Small and simple GPS tracker
 

I'm looking for a small, simple GPS tracker. Just need start / stop button for time and distance recording. No other functionality required.

Bryton 10 is the smallest and cheaper I have found, but still too big and "complex".

I wonder if some of those mini GPS locators would help. No need to live tracking, no SIM card required. If it can start / stop and export the track (bluetooth, usb) that would do the job.

Indeed, I am actually looking for a wireless cyclometer with no magnets, but the only one I am aware of, the Decathlon B'twin 500, uses a gyroscope which some bikers have reported to eventually record buggy data in MTB. Besides, there are two button cells to be replaced while I prefer having just one rechargeable device. The only one alternative is a GPS tracker.

Any piece of advice?

PS: My purpose is to avoid carrying my 5'' cell phone if I won't use the maps app, which happens most of the times. The weight is not the problem, but the size. I would carry a mini gps and a mini phone instead. There are mini smartphones but they are out of budget and honestly I don't trust the precision of the GPS chip.

Just time and distance?

The GPS units need to be recharged frequently (every 20 hours of riding at the high end).

The computers that use batteries can run for a year.

Magnets work well for this. I suspect there are not many non-gps computers that don't use magnets. There are lots of ones that do.

Please read the postscript in my first post.

Right, just time and distance, like a simple cyclometer, but wireless and magnetless.

I don't like magnets and wires, it is a question of esthetics and simplicity.

I still don't reject the wireless gyroscope cyclometer but prefer a mini GPS. Not a problem to charge between rides.

I have found some candidate:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000031294180.html

I have an cycle computer (not a GPS) that uses ANT+ sensors. It can use the nonmagnetic sensors (they don't use gyroscopes). It was expensive.

I suspect not many people here use such a device (they don't seem very popular anywhere).

There you go.

If this is a candidate, it seems you aren't interested in seeing it while you ride.

There are likely many candidates. But you'll likely have to take a chance on them.

Get a fitness watch that has GPS.

GARMIN vivosport

Right, ANT+ sensors are expensive and require some smart device, what I'm trying to avoid. Anyway there are cheap ones:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32856388932.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32804911865.html


Right, just interested in recording, no need to see it. At this time this is the best option.

Out of budget, I'm looking for some simple and cheap device.

If price is an issue, get a refurbished watch.

There are a few cycle computers (not really a smart device) that use ANT+ sensors. (I have one.)

If the cheap sensors work, one of those might be an option (but likely too expensive).

You probably won't get any information about people actually using them here.

If you have a budget, you should indicate it.

======================

An advantage to a cycling-specific device is that it only records the cycling activity.

I could buy now the Bryton 10 for $45 +/- . A cheap GPS should go no further than $30, like the ones found in aliexpress. Most probably the one commented will be the chosen. I need no more than just basic functionality, I won't pay for features I don't need and won't use.

Just puzzled as to the desire to size down from a 5” phone. I assume you want to carry a phone ?, useful if you get hurt, have a mechanical ?. I went from a Motorola flip phone to assorted iPhones, current an Otterbox case. Not seeing an issue in a back pocket in a road ride and inside my CamelBack on mt. bike rides. Re-think that and all your searching is over as a smartphone pretty much does what you want using a lot of choices in free apps.

Just a thought.

I know the OP isn't interested. I love mine. And the bike looks better this way.

I don't ever wear a watch, I'm a "free wrist". The best place for my simple GPS will be de saddle bag, or the jersey bag.

I'm currently using a smartphone and will still use for exploration routes and demanding marathons. But most of the times I'm riding on very well known and nearby paths and trails and all I need is very simple mini GPS (to use it as a cyclometer) and a very simple mini phone inside the saddlebag. For these (usually) short adventures I find it kind of cumbersome to carry the big 5'' "brick" phone. Lightness and simplicity, no wires, wrist free. It's just a matter of taste.

I'm curious how easy it will be to download the data from one of these devices. Does it generate a standard file?

I'm curious as well, description says nothing about it. Either way I don't require that feature.

Then what are you talking about when you ask for " If it can start / stop and export the track (bluetooth, usb) that would do the job."

You are right, but after some research, I have realized that it is more reasonable to degrade my list of requirements: start / stop, time, distance and, desirable but not mandatory, some way to load the track on my computer.

The descriptions of the first devices I found (no screen, cheaper) talk about the recording history and bluetooth, but not the last one I am interested in.

In any case I have asked some sellers about it, I'm waiting for the answer.

You can get a first generation Garmin Vivoactive on ebay for $30-50

The new Garmin sensor will record ride info by itself.

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/04/...th-review.html

Hey, that's a pretty slick feature!

If all you want is distance and time, the Sensor 2 and a phone to upload to are all you need. No tracks, though, since there's no GPS.

Appreciate everyone's expertice & effort in offering a 2019 market survey, suggestions, pros and cons.

I think I'll just keep using my Casio F91W-1 and Huret Multito at this time. :giver:

What all does this unit do? I imagine since you recommended it that it must be good but I have to ask. How accurate are all the functions and does the gps map your ride and show your route? Thanks

Here is a CNET review of the Garmin vivosport.

Thanks. I just pretend to do without a smart phone. I believe it does not exist the mini tracking device I'm looking for, I just gave up.