Standalone unit or phone
A GPS device on a bike is usually one of two things: a purpose-made unit with a screen designed for sunlight and handlebar use, or a smartphone running a navigation app in a holder. Both show your position on a map and can guide you along a route.
A purpose-made unit tends to be more robust, easier to read in sun and gentler on its battery. A phone is something you already own and has large, clear maps, but its screen can be hard to read in bright light, its battery drains faster, and it is a costly thing to see fall on the road. Rain, vibration and heat can also affect phones. Check what your phone’s maker says about use in wet weather and on a bike.
Mounting it securely
A loose device is a hazard. It can swing into your line of sight, snag a cable or fall under your wheel.
- Use a mount designed for your device and your handlebar or stem size, and follow the instructions to fit it.
- Tighten it so it does not twist when you hit a bump, and recheck before each ride. Vibration can loosen fixings over time.
- Add the safety tether if one is provided, so the device stays attached if the mount fails.
- Position it just in front of the stem or slightly above the bars so you can see it with a small eye movement, without leaning down.
- Keep it clear of brake and gear cables, and make sure the bars turn fully without catching anything.
- Remember that other bar gear, such as bike lights and a bell, needs space too.
If the mount makes the steering feel odd or the bars rattle, stop and adjust it. If you are unsure about fitting, a bike shop can help.
Phone mounts deserve extra care. A heavy phone on a long arm can flex over bumps, and a case that clamps loosely can let go. A purpose-made phone mount with a firm grip is generally more reliable than a general-purpose clip. The article on phone mount use covers phones in more detail, so this guide concentrates on navigation.
Setting up before you go
The easiest way to stay safe is to do the thinking at home.
- Plan the route and load it before you leave.
- Check the route for suitability: do the roads match your confidence and your bike?
- Charge the device fully, and consider a small battery pack for long rides.
- Turn off notifications on a phone so calls and messages do not appear on your navigation screen. A call that pops up while you are in traffic is a distraction you can avoid.
- Set the screen to a clear view, with large text and few extras.
- Set the volume or beeps so you will hear a turn prompt, if you use them, without wearing earbuds that block out traffic sounds.
Using it at stops, not on the move
The golden rule is simple: if you need to touch the screen, stop first.
- Pull over somewhere safe, out of the way of traffic and other riders, before you zoom, scroll, search or change the route.
- If you miss a turn, do not try to fix it while moving. Slow, signal, and stop at the next safe spot.
- Take quick glances when it is safe to do so. A short look at the arrow on a quiet straight is fine, but two or three seconds of staring at a map can take you off your line.
- Never type an address while riding.
At junctions, your attention belongs on traffic and other road users. The article on busy junctions explains what to look for, and nothing on a screen changes that.
Not letting the screen lead you
Navigation devices can send you along roads that are unsuitable, closed, too busy or not meant for bikes. If a route looks wrong in front of you, trust what you see. Stop, check, and choose another way. Check local rules too, since the roads and paths bikes can use differ between places.
If you ride in a group, tell the leader or others when you need to stop to check the route. Avoid braking suddenly just to look at a device.
Having a backup
Signals fade, screens crack and batteries die. Before long rides:
- Know the general direction of home and your key turns.
- Save the route offline on a phone, if that is how you navigate.
- Carry a charged power bank and a short cable.
- Tell someone your plan.
Carrying a lock and basic tools matters too, as with any ride. Finally, take the device off when you park the bike, since an exposed unit or phone is an easy thing to steal.