Smartphone navigation - Navigating with your mobile phone: Tips, tricks and apps

Anyone who owns a smartphone has probably used Google Maps at some point: To orientate yourself as a pedestrian in an unfamiliar city or to get from A to B by car in an unknown area. This usually works quite well. But does it also work for road cyclists? After all, Google Maps offers the "Bike" option, and the size of the road and landscape can be recognised in the satellite view; the app is also free. But in contrast to specialised cycling apps, some functions are missing. Google often finds the quickest or shortest route to the destination, but not the most scenic, car-free route away from the main roads, including information on beautiful viewpoints, beer gardens or the nearest bike shop. In addition, Google Maps only works in online mode, which consumes a lot of power and data volume.

Of the apps aimed specifically at cyclists and road cyclists, we took a closer look at three candidates: The two big ones, komoot and Bikemap, are among the market leaders. Komoot advertises with seven million users, Bikemap with more than seven million cycle routes. Naviki (without a route portal) is somewhat less well known and in circulation. According to the operator, the app also works with older smartphone models and operating systems.

In the practical test, we tried out how the three apps can be operated, how specific their functions are to road bikes and how precisely you can navigate on which terrain when you want to head for a destination or complete a tour. The basic structure of the three apps is similar. Downloading and using the basic functions, including navigation, is free - after that it tends to get confusing. To be able to use offline maps and the road bike route planner in the Bikemap app, you have to activate the premium functions, which cost between 4.99 per month and 99 euros for the full scope and unlimited usage time. With komoot, you get one regional map of your choice free of charge when you register, with additional maps costing from 3.50 euros. Additional premium functions can be used from 4.99 euros per month. Naviki charges separately for many functions: The mandatory road bike route planner costs 5.49 euros, the map of Germany for offline use costs 9.99 euros, and voice output must also be purchased.

We installed all the apps on an iPhone and an Android smartphone. As a test route, we chose a 16-kilometre classic of the Munich racing bike scene, the ride from Säbener Platz through Perlacher Forst to Ludwigshöhe in Kleindingharting. In online and offline mode, the apps had to suggest the best route and recalculate it if there were any deviations.

Conclusion: All apps find the destination, but not always the best route for road cyclists straight away. Bikemap and Naviki avoid the traditional road bike route; komoot only finds it when you tap the road bike symbol on the map section of the display. With the iPhone, the voice output in the Naviki app works precisely and quickly, while Bikemap and komoot are disappointing: The announcements are inaccurate and often come too late. Voice navigation works much better with the Android smartphone. Bikemap and komoot score highly when it comes to retracing existing routes of other users. Here, komoot has the largest range, which can also be used in offline mode with poor network coverage.

TOUR tips: App-Check

• Test trial version, if available
• Compare subscription models and in-app purchases. When it comes to map material, comprehensive country packages often don't cost much more than two or three individual country maps
• Top ratings are always at the top of the app stores. If you swap the order, possible weaknesses also become visible

The apps in comparison

Bikemap

Costs: Basic functions free of charge, premium functions 4.90 / 9 / 29 euros per month / 3 months / year; 99 euros with unlimited term

Version iOS 16.1.0 / Android 11.2.6

Operating system from iOS 11.4, for Android "depending on device"

Offline maps region, country, world package

Info

Bikemap is a pure cycling platform and advertises more than seven million circular routes worldwide. The road bike route planner and offline maps require the premium function, which includes many additional features, such as fall detection (for iOS). The data hunger for access to the address book or the link to health apps is striking.

Destination navigation

The destination is entered via address search, intermediate destinations can be added. An altitude profile and basic route data appear in a preview; you can also check whether the route is optimised for road bikes. This works simply and reliably with iPhone and Android smartphones. Unfortunately, you cannot delete or add intermediate destinations after starting the navigation. In offline mode, the result with the iPhone was disappointing in our test: the app crashed several times. We were also annoyed when navigating offline with a saved route on saved map material: non-interactive POI symbols, limited functionality and illogical journey times. The app worked much better and without restrictions on the Android smartphone.

