Spec me a: phone bike thingamajig

TheBigCheese · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:45

I fancy getting out on my bike early in the mornings before I start the day to get my exercise quota up and it occurred to me this morning that it would be a great motivator if I had a way of attaching my smartphone (HTC Hero) to the handlebars so I could use the Sportypal app to see exactly how far and how fast I am going.

I have only one problem...

I can't seem to find any way of attaching it to the handlebars.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Andelusion · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:48

Why do you need it attached to your bars during the ride? Just run the software, put it in your backpack, then check your stats when you're done.

Oh and sports forum.

Maccapacca · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:49

Andelusion said:
Why do you need it attached to your bars during the ride? Just run the software, put it in your backpack, then check your stats when you're done.

Oh and sports forum.

Will the GPS work in pack or pocket ???

Derek W · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:49

Gaffa tape

Cybermyk · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:54

maccapacca said:
Will the GPS work in pack or pocket ???

It works in a car

Maccapacca · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:55

Cybermyk said:
It works in a car

Cars have windows, does GPS work if the phone is covered?

Andelusion · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:57

maccapacca said:
Will the GPS work in pack or pocket ???

Mine does (HTC Hero), it may drop in certain areas whether it's in open air or not.

Zip · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:57

maccapacca said:
Cars have windows, does GPS work if the phone is covered?

Mine worked in the Dash din pocket below the radio tonight

TheBigCheese · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:58

Andelusion said:
Why do you need it attached to your bars during the ride? Just run the software, put it in your backpack, then check your stats when you're done.

Oh and sports forum.

As I said - for a motivator.

Good suggestion about the sports forum though, whoops.

VoG · 20 Feb 2011 at 11:59

maccapacca said:
Cars have windows, does GPS work if the phone is covered?

i can't believe you just said that, glass is far denser than cloth, or do you think the phone has to see the sky?.

Quint · 20 Feb 2011 at 12:13

lmao, it'll work in pocket or in back pack.

TheBigCheese · 20 Feb 2011 at 12:18

Yes, it'll work in a pocket or back pack or through glass *facepalm*

I should have known better than to post in GD.

Glaucus · 20 Feb 2011 at 12:37

If there's no official bracket, get a car one and modify it.

Saundie · 20 Feb 2011 at 12:46

I've been considering getting a universal mount (i.e. one of these) for my Defy, but having used My Tracks with the phone in my pocket without any issues, I'm not sure there's much point. It'd certainly be more useful if you were using it for navigation though, seeing as it's a pain having to get the phone out of your pocket every time you want to see which turning to take.

TheBigCheese · 20 Feb 2011 at 13:06

Saundie said:
I've been considering getting a universal mount (i.e. one of these) for my Defy, but having used My Tracks with the phone in my pocket without any issues, I'm not sure there's much point. It'd certainly be more useful if you were using it for navigation though, seeing as it's a pain having to get the phone out of your pocket every time you want to see which turning to take.

Thread wins after all!

Thanks very much for the link that's EXACTLY what I'm after! I wonder if they would work with a cover on the phone (in case of rain or bike accidents :eek:

).

Having it on the handlebars would allow me to monitor my speed to make sure I'm keeping a steady pace (I'm thinking of doing it for weight loss and stamina). Navigation would play a part as well as I would be exploring down little country lanes where I've never been before and I have a terrible sense of direction!

Saundie · 20 Feb 2011 at 14:09

I don't see why it wouldn't work with a cover on the phone, the mount isn't exactly the same size as the phone as it's supposed to be able to accommodate a variety of handsets. It's not something I've considered, as my phone is waterproof. I bought a Spiderpodum as a cheap alternative, but it doesn't grip either the phone nor the handlebar firmly enough for me to risk actually using it. For some reason it's very difficult to find any reviews on any of these products, so it's difficult to figure out if they're worth buying.

I'm going to take a punt on their universal swivel mount, so I'll let you know how it turns out if you don't get one first.

Van Hellseek · 20 Feb 2011 at 14:19

Why not just have it in your pocket or backpack then look at it at intervals? :confused:

Tomsk · 20 Feb 2011 at 14:50

TheBigCheese said:
I fancy getting out on my bike early in the mornings before I start the day to get my exercise quota up and it occurred to me this morning that it would be a great motivator if I had a way of attaching my smartphone (HTC Hero) to the handlebars so I could use the Sportypal app to see exactly how far and how fast I am going.

I have only one problem...

I can't seem to find any way of attaching it to the handlebars.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Get a cycle computer (<£10) to see your speed and distance whilst cycling.
Put the phone somewhere else (safe from the elements and accidents) to log your actual route.

Craig321 · 20 Feb 2011 at 14:56

Tomsk said:
Get a cycle computer (<£10) to see your speed and distance whilst cycling.
Put the phone somewhere else (safe from the elements and accidents) to log your actual route.

This.

I got the Cateye strada wireless for the bike (speed, odometer, distance) and then iPhone in bag to track route etc.

Saundie · 20 Feb 2011 at 15:01

Van Hellseek said:
Why not just have it in your pocket or backpack then look at it at intervals?

Why not buy a handlebar mount for your phone, so that you don't have to keep getting it out of your pocket or backpack? :confused:

Spec me a: phone bike thingamajig

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