The Bike Hub iPhone app has been very well received in cycling circles and soon there will be a brand new version, that brings even better bike-specific navigation to the masses. Well, the iPhone-wielding masses, anyway. So what's new in version two?
Firstly, Bike Hub 2.0 has a 3D satnav function, like what you'd find on the box in your car, with the mapped world disappearing in perspective as you potter along. It still uses the Cyclestreets bike-specific routing engine, which means that your route can take you on the paths and cut-throughs that drivers can't use.
Turn-by-turn navigation is included in the software, and you can set the phone to vibrate with each instruction, so you can have your phone in your pocket and still know when it's letting you know where to go. There's voice instructions too which the Bike Hub chaps reckon are plenty loud enough from your pocket on quiet streets, though for noisier areas you might need to ride with one earbud in. However, since the app is partly designed to get you out of the traffic it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
The new version of the app uses voice synthesis to keep you abreast of street names, and even path or traffic-free route names where they're available. As before you can opt for quickest, quitest or balanced routes, the latter being a mix of the first two.
Another new addition for this version is the inclusion of 'via' waypoints so you can route your ride where you want. Also, the green route line is now semi-transparent so that you can read street names through it, a small amendment but a useful one.
As well as the satnav functionality there's a bike shop locator function, which gives the location of 2,500 bike shops across the UK and can direct you to a nearby store if you get into trouble. The app is free, having been funded by the UK bike levy, and the new version will be downloadable from the iTunes app store in the next week or so.
"What about an Android version?", I hear some of you cry. Well, the good news is that an Android version is in development, and the first iteration (a journey planney plus the store locator) will be available in December, with the satnav functionality being added for a January release.
I once knew some weight lifters and they said this was pretty common. Like you I left mine when I could have fixed it earlier. Finally did...
Yesss!! Just what Im looking for atm!!!
Know what you mean. Out round the paths this evening, people moved thickly, cats didn't trot aside and even the birds seemed lazy.
I wonder if Tiagra R6000 will go 11sp and effectively become the new 105 for mechanical and rim brake bikes? Makes sense given how close 4700 is to...
I see Shimano have waited until noisy protest was made illegal before releasing this news, the bastards. #SaveTheRimBrake
They are saying that the CdA of the bike itself is 20% better, not that you'll go 20% faster....
Don't hold your breath waiting for the police to take any interest or action in that part of the world. They don't give two sh*ts about cyclists. ...
I've already made his acquaintance!
Not really a cycle lane though, looks more like the area of the road you shouldn't cycle in, to be safe please cycle further out than this green patch
The basis of most discrimination but would have been easily fixed in this case by a big sign saying cyclists and pedestrians please use Click and...