Best GPS Tracking Applications for Bicyclists

seamus · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2009, 11:42 AM

Am looking for a good application to use my Diamond as a Bicycle computer / navi / GPS tracker. Would like to have the application integrated with Google Maps and to be able to download and upload routes. Other features might include speed, elevation. Also to be able to monitor planned vs actual trips and see visually on a map. Anybody have any good recommendations?

d5grvty · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 02:06 AM

Google Gpscyclecomputer, it will do some (not all) the things you asked. Try it out

phreaq · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 11:24 AM

definetly check out sportypal, does what you want, and then some

seamus · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d5grvty

Google Gpscyclecomputer, it will do some (not all) the things you asked. Try it out

Yes, I had tried it.... but was less than enthused about the resolution in mapping mode on my Diamond. It appears to not use the Google Maps interface or maybe some raw elements only. Anyways, it's probably the best one I've seen on the Diamond but that's not saying much. Iphone and Garmin have much better programs so far.

Why is it that ALL the best APPS are for the iPhone.

seamus · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phreaq

definetly check out sportypal, does what you want, and then some

I may have been too hasty in my initial review of SportyPal. Will try it out now. Seems slick enough to start.

EDIT UPDATE: The in workout Map is not really that great. More like a tracing program with a compass background. Only after finishing a ride did I get a Google Map and even then I wasn't able to zoom or see the map well. Program still needs work.

UPDATE 2 - Sporty Pals website notes the current incompatibility between the version for Windows Mobile and Google's API as a bug... hopefully they'll get it fixed shortly.

mikeliius · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 08:21 AM

I'm using sportypal also, but i don't have that problem with the map. I can clearly see it with zoom in/out. But I don't use the map while driving.

seamus · #7 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 02:53 PM

I got this response from SportyPal:

"Live maps are probably not going to be incorporated anytime soon, as it is a lot of work (these platforms weren’t designed with that kind of feature in mind). "

They require you to finish your workout and then view the map.... As a cyclist, I like to look at the map while I'm cycling.... NIX Sportypal.

jonnythan · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamus

Why is it that ALL the best APPS are for the iPhone.

Because iPhone apps are easy to design - all iPhones have the same size and resolution screen. And iPhone users love buying apps. And Apple makes it really easy to find and pay for apps.

Who buys WinMo apps? No one. Plus there are a billion different WinMo phones.

This might be alleviated somewhat with the upcoming WinMo app store.

loginatnine · #9 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 11:04 PM

Try runGPS, it's the greatest program I've found, very very complete, a loooot of options to fool around with.

seamus · #10 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 02:26 PM

Looks absolutely AWESOME.... I'll try the 14 day trial. Little bit scared of the high license fee... but we'll see... it may be worth it.