rck

I just bought (my 1st) a brand spanking new smart phone. Why now do I feel so d__n dumb!

Biker395 

How long before you download the Strava App? It's actually not bad.

Seriously, I was a holdout for a long time myself. They ARE ridiculously useful. Just don't become one of those smartphone zombies.

Bringing this back to cycling ... are there any other cool cycling apps out there?

Pamestique 

I brought my first last year... I had to call tech support because I could not figure out how to answer a phone call... they couldn't help either so I had to post on BF and ask...

Don't feel stupid... just ask questions. After awhile things start to make sense... I can almost NOW figure everything out!

Jim from Boston

My I-6+ smart phone was my first after my flip phone died. To further bring this back to cycling, I posted to the Road cyling Forum, ”Who rides ‘unplugged’”

GlennR

You're IQ will start to drop. You know longer need to know anything since everything is just a few clicks away.

How many still know everyone's phone number, remember birthdays or other family events.

Also never buy a car with navigation, the smart phone has better apps and are more up to date than your car.

Also Google and Apple will know more about you the more you use it. Everything you search, buy online and locations you go to will all be tracked.

John E

Although I am a technologist, I have a difficult time using touch screens, probably because of poor hand-eye coordination. Yes, if I want to retrieve emails or check on traffic conditions or other data on the Internet, I am glad to have my iPhone, but if I just want to place or receive a phone call, I miss my old flip phone.

I worry a lot about the growing use of touch screens in cars, since these force drivers to divert their gaze from the road (and potentially us). With knobs and buttons I can feel for the HVAC or radio controls I need while keeping my vision focused on my driving. Windscreen fogging up? Just turn all three center console knobs (temperature, fan speed, function) full clockwise on the 2001 Passat. On the 1996 Audi, the four little easily-felt buttons across the bottom of the HVAC control panel are colder, warmer, fan slower, fan faster.

Gerryattrick

My smartphone was invaluable last year while out cycling. I fell off and was knocked out and a passer-by used my phone to call an ambulance and then call my wife to tell her I was on my way to the hospital.

Well, not so much the smart side of it was invaluable, just the phone.

ButchA

I had an old flip-phone for years and years and then took the plunge and bought an LG Lucid 3 smartphone a while back. I felt embarrassed too, because my daughter had to show me all the features and "cool stuff" that it can do.

I don't have Strava, but I do have MapMyRide for an app. It's free and really works great!

tg16

I use Garmin Connect.

Shp4man

I have a flip phone and an Android tablet. It's nice having the gigantic body of knowledge known as the internet at your fingertips. Posting from it now.

RonH

You feel so dumb for waiting so long.

I use Cyclemeter on my iPhone 5S.

An easy way to carry your phone so its handy is with this. I have one on each bike.

dannwilliams

That looks pretty slick. I think I "need" one! Christmas is coming, after all!

rck

Thanks for that Pam. I had lunch with a friend yesterday and had him call me just to see. The phone rang and both of us sat there staring at the phone with no idea as to how to answer it.

John E

This is a great reminder to carry a cell phone preprogrammed with easy-to-find emergency contact numbers beyond the basic 911. The one time I was struck by a car and rendered unconscious was in 1976, long before mobile phones were common. When I did not show up for dinner, my wife started phoning the local emergency rooms and located me on the third try.

Pamestique 

Hopefully you figured it out... I still have trouble... I know to tap and swipe the phone icon but sometimes, well... all of my friends know I am fiddling with the phone and will call back...

Rick@OCRR

Hi Pam,

I guess that's why we messaged each other instead of calling during Tour de Big Bear this year!

Of course it helped that you spotted me and Jackie at the Expo but still . . . the message option is very handy! Glad you could stop by the cabin and visit for awhile. Next year you can actually ride!

Rick / OCRR

SloButWide 

Google Maps - it has a cycling mode that's good for finding MUPS and bike lanes.

Dark Sky is a weather app that predicts rain in your local area - ie, within a mile, not "in this zip code".

Strava, MapMyRide, and Cyclemeter are all bike computer / tracker / trainer apps. Strava and MMR have basic functionality for free, then an annual fee adds goodies. Not sure about Cyclemeter.

jppe

I held out forever getting a smart phone and now I don't understand why. All the apps are really useful...like Gas Buddy. I use the GPS feature on cycling rides all the time when on unfamiliar roads. It's so easy to spot where you are and how to go from points A to B. You can even send texts and emails using voice instead of typing. By the way, I have literally seen the servers where all the data comes to for all the uses of our smart devices. Lots of servers!!

Retro Grouch 

I feel your pain.

I have traded bike wrenching services for smart phone lessons. I've gotten so frustrated that I've questioned my sanity. I've actually had my smart phone bawl me out for using profanity. I'd take a hammer to it but for the fact that, when I can get the screen that I want, I find it pretty wonderful.

RonH

I forgot to mention MyRadar, free from the many app stores. Shows real time radar for your part of the country.

Pamestique 

After seeing what Kathy and Jackie (and you) had to climb, um, maybe not. But at least sagging will be more fun; I can actually walk around and do stufff!

BigAura

At least we're still in charge and can turn off our devices, soon we'll be their pets.

SJX426 

I have been using a smart phone for a number of years. I echo JohnE perspective about touch screens at the same time voice recognition is getting more user friendly to use too. Last go around I opted for a Windows Phone. I am impressed with its integration and similarities with PC. In fact, it is the same OS. I am also impressed with the lack of apps! The 2 year times up and I need to make a decision. The battery is still good so I can hang on for a longer period of time. The new Windows phones can be used like a PC with the addition of a monitor and keyboard. Battery life is exceptional and the 20mp camera is appealing.

The thing to remember is that it is not really smart. you are smarter. It is the software designer that is the one intimidating you to feel dumb! They are engineers who think differently, I know because I are one, not a SW guy but been around them long enough,

Oh and I use Cyclometer for a bike app. Exceptional quality and free. Nearly matches my bike computer in terms of MPH, Max speed and time. Much better than my MS Band!