Organising a cycling road trip requires being well equipped. Among the objects that have become indispensable is the bike GPS. The object that is so useful for travelling by car or on foot in the city, when you use your smartphone, is also a delight for cyclists who plan to travel the most beautiful routes in France and even in Europe. Discover in this article the good reasons to equip yourself with a bike GPS for your next trip, without forgetting some advice for a trip under the best auspices.
Why get a bike GPS?
Unlike a road trip in a van, car or motorbike, a road trip by bike requires more physical effort. Not only do you need to be well prepared and trained to hit the road and not burn out quickly, but you also need to be well equipped to make the trip easier. Everyone knows that the GPS function makes it much easier for us to get around and find our way. This also applies to cycling, of course.
It is undeniable that the accessory for cyclists that is the GPS for bike is much more practical than using the smartphone or a traditional road map to find your way. Why? First of all because it is much easier to install than a smartphone on the handlebars. Regarding the map, it requires to stop, to put the foot on the ground, to decipher, and in the end, we lose a precious time. First, the GPS for bikes calculates the route and allows you to follow your path in an intuitive and safe way, through a digital map colored and easy to decipher like the one found on models of the Garmin brand. Thescreen is touch-sensitive and easy to use. It is possible to connect it to the smartphone to receive SMS, calls and emails directly on the GPS screen, and thus stay in touch with the other cyclists in your group, for example.
Also note that the autonomy of the GPS for bike is interesting, it can reach more than 30 hours for some models. In addition to the on-board map system, the GPS for bicycles offers functions that are important to cyclists, such as real-time speed, average speed over the route taken, distance of the trip, duration of the ride, heart rate, and the number of calories burned. Once the ride is over, cyclists can also analyse their route and benefit from a 3D visualisation of the route and a summary of all the information we have mentioned above.
Other essential equipment for a safe cycling trip
If the bike GPS is one of the essential elements of a bike road trip, you should not forget the other equipment that makes the adventure easier. First of all, there are the panniers that can be installed on the luggage rack, the handlebars, the saddle or even the frame. It is in one of these bags that you can install the first aid kit containing paracetamol, disinfectant, compresses and bandages. Not forgetting the tools to tighten a bolt or repair a puncture.
Then, it is essential to have easy access to the water bottle to hydrate yourself. A water bottle holder should therefore be placed on the frame. If you are travelling with children, don't forget the bike trailer. There are some very good models for travelling comfortably as a family, without having to make a huge effort.
Finally, a road trip by bike requires rain gear, a windbreaker, a helmet, sunglasses and good sneakers.
