Every rugged cyclist knows carrying around too many gadgets on a ride can be a cumbersome and expensive (damaging) experience, which is why iBike’s new iBike Dash Cycling computers are a great idea.
The iBike Dash CC and CC Deluxe allow you to leave your GPS, watch, and any other gadget weighing you down by harnessing your iPhone (3, 3GS, and 4) or iPod Touch into iBike’s Rugged “Phone Booth” mounted directly to your handle bars. The case will protect it from rain and physical damage, although we still recommend avoiding wipe outs; this is still your iPhone, after all.
Paired with iBike’s free app, iBike Dash allows you to use GPS to navigate your route, measure your current, average, and max speed, trip distance, trip time, and hours and distance logged all thanks to ANT+ computer technology. iBike can also gauge the temperature, your cadence and heart rate with the purchase of additional sensors. The app is also quite colorful and animated, and has improved much since its initial debut. Calls can still go through and Bluetooth headsets are also compatible with iBike.
The best part about the iBike Dash models is the included Li-ion battery that adds 2-3 hours of battery life to your iPhone or iPod while on route. This can definitely come in handy if you forgot to charge your phone that morning. The included battery is used first, keeping your phone charged in the meantime. Replacement batteries can be purchased for back up and emergency calling for $25-30.
As far as we can tell, the only downsides are price and bulkiness. The device is a bit hefty and sticks out in front of your handle bars several inches. Aesthetically, it’s not the most attractive, but it does get the job done. The basic iBike Dash CC costs $199 without a rechargeable battery, battery charger, and heart monitor, taking away half of the best features. Otherwise, the iBike CC Deluxe is $329 for all of those features included. In addition, an even higher priced model that adds power calculation to the mix for speed and cadence for $749.
In the end, iBike Dash CC, CC Deluxe, and iBike Dash + Power are still cool gadgets to keep track of your workouts, but their worth all depends on your cycling prowess and wallet size.
Looking for more cycling accessories? Try out the solar-powered bike lamps, the anti-theft collapsible bike wheel and the ultra-safe elevating bike lock design.
Via: iBike
