As the long-standing practice of cycling and tourism shows, it can be quite difficult to pedal in unfamiliar terrain, especially if you are abroad. When riding a bicycle, it is very difficult to use the map, even if it is very good and detailed.
After all, it has to be mounted on a special table in front of the eyes, which creates certain inconveniences. And here a bicycle navigator comes to the aid of cyclists. It combines convenience, compactness and the ability to quickly navigate in unfamiliar areas.
There are many different navigators, but if you decide to choose this device for yourself, then keep in mind that it will have to work in difficult conditions. The bicycle always shakes when riding; dust and water can also get on the device. So the requirements that a GPS navigator for a bicycle must meet are more stringent than, for example, the characteristics of an automobile device.
The navigator must be equipped with a shockproof housing. This is one of the main conditions, because the bike may fall or catch something. In addition, it is mandatory to have water resistance in case of rain. The bicycle navigator should be easily mounted on the handlebars to always be in front of your eyes. The device can be glued or have appropriate fasteners, in any case, the installation method must be reliable.
A good battery is a must in every navigator. Work from standard sources (finger batteries, battery) is a huge plus for the device.
The ability to download new maps is another good feature. After all, most likely you will rarely travel in the same area. Therefore, a navigator for a bicycle must necessarily have the ability to connect a memory card. So you can save a large number of necessary maps of the area. Also, maps can be quickly changed by recording new cartographic information.
Modern GPS navigators are equipped with touch displays that can be used in strong sunlight. Such devices weigh a little, just some 200 grams, and can work up to 16 hours or more. As accessories to the navigators, sensors that determine the cadence, heart rate sensors can be connected, so this device is fully
can replace the bike computer. A biometric altimeter, a magnetic compass, the ability to save tracks, share routes with fellow cyclists, view and analyze training results are also very useful features of modern navigators. And only one thing that can stop a cyclist when buying such a universal device is a rather high price. This is probably his only minus.
The modern market is rich in similar devices, but not all of them are of high quality and meet individual requirements. So before buying, study the rating of GPS navigators, their parameters, read reviews, make sure that the device you are purchasing is of high quality, reliable and capable of performing all the necessary tasks.