What to Know about Using GPS with Your Cycle

When you start cycling more often, you may find yourself on trails that you are 
unfamiliar with. These trails are usually marked in an app or in a GPS based program of 
some kind. You may be used to using GPS for various applications in your car on your 
smartphone. What you may not know is how to translate that same usage to your cycle. 
Here is what you need to know to get the most out of using your GPS with your cycle 
effectively.

Stand Alone Options

The first thing you need to know about using a GPS with your cycle is the option of 
going with a stand alone. There are several benefits to this over using your smartphone. 
The first is that you can find maps for bike trails and add them to your GPS system. 
These maps may not be routed on your smartphone GPS as most are off road trails and 
do not show up on map applications. This makes the stand alone GPS ideal for people 
who are doing mountain bike trails.

Some Maps Are Not Available

There is a misconception that GPS devices log all trails, maps, and locations. This is not 
entirely true. Though there are maps you can purchase that show pre-made trails, some 
may not be available. In these cases, you have a few options. The first is to make your 
own trail map by using an app on your smartphone that uses GPS to track your 
movement. You can also just keep a GPS that lets you know roughly where you are and 
you can go it on your own. You can also join an online group that allows you to pay a 
small fee to access trail maps in your area and download them to use with your 
smartphone or GPS system. 

Equipment Options

If you plan on using a GPS for your biking, you will need the right equipment. Though 
you could use voice turn by turn instructions, that could pose an issue later on. This, in 
fact, will not help you when you have an issue of the map not showing up or being 
complete on your current system. Instead, consider using a phone or GPS mount for 
your bike. This allows you to place it in the center front of your bike where you can 
easily reference it without causing issues with safety. 

These are just a few things to know about using a GPS with your cycle. Keep in mind, 
there are multiple GPS devices and methods. Once you start using the basic GPS 
system, you will start to grow and understand how you want to branch out. This will lead 
you to the methods and systems that work best for you and your cycling style. 
