Why is cycle navigation so complicated?

[neil_merseyside]

You could join a local cycling group and get an idea from them on the best routes in your area, someone on here can probably suggest a club or two if you say where you live, good possibility of lots of clubs in bigger towns so hopefully give an idea how fast they are too.

 

[Mike_P]

I can't be sure but if I import a route into Komoot I am often asked something about "keeping the original" or adjusting for maps (can't remember the exact phraseology).

I plan the routes in Komoot and they upload to the Garmin when synced; seems that because a route of that name was uploaded it did not update. Lesson learnt, delete whatever is already on the Garmin.

Have to agree with a posting above that a Wahoo is simpler to use; too much button pushing and not that clear labelling of options on a Garmin IMO; taken me ages to work out how to get a route prompt to appear while otherwise showing the display I want to see; seemed to be a case if switching an on off command completely the opposite to what would seem to case from its wording.

And on my 530 if it comes up with a Radar error message from my Varia, something that happens at exactly the same point on one road, the only way that it seems to clear it is by stopping the Garmin recording the ride and then starting again; on my Elemnt Bolt 1 it is simply a case of pressing dismiss.

 

[Sloth]

Thanks but all the above posts make my point far better than my original post 😉
Plotting, downloading, syncing, copying/pasting, rogue routes, too faffy by far.

 

[PaulSB]

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 (1) an intuitive and easy to use interface.
I’m not interested in pre-loading routes, (2) nor do I want to become a software engineer in order to use the darn thing.
(3) 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).
(4) 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.

The points in red I suggest you don't do:

I would advise against this as it means mounting an expensive device on your bars, one which might not survive a crash or navigation could deplete the battery. In both cases you could find yourself in an emergency situation without a phone. A Garmin will require you to become a software engineer.

The points in green are easily achieved with a Wahoo. A simple and friendly device to use. (1) Simple interface on a phone app. (2) You don't need to be a software engineer just able to use a very straightforward app. (3). I've never used it but Wahoo does have a "take me to" option - I've been on rides when others have used it with success. (4) as has been said there are physical limitations due to device size, however a Wahoo is not complicated to use.

I haven't done this but have friends who do and have in areas of the country they didn't know. I'm thinking in particular of two female friends who say they don't have a clue how to navigate. Going off on a week's cycling holiday they asked my advice and I suggested grabbing routes for the area from Komoot. They came home to thank me and talk about the fantastic routes they had ridden. All do is link Komoot to the Wahoo device and the app, select rides you like and these automatically sync with your device. You can then select a route from either the device or the app. Strava and RWGPS will allow you to do the same but for this function Komoot seems to be the best.

I often plot routes for my home area, Lancashire, but I can ride all day, 100-120 miles without any navigation help. This is simply experience and local knowledge built up over years. If I was riding an unknown area without navigation I'd jot down a series of village names in a roughly circular route and keep heading for each in turn.

None of this is tricky but if all you want is a device with pre-planned routes you won't go far wrong with Komoot and Wahoo.

 

[Dogtrousers]

The reasons why you'll never get a device that will give you a one size fits all cycle friendly route is because no two cyclists can agree on what that means.

Plenty of devices and apps already offer the routing features that you want. You just might not find the resulting route to your taste.

 

[chris-suffolk]

When (if) the batteries ever run out mid-ride on my GPS, just swap them over. AA batteries are easy to carry, and buy en-route if absolutely necessary.

 

[si_c]

Whilst I don't use the navigation features particularly often, largely because I mostly cycle around areas where I know the roads well, I do occaisionally. One handy feature that both my devices have is if mid-ride I opt for Navigation, I can select "route to start" and it will plot the most direct route home, this takes into account your routing preferences such as avoiding major roads etc. Rather handy and done all on the device.

The more modern units (Edge Explore/Explore 2/1030/830) all have much quicker processors now so the route calculation doesn't take as long as older models, although still slower than the sat nav in your car as it's low power as it runs on a battery not dead dinosaurs.

 

[derrick]

Human nav app. Know where you’re going at all times,

Don't go if you don't know.
Or just do what i do plot a route, it ain't rocket science.

 

[rogerzilla]

Many auto routing algorithms for bikes seem to suffer from:

1. A preference for NCN routes, most of which have unsuitable sections for road bikes and/or are very slow going.

2. A determination to avoid A-roads even if the alternative requires a 5 mile detour.

3. A propensity to throw in the odd footpath, suggesting "walk your bike".

I am told Komoot is better than others, but all I really want is an OS map.

 

[Mike_P]

Komoot does flag up sections which may be unsuitable for your chosen type of bike. It does however annoyingly keep on telling me a path I use almost daily is banned; it isn't, no no cycling signs. It also refuses to route along a perfectly good, tarmac, designated cycle route because it uses a private road. Have flagged both, sending them a link to the local cycle route map for the latter. But nothing has changed.

 

[byegad]

Self defined OS maps for me. I have some centred on places I stay when cycling. As I don't go much further than 35 miles in a day one map is all I usually need.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

But when the batteries go flat and you don't know where you are a paper map comes in to its own.

That’s just lack of planning, like a paper map getting wet, tearing then blowing away in the wind and rain.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Can you expand on gps units not having accurate pre loaded maps that you elude to in your OP? You must have an example from experience, to highlight this

 

[Ming the Merciless]

As for Wahoo better than Garmin. That’s much of a muchness now with both manufacturers having models where you can easily manage gps settings and routes via a phone app.

 

[Sallar55]

Navigation by your cycle computer? Why plot a route and follow it religiously. Weather can change out on a ride, or a cafe is full or closed and its a change of plan. A look at the mapping on a phone for an overview is all that's needed. My Garmin was not bought to tell me where to go🤔 it's to tell me where I have been. An old saying you are never lost, its only a new road to cycle on.