Bikes are a lot of fun and are experiencing a boom right now, whether used for transportation, exercise, or just a leisurely stroll down the street. But have you ever questioned whether you’re getting the most out of your commute on two wheels? Would you like to travel on long, difficult routes without getting lost? What about protecting it from bike thieves who are watching you park from a close distance? Consider purchasing a GPS for your bike if thoughts like these keep running through your mind.
Numerous advantages come with GPS for bicycles. In addition to letting you know where your bike is in real-time, they might be able to monitor your cycling speed and distance. Some of them can even be linked to data tracking equipment to display additional data (heart rate, calories burned, etc.). Today’s GPS for bikes are a breath of fresh air and they get data directly from the satellites in the skies, replacing the awkward-looking bike computers of the past.
For mountain biking, GPS devices are fantastic because they combine a trail map and a cycling computer into one convenient device. A lot has undoubtedly changed and more modern GPS devices function better today for trail navigation. Today, GPS devices offer more features to tracking your cycling routines than a phone can and are more accurate as well. Whether you are an active cyclist training for competitions or someone who just enjoys leisurely riding their bike, the addition of a GPS tracker is sure to evolve your fitness routine.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the benefits of owning a GPS device and the features you should look out for when buying one.
Benefits of GPS trackers
1. GPS tracks your workout
One of the many advantages of having a GPS device for your bike is being able to track your progress. The device can easily be attached to your bike and remains out of the way from other parts of the bike, such as the handles and brakes. It is a simple gadget and versatile in any and all types of cycling routes you may choose to take.” (Benefits of Using a GPS for Your Bike, n.d.)”Not only is the distance measured, but the route taken as well. In unfamiliar locations, a GPS can come in handy in showing you available routes to take to get you back on course. Adding a GPS to your bike may also be beneficial for individuals who are looking to find alternative routes to cycle on and are tired of taking the same routes. The location features on a GPS device are sure to boost your efficiency and motivation each time you go for a bike ride.
2. Increases safety
Having a GPS device can not only help with tracking your exercise stats and mapping your distance, but it can also be essential to ensuring safety. The GPS device tracks location in real-time and therefore can prevent and notify you in the event of a bike theft. In unwanted moments like these, the GPS device can relay location information to your phone, so you are always aware of where your bike is. This can be very useful, especially when biking in unfamiliar areas. “The GPS device is small enough to be located in any part of the bike, most commonly in an inconspicuous area. Therefore, in the event of a theft, the GPS device will remain hidden and will activate upon departure of the place it was last left. This can come in handy for individuals who cannot store their bike in an enclosed space and need to leave it outside. Installing this device onto your bike can give you peace of mind to know that you will always have surveillance over your bike even if you are not next to it.
3. GPS monitors your heart rate
A GPS device also has the capability to measure monitor heart rate and give you an accurate recording of your beats per minute while on the move. This can be a great addition to any fitness routine and ensure that you are reaching your target heart rate. Instead of having to stop and manually measure your heart rate, the GPS device has that built-in function to do it for you.
“Getting a reading of your heart rate can also tell you which biking routes were harder or easier than others. With this information, you can plan which routes to take, depending on the intensity of the bike ride you want for the particular day. This feature of a GPS is definitely a great addition to have especially for individuals who want to meet a target heart rate. For those who use biking as their method of aerobic exercise, this is an excellent feature to have.
4. GPS builds motivation
With the numerous amounts of features that a GPS device can offer, it is now easier to stay on top of your everyday goals. You can record your current activity level and plan for how you want to improve your workout routine accordingly. A GPS device certainly makes it easier to track your current progress and adjust your exercise plans to the intensity you want it to be. If you are looking to build a consistent biking schedule, then the GPS device will be able to help you meet this goal. You can be able to better customize the routes you want to take and track your improvements along the way. This can be very beneficial in building your motivation to reaching your personal goals. A GPS device can act as a motivational aid for those looking to improve. With this technology that can track your cycling statistics, you will be able to see areas of strength and weaknesses that you can better focus on.
Important GPS features to look for
GPS Trackers use a variety of technological platforms with varying levels of responsiveness, dependability, and accuracy. You must consider the updates’ level of accuracy and frequency of responses. The tracking devices with the features that best suit your needs as a cyclist have a range of capabilities. Your bike’s tracker should have the qualities listed below:
1. Battery Life
The batteries in the GPS trackers must last for a long time and provide a backup for several weeks. The warranty duration of various devices must also be compared because it represents the caliber of the product. You might want to pick a tracker with a battery that recharges faster and less frequently. Automatic standby mode is made possible by the battery-saving features when the device is not in use. When the battery is running low, it also sends alerts.
2. Compact size
The size, shape, and design of GPS tracking devices all affect whether they are suitable for a given task. The best gadgets for bikers are those that are small, light, and easy to store anywhere.
3. Geo-fencing
With this tool, you can draw a fictitious border around the map and receive alerts when the bike passes through it. One of GPS technology’s most important features is this. When your bike enters or leaves the predetermined zones, you can set up virtual boundaries and receive prompt alerts. If you want to track the movements of multiple motorcycles used for business purposes, this feature is essential.
4. Flexibility and Compatibility
For optimal performance, the tracking system needs to work with a variety of digital devices and have dependable software support. To make it easily accessible to a large number of users, the system must be adaptable enough to quickly integrate various software and hardware devices. Live tracking and other sophisticated features must be easily accessible, and the user interface must be simple to use.
5. Connectivity
A tracker that offers you faster connectivity and a straightforward, user-friendly interface is always preferable. You can receive consistent location updates for your bike from any location thanks to reliable and multiple connection support.
6. Customer Support
Another consideration when selecting a device is a reliable and efficient customer support service. Sometimes the hardware device might not work properly. You will benefit greatly from the service provider’s continuous 24/7 customer support, even at odd hours while you are traveling.
7. Real-Time Tracking
Turn-by-turn directions should be provided as you travel along the predetermined route by the devices, which should track you there. In order to help others track your whereabouts and movements, it continuously updates the information it has about your precise location. When the bike is lost or used improperly, an active Real-time GPS tracker also sends out alerts. In order to find and recover a stolen or lost bike, it is best to choose a GPS tracker that provides frequent and accurate location updates.
8. Installation
A convenient GPS device that doesn’t require a long installation process is always preferable. The tracker can be fixed in any convenient location on the bike using the magnetic case that is included with the wireless devices. A powerful magnet mounting will ensure that the GPS tracker won’t fall out of its position even if you ride a bike on a bumpy path or accelerate to get to your destination quickly.
9. Durability
Look for a device’s durable design and suitability for use in various conditions. Even when exposed to heat, cold, water, and dust, the device should continue to work without any issues. It is advisable to pick a GPS tracker for your bike that is waterproof and strong enough to withstand any extreme weather. A GPS tracker that is reliable and serves you for a longer period of time is what you should seek out.