Route navigation

When searching for circular routes from the community, the slider filters for distance and altitude metres are practical. With the "Road bike" and "Asphalt" options, you get a large selection of route suggestions from other road cyclists, especially from around 60 kilometres in length. Android users are also ahead in this category and receive around twice the number of suggestions compared to iPhone users, plus a significantly better range of functions as soon as navigation starts.

Recalculation of the route

In urban environments with many junctions and crossroads, the app reacts extremely slowly and sometimes only corrects wrong turns on the display and via voice prompts after several hundred metres. There was no difference between Apple and Android devices. Sometimes you are even manoeuvred into dangerous situations, for example as a wrong-way driver on cycle paths.

Komoot bike

Costs: Basic functions plus one regional map for offline use free of charge; additional maps from 3.50 euros; world map for 30 euros; premium functions 60 euros per year; automatic renewal

Version iOS 10.42.0 / Android V 11.2.6

Operating system from iOS 11.4, for Android "depending on device"

Offline maps single region, region package, world package

Info

Komoot is one of the most popular sat nav apps for road cyclists and offers the largest range of tours for this group. The basic package is user-friendly, including a freely selectable, free regional map; voice navigation is also already included. Offline maps are available for individual regions, as regional packages or as a world map. The premium function can only be booked on an annual basis.

Destination navigation

The app works equally well for Apple and Android smartphones. There are negligible differences in the map layout or the operating icons, but no differences in function. The destination entry under "Plan" works simply either by entering the address or by tapping directly on the map. The points of interest (POI) settings can be selected directly in parallel and well sorted, even drinking water sources (not petrol stations!) can be displayed. Although the app does not immediately suggest the ideal road bike route, the route can be tuned accordingly by clicking on the red road bike buttons, which hide saved road bike routes. The destination navigation can only be planned in online mode, but the completed route can also be travelled in offline mode, including interactive POI buttons when the map is loaded.

Route navigation

Navigating the numerous road bike routes is just as simple and reliable as the A-B route guidance, which can be suggested from a large selection according to duration, difficulty, current position or freely selectable starting point. The suggestions are enriched with a map profile, pictures of the route, basic data such as kilometres or duration and sometimes very detailed descriptions by users and the komoot editorial team.

Recalculation of the route

Worked well in our test with Android. Both visually and acoustically, you are guided safely back to the route. On the iPhone, there was often a delay before the wrong turn and route corrections were signalled.

Naviki

Costs: Basic functions free of charge; road bike navigation 5.49 euros, navigation instructions 4.49 euros, offline map of Germany 9.99 euros

Version iOS 3.2103 / Android 3.2103

Operating system from iOS 9.0, for Andriod "depending on device"

Offline maps continents, individual countries, grid selection

Info

Mobility app with road bike option, but without route portal. With in-app purchases, such as sat nav instructions, voice navigation or road bike route planner, the app can be customised to suit individual needs. It is the only app compatible with the Coachsmart from O-Synce and works on old iPhones with iOS 9.0 and in 17 languages.

Destination navigation

The destination is entered under "Plan route" by entering the address, a location from the map display, special places (POIs) or by accessing your own contacts from the mobile phone address book, if this has previously been permitted. In our test, the calculation of a new route was always faster with the iPhone than with Android smartphones. Before setting off, you can display the elevation profile via Details and the individual turn-by-turn directions in the road book as a list. The return function is practical for the way home. If you want to record the route, you also have to register in the Naviki cloud beforehand. Points of interest are inactive in offline mode. This is impractical because you can't stop for a bite to eat or head for another interesting destination on the way.

Route navigation

Naviki does not offer routes from other users. Only routes that you have planned and travelled yourself can be recorded and saved in the Naviki cloud.

Recalculation of the route

Even in the city with its branched road network, the app very quickly guides wrong-way drivers back onto the right path. This also works quickly and reliably with the voice announcement, both with the iPhone and with the Android device.

