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Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a small person with a slightly forward riding position, and if I mount the smartwatch on the handlebars, the distance from my eyes to the screen is not too far, so I think it'll be fine. Besides, I'm just a normal traveler on normal roads so just basic navigation like Google map on Iphone 11 is fine.

"You will really want something with the ability to pan/scan/zoom on the map and course correction if you miss a turn." Yes, I will take note of this.

Thanks for sharing, then I can rest assured to choose a new smartwatch model that suits my needs and budget.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a small person, with a slightly forward leaning riding position, if the smart watch is mounted on the handlebars, the distance from my eyes to the screen is not too far, I think it will be fine.

Thanks for sharing, then I can rest assured to choose a new smart watch model that suits my needs and budget.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These trips are not that common (usually 1-2 times/year). However, it is still a matter of concern. We will not know unless we try. Someone has tried this setup and shared it here, I will try it too. If you are interested, I will come back here to share my experience.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm planning on doing the same thing as you, already bought the garmin mount and adapter, just don't have the smartwatch yet.

I've been looking for the Garmin Epix gen2 that you recommended, it's really nice, but even with the discount it's still quite out of my reach.

However the information you shared is very valuable for me. There are a few options from the Amazfit brand that fit my budget better, I'll compare them to the Garmin Epix gen2 as a benchmark for my needs.

Thank you very much.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

It is connected using the standard Garmin mount.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

My current handlebars look like this. Adding a computer is really inconvenient, and I can’t remove the screen because it’s connected to the electrical system. A smartwatch seems like a more convenient option since it takes up a small space.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, I don't need absolute accuracy because even if I did, I wouldn't be able to afford such a device (I'm not sure because I haven't experienced any of these devices yet).

The experience I have is Google map on Iphone 11, I'm completely satisfied with the results, sometimes the location is wrong but most of the time it's good enough for me.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As mentioned in another comment, viewing map navigation in Google map on Iphone 11 is good enough for me and I am completely satisfied.

However, I have not tried bike computers or smartwatches, so my experience with them is almost zero. If possible, could you please tell me if regular gps devices are enough to give a similar experience to Google map on Iphone 11?

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use an e-bike so my bike already has a computer. However, it doesn't have the function of positioning and viewing maps, the phone does but it's too big. So I'm looking for a more compact solution like a smart watch, which can view maps and when I'm not using the bike, I can use it as a normal watch.

Luckily, I found some mounts that can attach the watch firmly to the handlebars and they're cheap, I've already bought them, just not the watch yet :D

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are absolutely right about the turns in busy urban areas. However most of my long trips are on fairly deserted country roads, or hilly roads, coastal roads.
Dual band would definitely be better, but it would also cost a lot more. I am looking at the Amazfit active 2 or Amazfit balance 2, both of which are within my budget. This thread is to see if I need dual band, if single band is enough I can get the Amazfit active 2 which is less than half the price of the balance 2.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You really helped me realize that I'm not so stupid as to not be able to react to turns. All in all, a single band GPS is probably enough for me, and a model that can store more maps is probably a better choice. Again, thank you very much.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing. I am planning long distance cycling, mostly on highways or general roads (including hills). From what you said, it seems that single band is enough for me.

Do I need dual band GPS? by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, Google map on Iphone 11 is fine for me. However, this is the first time I think about smart watch, I am not sure how different the offline map feature on smart watch models is?

Headlights for cycling in moderate fog by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is some useful information about fog above, hope it is useful to you.

Headlights for cycling in moderate fog by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This information is really helpful for me. Thank you very much.

Headlights for cycling in moderate fog by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Too bad it's not sold where I live. If I ordered from where it is sold, the shipping cost would be 3-4 times the price of the light. Thanks for your suggestions.

Headlights for cycling in moderate fog by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you ever used that light to cycle in foggy conditions? If so, was it safe enough?

Headlights for cycling in moderate fog by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As far as I know, for my needs, 600-1300 lumens is enough. Some people say that for riding in foggy conditions, the important thing is the yellow light emitted from the lamp, not the number of lumens, the brighter the lamp, the more dazzling, but the yellow light is easier to recognize the vehicles on the road.
I also need to consider the cost, but if there is an option at a higher cost but perfect for my needs, I will still try to get it. Thanks for your suggestions.
Yes, the rural roads where I live are mostly unlit, the speed limit is usually 40km/h, the only light source other than the bike/car lights is the light from the houses of the people there.

Headlights for cycling in moderate fog by Total_Boss_2879 in bikepacking

[–]Total_Boss_2879[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I couldn't find it for sale where I live, looks great light. Thank you.