Top Five Smartphone Apps For Cyclists
Published by Ewan Spence at 11:43 UTC, January 22nd 2009
It's always good to get outside (otherwise what is the point of a mobile phone?) and I'm a keen cyclist around Edinburgh. Partly because it is a lot faster than public transport, but also because it's fun and good for me.
As I also tend to have a smartphone with me, there are a number of ways that software can help the cyclist. Here are my top five applications that can help cyclists (and runners, keep fit freaks, and people on pogo sticks).
Google Maps or Nokia Maps
Either of these can prove useful while out and about, especially for me. I much prefer exploring little side roads and different routes around Edinburgh as I do my regular rides, and there are occasions where I just get a little bit... locationally challenged. Either of the major mapping applications will help me out with a quick 'you are here' and I know enough of the city to be able to get back home with that information.
My personal preference is for Google Maps, mostly for speed and the hot-key functions that allow one handed access while balanced on the handlebars. [Ooh, sounds dangerous, Ewan, try this solution instead. Or stick your phone in a belt case or pocket like I do!... - Ed]
ViewRanger
Rafe suggested that ViewRanger might be useful (read the All About Symbian Review. here). Having taken it out for a quick trial, I tend to agree. This is another GPS powered mapping application, but it has one function that cyclists will really appreciate. As well as the map mode, it has a panorama mode, which allows you to look round where you are, in 3D, and spot the big hills and gradients that you'll want to either psyche yourself up for, or take a slightly longer (and flatter) route.
While it might not be best suited for city exercise, on those longer weekend runs that many mountain bikers do, ViewRanger's abilites to provide clear views of the landscape will be a great advantage compared to both Nokia and Google maps.
Sports Tracker
This is the most obvious application for anyone doing anything physical. Using data from a GPS unit (either external, or more likely the built in module on devices like the N85), Sports Tracker will take note of where you have been, your average speeds, heights, distance travelled, time taken and generally profile any activity where you've been moving. I use it for keeping track of my cycles around Edinburgh, and to make sure I hit a certain mileage per week.
But Sports Tracker has a second advantage – a social network, where you can upload your routes, with pictures and videos of your travels, discuss your activities with others, and generally find a supportive community online. Which might be just what you need to keep up any regime you've made a resolution to keep.
To be honest, Sports Tracker alone is one of the best applications for anyone doing physical work. If you don't want to share, you can keep everything hidden on the web site and have it as a personal record, but even so the ability to sit down and analyse in depth what you're up to, and where you are improving (assuming you are doing this for fitness) is a fantastic way to keep yourself motivated.
RaceChrono
If Sports Tracker is just a little bit too much for you (and if you're not ready for sharing, then half of the functionality might not be used) then RaceChrono is another option to help you keep track of what you are up to. It's more suited to those of you doing a number of circuits or laps than one massive route, as it uses GPS to plot your course round race circuits, and to output the statistics so that you can note your improving times.
While geared up more for motorsports, there's nothing to stop pedal power making use of this as well, and part of me would love to see what a bicycle reports after a lap of Brands Hatch when compared to a sports car.
Nokia's Podcast Application and Podrunner
Nokia Podcasting (often built into each device as well) and Podrunner
I'm going to add this one in because I find that having something to listen to does help when I'm out and about (with the caveat that I'm rarely on the public highways – Edinburgh has an extensive spiders web of cycle paths that are mostly deserted). While my regular music is on the smartphone, there are two podcasts that I like to have when doing an hour's tour around the city. The first is the podcast of interviews from Radio 4's Today Show, which allows me to keep up with current affairs and how the world is doomed... [cue Dad's Army impression? - Ed]
The second is more interesting. Podrunner is a regular music podcast by DJ Steve Boy, where he puts together a nonstop music mix that has a fixed beats per minute – which is perfect for working out to, running, or even keeping the cadence rhythm on mike bike.
-- Ewan Spence, Jan 2009.
Categories: Software
Platforms: General, S60 3rd Edition
Feature Discussion
I couldnt agree more, its fantastic to see the distance you cover, and then have a look at all the statistics later uploaded on the NSP website.
Its also a great way to keep a diary of the dates and distance you run (or cycle).
Guys, i just place my phone in the back pouch of my running tights, always picks up a GPS signal :cool:.
Best regards from Belfast.
Darren.