Tuesday, September 23, 2014

iBike Coach Cycling Computer for iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4/4S

iBike Coach Cycling Computer for iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4/4SSo I read a lot of reviews. There are several different models out there. I purchased the simple phone booth case only. No electronics in my version for about $20. Already I'm ahead of the curve, because most of the other cases where about $50. Mine came with a Strava 6 month subscription, but it had expired on july 2012. Not a big deal. I also downloaded the app from Itunes and there are also a few different apps. So it turns out they're specific to the type of case you buy. So I took a 20 mile ride and compared it to the app side by side. When I got home, I took off my old Bell bike computer and will only use my ibike app. A big plus, if you use a Starva account which there is a free and paid version. Your rides can be syncd with a puch of a button. The case fit's perfectly around my Iphone 4s and so far I can't complain. As for the App it was free, but it's a battery hog. So make sure your phone is near 100% charge and kill all of your background apps. I wish that they would make a version of the app that would kill the screen and run in the background to save the battery. Otherwise very happy.

Review update (September 24, 2012)

This case worked great for the 5 months I have had it. I use it practically every day on my commutes and social rides to listen to music or to get directions to where I'm headed. However, a few days ago, the plastic hinge components wore out and broke off. Now I have no way of closing the case and so it is useless. The manufacturer does have a 1-year limited warranty that they will abide by if you purchased the case from them directly or from an authorized dealer. I've submitted a warranty inquiry; hopefully Amazon, LLC counts as an authorized dealer and I will be able to get a repair or a replacement. However, I do not look forward to having it break again another 5 months down the line. If you're looking for something to use every day that will last more than 5 months, look elsewhere. I'd be willing to pay the price of this case for something made better and would last closer to 5 years than 5 months.

--------------Original Review (June 2012)--------------

Awesome case and bike mount set for the iPhone 4. I needed a case that would be secure my iPhone safely to my handlebars, while allowing access to the screen so that I can access the GPS and Music controls during my rides. Perfect for that purpose. One drawback is that the headphone jack is not accessible. I do not condone using headphones while riding, but in the past, I have used a male-to-male audio wire to amplify music from my iPhone to mini-speakers mounted on my back. I found a great solution, though--Boombotix BB2 speakers can connect to your iPhone 4 via Bluetooth, so no wires (and no access to your headphone jack) is necessary.

I would rate this item 5 stars if it weren't so expensive just for a case. However, they do make up for the price by giving you a 6-month free premium access to Strava, a great ride tracking program.

Buy iBike Coach Cycling Computer for iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4/4S Now

After thoroughly researching various brands and styles of bicycle mounts for my iPhone, I settled on the iBike Coach. The number one reason I chose iBike is because in the hundreds of reviews that I read, it was the only model I found in my price range where no one stated it fell and crashed to the pavement below! Although with other brands some people had this happen, they all stated the phone was well protected (lucky for them). Nonetheless, I was unwilling to risk it. I am so happy I chose iBike because after installing it, I am 100% certain, it is not coming off until I take it off! There is no guessing if it is properly attached, or listening for some magic click sound to tell you it is properly secured.

I did not find it super easy to install, however that is not any fault of design. My difficulties had more to do with trying to hold the base and the bottom clamp in position as I inserted the hex screw and nut, and then screwing it together with the provided hex screw. The great thing about this design, and a little common sense helps speed things up, is the nut fits perfectly into the hole in the back, so that once you get the screw from the front started, it doesn't fall out and is not at all clumsy. So make sure the nut is inserted all the way in the hole before you push the screw through...it helps. It also comes with a plastic rubber adapter ring thing (sorry I don't know what it is called) if your handlebars are less than 32mm, which mine are. This is part of why it took me so long to install because I put it on using them and it seemed too fat, the clamps did not come together straight and I worried there was too much stress on the plastic clamps. I removed them, tried again without them, and then it was not tight enough and did not clamp to my handlebars evenly. I removed it a third time and ended up cutting the rubber rings in half to make a C, then placed it on only the base attachment part. Finally it was a perfect fit! Also, I gave up on the provided hex screw which is standard issue anytime you buy something that uses one, and searched our garage for a more manageable one that had an actual handle like a regular screwdriver. Luckily, we had one, but the fact that hex screws are so difficult, is again, no fault of the manufacturer.

The touch screen is just as responsive in the unit as out, which is another complaint I read about with other products. The case itself slides into the base very nicely and then is easily secured by a permanent screw that you never have to worry about losing. It is very heavy duty and while I am not prepared to throw it or dump buckets of water on it to test it, I know a good product when I see one!

I have not yet taken it for a test ride, (90 degree temps are too hot for riding) but I have complete confidence my iPhone is safe!

Read Best Reviews of iBike Coach Cycling Computer for iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4/4S Here

This is way better than one of those small $100 mini-computers for your bike. Just get the free app and pop in your i-Phone. The app even works tethered to another phone (Samsung Galaxy s4)!

Want iBike Coach Cycling Computer for iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4/4S Discount?

So far I'm very happy with this case for my mountain bike. It has held up to some pretty solid bumps and transitions which is quite impressive. I've not taken it on any serious trail yet at this point and honestly, don't think I will. Why? you ask. It's not really a problem with the case, but more with the overall philosophy. I don't need to be looking down at this thing to see all the tracking goodies while I ride. Besides, when the sun is out, the iPhone screen is totally washed out so that is pointless and I might as well carry it in an armband.

Overall, a nice solution for the around town and occasional trail riding.

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