Elton Cora (Honorary)

Hey fedi bicyclerspersons, I'm looking for some recommendations for GPS navigation, preferably that just runs on my phone (iOS). Sounds easy, but not. What I want:

1. I need to be able to design my own routes, and correct generated or existing routes. It would be sufficient to be able to upload a GPX file, as I already use CyclOSM/Brouter extensively. The important thing is that I'm able to either do turn-by-turn nav on these routes, or at least generate cue sheets.

2. Offline mode would be extremely helpful. Coverage is generally good where I am, but I know that I can't count on it.

3. I'd strongly prefer to not have to pay $80/year for the privilege of the above, which is what RideWithGPS was going to cost (premium required to upload tracks and generate cue sheets).

What I don't want:

1. Social anything. Not into being surveilled for the likes, don't need to ruin perfectly good bike rides with gamification.

2. Ride recording, vitals monitoring—I have something for that which does what I need.

Again, a phone app would be preferred; I'd consider a dedicated bike computer that does the above and doesn't tether me to a cloud account or subscription fees.

Any ideers? Thanks!

#BikeTooter #bicycletouring #askfedi

May 10 at 4:24pmWeb
Show threadAlexanderMay 10
@cora https://cycle.travel is worth checking out. I think it ticks all your boxes.
cycle.travel | route-planner and maps - traffic-free & quiet roads

The best-kept secret of a great ride - find scenic routes with fewer cars.

Show threadElton Cora (Honorary)May 21

@BongoTwisty Hey just wanted to follow up on this. I've been using cycle.travel consistently for the past week to plan and nav routes in northern Portugal, and despite a couple of hiccups (most of which I think are related to OSM data, which I've been updating as I go), it has been great. Community seems just right too.

I do intend to ask to make the route divergence alarm sound a bit different, since it has startled the bejeezuz out of me when navigating some of the busier roads with mixed agricultural and personal vehicles on often rather uneven surfaces, but I'm kinda growing used to that too. Part of the charm.

Anyway, thanks!

Show threadAlexanderMay 25
@cora Pleased it's worked out for you. Just got back from a ten day excursion to Berlin via France, Belgium and the Netherlands. All mapped using cycle.travel with next to no checking the route. Like you I only had a few questionable mapping suggestions. Just wish I could sync it with my Hammerhead Karoo.
Show threadElton Cora (Honorary)May 25
@BongoTwisty I actually bumped into someone in northern Portugal who was on his way south from Berlin a couple of days ago. Sounded like a fantastic trip.
Show threadRichard K May 10
@cora I haven't tried it yet, but Organic Maps looks promising:
https://organicmaps.app/
Organic Maps: Offline Hike, Bike, Trails and Navigation

Free, open-source, fast, privacy-focused, detailed offline maps for travelers, tourists, drivers, hikers and cyclists created by MapsWithMe/Maps.Me app founders

Show threadFynnMay 10
@cora I am and have been very happy with Comaps. It's free - they do accept donations if you have the means, though. You can both upload and download GPX files though editing capabilities are a bit limited (compared to something like Komoot).
Show threadDavid SMay 10

@cora most bike computers can work offline and don't require subscriptions. You tend to need a cloud account to set them up though.

I use a Wahoo head unit and Komoot for route planning. The Komoot app also has an offline mode (with a one off fee to buy regions but you get one for free afaik) and turn by turn navigation but their policies might not be agreeable to you and needs a cloud account to use.

I've used Locus Maps and OSMAnd for offline navigation but they're not as good as a head unit

Show threadKlaus-Gerd GiesenMay 10

@cora

Maybe cyclers.app is for you. I use it for navigation and for checking the car traffic density of any portion of the routes which are generated by bikerouter.de .
For navigation it automatically downloads a minimalistic offline map of your route which means it does not use much battery. To modify a track just draw the modification with your finger.