map!

Came unstuck a few times when faced with detours and road closures. The sat Nav just wants to take you back to where the road is closed. After driving about 10 mile's blind, the sat Nav sorts it self out.

On the bike, I've never used the mapping functions. Always on known roads. When I was young, relied on the Barts 1/4" maps. One map covered a huge area all that I needed. No mobiles in those days either AND my parents didn't have a house phone.