A cyclists Iphone
There used to be a time , not so long ago , when making and receiving calls on a mobile phone was revolutionary . However time and technology move at a rapid pace and the mobile phones of today are basically mini laptops and could possible be called ‘handtops’ . Much talking was replaced by texting and now some of that has been usurped by tweeting .
The Apple iPhone is one of the leading smart phones and offers a huge range of applications or ‘apps’ for any cyclist . These are a few of the ones that I use ;
Runkeeper – A full gps based cycling computer that gives you info such as speed,distance ,pace , etc on the move along with a map of where you are . It also allows you to download your spin when you get home so that you can have all training and racing on file . Plus it uploads to twitter and facebook for all of your friends to see .
Bike gears – If you are considering changing to a compact chainset or trying to work out what cassette ratio to use for the hilly Des Hanlon race in Carlow or if you are under 16 and want to know what is the maximum gear that you can use , then this is the app for you . I use it regularly in the shop .
Eurosport – The original app is very handy to check all sports results , especially the cycling ones . Theres also a blog called ‘Blazin saddles ‘ which can be quite entertaining . Recently they also launched the Eurosport player app for the iphone . This allows you to watch the Eurosport channels live on your phone for about €3 per month . Great quality picture and a solution to all cycling/coronation street disputes .
Cycling Grub – A handy one stop shop for all cycling related news and views
iCols – A must for anyone looking at tackling the Eatape or Marmotte or even the Tour of Flanders . All the necessary facts on every major cycling climb in Europe .
Of course there’s also plenty of Twitter and Facebook apps. which are jam packed with cyclists of every level and plenty of cycling related news and views .
So now you know all the technical aspects of your ride and have seen live how the pro’s do it , all that you have to do is get out on the bike itself and just do it !
Barry
7 COMMENTS
John Ennis
As a alternative to Runkeeper (which I haven’t used yet) there is MotionX GPS (http://gps.motionx.com/overview/) which I would recommend.
Derek Troy
Only question is what are you doing to extend Battery Life ?
Nigel
Hey Barry I’ve been using RunKeeper for a while now and find it great. Very useful for keeping track of all your rides and so easy to use! Thanks for all the reports.
Pat Kenealy
I got a juicebox which doubles the battery life Derek.
Glenn Kinning
I use run keeper. very good. listen to music while out drains the battery. So I make sure wifi is of, and turn 3g of. it uses wap/edge to record which still works fine.
worldwidecycles
Earlier I received this response via Twitter : @worldwidecycles @irishpeloton make sure u have vers 2.1.0.7. turn 3g off and use top lock to sleep screen, should get 5 hrs+ on full charge –
Much like Glenn suggested .
I will also look into getting one of those squeezeboxes Pat . Sounds like a good option . Battery life Q answered there Derek .
I tried motion x too John , but found that runkeeper suited me better , although the motion x dashboard does look nicer .
Glad you’re enjoying both runkeeper and the posts Nigel .
Robert Hess
Hi Everyone: Please check out the MyBikeInfo iPhone app (http://www.mybikeinfo.com) available in iTunes. Tracks every component on any number of bikes, all of your fit dimensions, pictures, and basic maintenance dates. The new release, currently with Apple for approval, will track mileage and all power training metrics. See Robert Hess at Booth 374 at Sea Otter later this week. Thanks for taking a moment to read about MyBikeInfo. Best, Robert