Go on a push bike

Old_Phil · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:34 am Post subject: Go on a push bike

Now that v5 has different planning options, including "bicycle routes", has anyone mounted their GO on the handlebars of their pushbike?

If so, how did they do it? A browse through google unearthed a site that makes specialised mounts for motorbikes but I couldn't see any prices (looks expensive). So, how about getting an additional mount (ebay have plenty) and adapting?

Before I venture into the workshop and try bodging, I thought I'd ask if anyone else has or is about to be inspired.

bmwman · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 2:06 pm Post subject:

Old_Phil,

I'm in the middle of creating a TTG fitment mechanism for my motorbike. As you say, I bought an extra cradle off ebay (company called Lindens - very good service) and have welded up my own fixed bracket to bolt onto the top yoke. I've also hot-wired the cradle to provide a sound feed to the helmet intercom so I can actually Jane's dulcet tones.

Once that's complete I'm contemplating creating a cycle mount. The TTG is a fairly hefty piece of kit to have flapping about, so my intention is to use a handlebar clamp from a pair of tri-bars, use a longer bolt on the front hole and some spacers/washers to allow the TTG cradle to attach. (I hope this makes sense).

For both the motorbike and the cycle mount I will also use a velcro strap arrangement to provide additional mouting security as the clip-in mechanism is (in my opinion) not really designed for such stresses.

Regards,
Rich

Old_Phil · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 4:14 pm Post subject:

Rich,

I've sent off for a spare cradle (from same place you recommended). I don't need the power cable (I'll keep it as a spare - I'm going to build a regulated converter to create a permanent 5v supply in the car so it will come in handy for that) so I will have to cannibalise the mount for parts to affix to the handlebars.

When you have made your mount perhaps you'd share a picture?

Phil

bmwman · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:49 pm Post subject:

Old_Phil,

I had a spare half hour in the garage and knocked up the mark one bicycle mount. This first picture shows the TTG from the business end.

The mounting bracket itself is just a plastic grip-type bracket as used to mount lights etc. Ideally it would have been a sturdier metal bracket but I've found that my spare tri-bars have adhered themselves to my son's bike so those mounts weren't available.

A spacer was used to give just enough height to ensure that the base of the cradle rested on the mounting bracket, and some washers were used between the jaws of the cradle.

Note that this cradle is my modified one which gives a sound output jack socket. The picture also shows the velcro. The white bits are self adhesive.

And finally, a view from the back showing the velcro straps in place.

It seems pretty secure. Certainly OK for some road use, but off-road and a crash wouldn't do it much good!

Hope this may be of use.

Regards,
Rich

rkm_hm · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:13 pm Post subject: Re: Go on a push bike

Old_Phil · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:24 am Post subject:

Rich,

Many thanks for the photos - you have done a very neat job there (and I mean neat in both senses of aesthetically pleasing and clever!).

I don't do much off-roading, (there is a dis-used mine near our village which has rough tracks but not especially hazardous) so a bike mount for me does not have to withstand a shock much above bouncing gently up kerbs.

I also concur with Roger - the GO maps are limited to roads and lanes and don't know about public footpaths. I'm sure there are much better satnav devices for walking and cycling - the fact is I have a GO already and it makes sense to use it.

I tried bike mode from my son's school to home (about 4 miles) and was routed the wrong way down a one-way street. Last time I checked the highway code cycles had to obey traffic rules and you are not supposed to ride down pavements. I suppose I could dismount and walk!

Phil

barryd · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:05 pm Post subject:

Hi there
I've been using a RAM Mount to hold my PDA on my mountain bike and it's been rock solid for the year I've had it, including gentle off-road use on tracks and bridlepaths.
Just nipped to their UK website and they seem to do GO mounts now.
http://www.ram-mount-uk.com/
The PDA cradle and the arm to mount it on the handlebars came to about £25 with P&P etc, if I remember right.
_________________
Barry Davies

MikeB · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: Go on a push bike

MikeB · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:49 pm Post subject:

	PocketGPS
	Web