Interested in buying a mobile device to upload GPX

[metalfitrider]

I am interested in purchasing a mobile device for my bike ride down the Pacific Coast to use in addition to bike maps.  Can anyone give me an idea as to which device, such as an iPhone, etc. is best to use with apps such as GPX and others for riding?

[John Nettles]

Don't quite understand your questions as a mobile device is typically considered a mobile phone.  Do you already have a smart phone (not a flip phone)?  If so, just download the ACA route app and purchase the map data.  If not, any smart phone that is less than a couple of years old will be able to handle current apps. Old phones' software may not be able to handle the updated phone software.

Also, GPX is a file type (like .xls, .jpg, et cetera).  A map's data can be composed of a .gpx file but I have not heard of an app called GPX. Perhaps there is one.

IF you are looking for a GPS device, I would suggest you get any Garmin handheld model such as an Etrex (less than 5 years old is OK).  A basic model is all you need and does not eat as much batteries.

Tailwinds, John

[JHamelman]

Don't quite understand your questions as a mobile device is typically considered a mobile phone.  Do you already have a smart phone (not a flip phone)?  If so, just download the ACA route app and purchase the map data.

Just to be clear (and split a few hairs) , our app, Bicycle Route Navigator, and our GPX data are two separate things and do not work together.


If you download the free app (Bicycle Route Navigator) you will purchase routes through the app.


If you purchase our GPX Data, you will need to use a different app (of your choosing) to display and navigate the route.

[metalfitrider]

I have the GPX in my inbox and am aware that Bike Navigator is incompatible with it.

I have a Track Phone, but I am not sure that qualifies as a smart phone.  I don't know how to upload GPX from my e-mail inbox onto it.  I may have mistakenly referred to the GPX as an app and not a file.

Is there a good mobile phone I should buy?

[John Nelson]

When you say “Track Phone”, do you mean “Tracfone”? If so, that’s a service provider, not a phone. Can you provide more details about your phone?

If you’re going to buy a new phone, there are many. Everybody has their favorite. But maybe you want a Garmin or Wahoo instead. The range of options can be overwhelming.

[John Nettles]

If your phone does not handle apps, you could check out CNet.com and look at their reviews of phones.  They are somewhat like a Consumer Reports but only for electronics.  Any phone that can handle app, say a weather or news app, should be able to handle a gps file using a GPX app.

As far as GPS apps go, I only use a dedicated GPS so am not at all familiar with any GPS app for a phone.

Best, John

[HobbesOnTour]

I am interested in purchasing a mobile device for my bike ride down the Pacific Coast to use in addition to bike maps.  Can anyone give me an idea as to which device, such as an iPhone, etc. is best to use with apps such as GPX and others for riding?

As you are finding out the world of electronic navigation is a very specific and precise place.

Perhaps it would be better to think about, then describe just what exactly you would want this "device" to do for you?

I like to think of electronic navigation for bike touring in 2 parts;

Part 1 is the planning. Planning I like to see big areas so I can get the big picture of where I'm going. There are a variety of different online resources for that, and it is even possible to do it on paper maps and hen transfer that info onto the online maps or directly to the device.

Part 2 is following the preplanned route. That can be done with a smartphone (using many different apps) or a dedicated device such as Garmin, Wahoo etc. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Some have detailed maps, others not. Some work offline, others not. Some can deal with going off course, others not.

GPS devices for bikes are not like for cars where I can sit in my car and give it an address and off I go. A lot of dedicated apps and devices can do that.... but the quality of the route they pick is often questionable.

So, come back and tell us what you want this device to do and we can be more helpful

[metalfitrider]

When you say “Track Phone”, do you mean “Tracfone”? If so, that’s a service provider, not a phone. Can you provide more details about your phone?

If you’re going to buy a new phone, there are many. Everybody has their favorite. But maybe you want a Garmin or Wahoo instead. The range of options can be overwhelming.

Yes, I meant Tracfone.  I don't have my phone on me now, it's at home recharging, but I will get it tomorrow and see what can be done with it.

[metalfitrider]

So I have my TracFone.  My problem with it is that its connection to things like Facebook and others is sketchy.  It has a hard time logging in and gives error messages like "not responding--Do you want to close it?", etc.  It stays on, for a while.  I don't know if it's a problem with the phone or what's going on. 

It was given to me as a gift, so I'm not sure what I can do with it.

I checked with persons at Best Buy about  iPhone 6 and upgraded versions and internet service providers, but does it seem like a little too much money to invest in a smart phone for just a long distance bike trip with apps and files, etc.?

[Tandem Tom]

We also use TracFone for our service provider. I bought 2 new smartphone,Blu brand, and use Osmand offline map on them. We can the download our routes and they work great!
We just returned from a 3 month Europe tour and my wife has a Garmin on her bike and I use my phone.

[fixedbydoc]

I know this is late in the game but I use GPX on my Magellan Cyclo 505 and don't have any problems. It also gives you local info for stores, hotels, and campgrounds etc...  Mounts to the bike and has a long battery life.