Ideas

why not? 3*

Spelt as bicycle - suggest changing your idea title unless the typo is intended.

I did a brief Google search and found quite a few similar concepts - at least demonstrating that you're up against existing bicycle mounted GPS units.

Here is an example

http://www.cycoactive.com/

Go Full Swing Ahead.

:) goooooooo

Re Siddey,

I've had a look around on that website and there is no sign of something similar to what I propose for Bicycles.

I'll edit the idea title.

Is the resolution of GPS accurate enough to handle the small size on bike paths?

Erm.....I have no idea?! I'm not very technical, so I honestly could not tell you.

I'm sure that it does not have to be a problem. Like I said, users could upload their own routes, so if the problem you describe does come up, this is a way to work around it. Although that would make it a very elaborate process.

The GPS route advisory had been around in Ch for sometime..but for a bike.i think its something new. Though sometime last May i recall someone have submitted about cycling tour map i dunno if its of the same concept.

I was thinking about the same thing recently. Like it. TomTom has the Rider, but that's for motorbikes. As for accuracy, I think with stuff like the snap to roads features it should be able to do well enough. Weatherproofing is important, of course.

"but considering the fact that I am from Holland and have not seen it here I think it's a new idea."

lol... is Holland the mecca of technology and the place where all things cool ever invented are found? If it is not in Holland it has never been invented?

That aside, GPS devices are already available for a number of activities from running, cycling, to hunting etc. Garmin actually makes an entire line of light weight gps units. My friend has one and it maps his route when he runs, keep track of heart beat... then when he can upload his data and see his pace for the entire course, overlay his route on a google map, compare and share runs with other people... then when he goes out again a virtual training partner can be displayed on his screen at any pace he wants so he can stay on pace.

Please check out Garmin's product area to see more of what I am talking about. Here is the link: http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us

If your idea is different than these devices, please explain how and I would be happy to return and change my vote.

And to answer the question above, yes the hand held GPS devices are pretty accurate. When my friend maps his routes, you can usually tell which side of the street he was running on. Sometimes it messes up, but pretty accurate for civilian uses.

I'll answer you question about Holland first. I'm not so big headed about my country that I would think everything good comes from our end. However, we are known for loving to ride our bikes. A friend of mine once commented that all the girls over here are so fit and have such great bodies because they all ride bikes, which keeps them in shape.

As for your second point, it would be slightly different. From what I gather the device you mention maps routes you have walked and let you upload them. The difference would be in that the device I propose already has most, if not all, routes already in its memory. So you can continuously use new routes and try new track etc etc.

It would be eactly the same as a car sat nav, but for bicycle paths and some added features which would be more usefull to a bike rider than car user. I like what they have done with the virtual training partner though, that's excellent.

Ok, I didn't realize that cycling was that big in Holland. My apologies. I understand the context or comment now... namely Holland has an avid cycling community and a device that works on a bike would probably be popular.

And I see the difference now. The preloaded routes is an interesting angle. Maybe you can build a prototype with a PDA and a GPS device.

Best of luck (and true to my word, I raised my vote :) )

Godspeed Sir, Dont forget your helmet!

Thanks CCozad. I can't build a fire, never mind a PDA and GPS!

Well if you learn to make a fire.... you can make another invention.... put a basket on the front of the bike, light a fire in it and you have a little fireplace/hand warmer :) (Not responsible for any damages to person or property if anyone tries this....)

Maybe someone on CH will be interested in helping you put together a little demo.

I know there are bike path maps available. But, GPS mapping more in depth might work.

I don't think i'd want to make a custom device for this... it's pretty much your typical navigation device (any GPS enabled cell phone with large display). Pulling up bike paths should be an option for that nav program, and some sort of clip for your bike could be the only physical innovation.

(I can SEE how a custom device could make money. Very niche. But too niche for me to ever buy one.)

I don't know about SatNav device, but handlebar mounts for the older-style GPS devices have been available for years. Doesn't mean there's not a market for similar mounts for TomToms, etc though, but bear in mind these are less sturdy than the rubber-cased devices intended for less sedate use!

is it bad to put a pricy piece of equipment on a bike that is exposed to the elements?

I think Sat Phones are the way to go.

Pretty sure it's done.

How is this GPS navigator different then the ones already offered for bicylclers?

I know that GPS systems for bikes do exist. There are several companies that make them just for bikes. I don't know if there is any in depth navigation feature like path by path navigation. It seems like this would be more software and mapping then hardware.

We've done it at OpenStreetMap. You use a Garmin GPS and our custom map:

http://www.gravityst...cycle-map-on-my-gps/