The Dash CC Deluxe

Unless you decide to bring a GPS along for the ride, the iBike’s Dash CC Deluxe cycling computer is about as close as you’ll get to having a personal navigator with you while riding your bike. Interestingly, the device draws its brain powers from your iPhone, which is kind of like a GPS anyway.

The Dash CC Deluxe comes with a few different parts: a case that equips on to your bike, sensors that attach to both your bike and your body, and a free iPhone app that twists your iPhone into a thorough mini-computer. The technology can be integrated into the iPhone 4, 3Gs/3G, and all three iPod Touch generations.

The case, dubbed the Phone Booth, is pretty sturdy. It attaches to your bike’s crossbars with a little bit of tool work and the case then slides in and out. The Phone Booth, although being very good for your bike, is a bit too bulky to fit in your jeans.

While your phone is in the case it can communicate wirelessly with the device’s sensors. When your phone is in the case, it’s able to communicate wirelessly with the included sensors. It then sends a laundry list of data to the sensors, including cadence, heart rate, speed and distance traveled. But, being that your iPhone is far more advanced than a typical navigational computer, the Dash can do much more than just that. It can also use the power of your iPhone’s GPS to track wherever you go. You’ll never get lost. If you’re one of those planning types, then you can map out your entire route and follow that course as you ride.

On the negative side of things, the GPS does drain your battery though. But, iBike thought of that, so they included a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to increase your phone’s running time. During one of your longer rides you’ll find that the battery attachment will last for about two hours before finally starting to drain your iPhone’s battery.

Don’t think that the iPhone’s functionality goes dim either; you can still listen to your music, check your e-mail, or make phone calls while riding. These things could be a bit distracting so make sure to be careful while using them and riding at the same time.

After your exciting ride maybe you decide to share your stats with teammates or friends. Fine, you can e-mail everything from your ride to your computer and then share it with anyone that has the free desktop application. Or, you could put your data in Google Earth and relive the whole experience. There’s no arguing that the Dash’s 11 ounces, including the iPhone, could be a bit bulky for some. But for geeky cyclists that enjoy this type of thing it shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Pros

The additional battery comes in handy, especially since the GPS function drains your battery so quickly. The device has great compatibility with the iPhone and Google Earth.

Cons

Device is too heavy if weight is a concern. Price tag of 300 dollars isn’t exactly cheap. Phone Booth is pretty bulky.

Wired