Dedicated GPS v mobile phone.

The Forerunner 245 is good for following pre-loaded route but doesn’t have maps built in

I just use a cheap silicone mount – this sort of thing: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334050861838 Never had it come out, even on big rocky descents.

I also only turn the screen on when I need it. I really can’t think of any situation barring navigating your way out of a hedge maze when you’d need it on more than 20% of the time.

Being dim here but if the iPhone is in Airplane mode does it still track your position on the map?
Or do you use it like a paper map and figure out where you are from where you last where!
I use OS Maps on my iPhone but it really burns through the battery.

Not sure about iPhone, but android is happy to let you use the gps in flight mode.

Phone = cheap old one off eBay

Apps = komoot

Mounting = 4 slots in a plastic case and zip tied to the stem

Solid and cheap, not perfect but none of the options are.

As others have said, flight mode and battery saver with gps switched back on. Small battery backup but as long as WiFi is off I should get 7 hours so don’t often need the backup. Komoot like a few others will give voice instructions and only turn the screen on at junction so I hardly ever need to look at it.

Keep the rain and glare off the phone you’re using for GPS/tracking with a mini-umbrella:

https://www.taobao.com/list/item-amp/643478223578.htm?spm=a21wu.10013463.taglist-content.1.2492f8c5DNnBb1

Being dim here but if the iPhone is in Airplane mode does it still track your position on the map?
Or do you use it like a paper map and figure out where you are from where you last where!
I use OS Maps on my iPhone but it really burns through the battery.

No idea specifically for iPhones but GPS is passive (the device receives signals only), so it should allow you to turn GPS on and remain in flight mode, I know Google maps (among others) allow you to download maps to use offline, so all a phone (or tablet even) in flight mode needs to do is overlay your GPS position over a map already stored on the phone.

Years ago when roaming data charges were an issue I managed to faff about and navigate in Portugal this way (we had free Wifi at place we were staying, so you just had to plan your day before leaving). TBH these days if navigating by phone I would just take the potential hit on battery and carry a power bank, data use isn’t a concern anymore…

One advantage of a dedicated bike GPS is that it is still essentially designed to act as a reliable “offline” GPS navigation device, in a world where many people now rely on having an “online” navigation device (built into their pocket rectangle)…

But take a paper map(s) as well, you never know…

Have taken the iPhone 6s that we listened to music through at the shop and nabbed it for bike duties.
On OS Maps it says it can’t find my location even with airplane mode off. If I click on FOLLOW ROUTE and then press the location button it can find me . What goes on?

Can you install OS Maps on the Garmin Explore? I can’t find a definitive answer anywhere.
I have the yearly OS subscription.

No.

The Ordnance Survey App/website maps are not in a format Garmin recognises.

However, Garmin will sell you OS maps in their format that use the Explores SD card reader.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/616572

The Explore doesn’t have an SD card reader…

Oh aye – via the Download route then. Same link

£199!!!!!!!

That’s why I’ve got an 810 with OS maps, I bought the lot for £80 😉

I use these for my off-road needs, recommended on a previous thread here https://www.the-thorns.org.uk/mapping/help/ukgarmin.html £15. Supplemented by ViewRanger OS offline on my phone where needed, which is rarely.

@bikesandboots
Could that map be downloaded to the Explore?

I expect so…

Confirmed – httpd://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/bike-computer-for-following-routes/page/2/#post-11381139