Route mapping apps

[thom04]

Anyone got a good route mapping app that they'd recommend? Preferably free

I've been using komoot, but got hit with a pay wall today, so looks like they're trying to phase out the free tier accounts

 

[foz]

If you have a Garmin, then I find their connect platform works well. Easier to use on a pc than on a phone though

 

[widowmaker]

If you have a Garmin, then I find their connect platform works well. Easier to use on a pc than on a phone though

Garmin connect for me too.

 

[thom04]

If you have a Garmin, then I find their connect platform works well. Easier to use on a pc than on a phone though

I've not, although have been tempted recently. Komoot forcing me to pay might just push me over the edge

Any particular model you'd recommend?

 

[Tootyred]

I would be interested to know too. I use my phone, but keep thinking about a garmin, but have no idea where to start or what is good!

 

[widowmaker]

I have a Garmin Edge, E trex, Fenix 6 watch and military 12xl.

 

[Tootyred]

Blimey! Makes my paper OS map look a bit redundant!

 

[db95]

For Garmins I went for the Edge 540, there's newer stuff like the 840 but the only difference iirc was touch screen which commanded an extra £200, or even newer models ie 1xxx but I've been seeing reports of them being too weighty and snapping the mounts.

Regarding routing I usually use Strava; it's very easy to click and plot points combined with the heatmap which aggregates public data and shows the most popular routes. Whilst Strava isn't everyones cup of tea you can also see the routes other people have used and import/edit it to start from your location, and it also offers a direct sync to garmin so no faffing on transferring gpx files etc.

 

[slackboy]

Gpx.studio is great for creating routes, but it won't suggest ones for you. Ride with GPS is also good.

I like the os maps app too. You can get discount codes fairly easily which brings annual cost to £17, which I think is great value.

Komoot was recently sold to private equity, so I guess they are now getting their pound of flesh.

Garmin 530 is good, it's got a decent memory capacity and the base map is quite detailed, earlier versions were limited in that regard.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I plot my routes on the os map app as it's the best mapping and suits my method.
While browsing possible routes, you notice places of interest nearby, the geography, the profile etc.
It's not fast, but it's interesting and accurate.
The only app I pay for.

Blimey! Makes my paper OS map look a bit redundant!

Remember those days of attempting to read a flapping map whilst on the move, or in the rain, or in a gale