Check: SMARTPHONE

Current smartphones with the latest software are technically suitable for all navigation apps. If you still have an older model in your drawer and want to use it as a second sat nav, you need to check whether it is up to the task: not every sat nav app will run on older smartphones that can no longer be updated to the latest operating system (see also "Operating system"). A fundamental problem with smartphone navigation is that it requires so much power that even brand new mobile phone batteries run out of juice after a good hour and a half when the display is switched on. An external power supply is therefore not only indispensable for older models that have been discarded.

There are occasional reports on internet forums that the camera optics of modern smartphones can be damaged by vibrations on the handlebars. When asked by TOUR, SP Connect, a specialist in handlebar mounts, explained that this only occurs on motorbikes due to certain vibrations.

TOUR tips: Save electricity

• Navigate with the display switched off and voice navigation with cable headphones
• Switch off functions that run in the background. These include WLAN and Bluetooth in particular
• Switch on the flight mode
• Switch off unused apps
• Use offline maps
• Download calculated routes in advance and use offline navigation

OPERATING SYSTEM

Versions 14.5.1 (iOS) or 12 (Android) are installed on current smartphones. The test apps Bikemap and komoot still work with iOS version 11.4 and the iPhone 5S (2013), hardware and software must not be older. Naviki also accepts iOS 9 up to iPhone 5 (2012). If you want to check for yourself, you can reliably find this data in the app description under "Compatibility" on iTunes. On Google Play, you will often only find the imprecise note "varies by device".

ACCU

The battery capacity of most smartphones is around 3,000 milliampere hours (mAh). This decreases continuously and should not fall below a manufacturer-dependent threshold value for everyday use - this can be checked in the device settings. If this is only 85 per cent, for example, the device cannot even manage half an hour of navigation in our experience. Weatherproof additional batteries with a capacity of 6,000 mAh or more are therefore recommended. However, if you consistently download maps and navigation data in advance and follow our power-saving tip, a full smartphone battery will last for several hours.

Check accessories

HALTER

Most handlebars and stems with a round cross-section and standard dimensions can be Holder rubber rings of different diameters are usually included. Aero handlebars or integrated handlebar-stem combos require special mounts, such as those from Topeak, which are compatible with handlebar combos from FSA, Ritchey or Scott, for example, thanks to their slotted hole and screw fastening.

BAGS

The selection of weatherproof Covers is huge. Important: The transparent case should be touch-sensitive and all buttons and sockets on the smartphone must remain usable. Headphones with a cable need an opening for the plug or a double zip to feed the cable through. The zips on soft bags are not necessarily waterproof.

ACCU

Standard power banks External power supplies are available in a wide range of sizes and price categories, but they are rarely waterproof and suitable for mobile use. Better are special rechargeable batteries that can be attached to the racer or travel in a jersey to protect them from moisture. A capacity of 6,000 milliampere hours extends the normal battery life by up to three times.

Which accessories you need depends on how you want to use the smartphone for navigation. To read the route from the display, it must be mounted on the handlebars or stem with a suitable holder. A cover to protect it from moisture is then useful and an additional battery is strongly recommended. However, cheap power banks from specialist electronics stores are rarely water-resistant; additional batteries from accessory specialists are the better choice. You can also put your smartphone in your jersey pocket and listen to the turn-by-turn directions via headphones - this saves power.

Bottom line: Costs

If the price of the device, accessories and app exceeds 200 euros, this corresponds to the price of popular specialised devices such as the Garmin Edge Explore or Wahoo Elemnt Bolt GPS computers. Whether a smartphone is still the sat nav of choice is up to you to decide.

Savings version to try out

Mono headphones with cable5 eurosweatherproof cover36 eurosNaviki costs20 eurosTotal61 Euro

Premium permanent solution

Handlebar mount plus hard box50 EuroAdditional battery60 EuroPremium account/year60 EuroTotal170 euros in the first year