Sean asked me the other day about the Shoks headphones we are using. We used the headphones in conjunction with the turn-by-turn navigation app, and I thought I’d explain here the setup Peter and I have used numerous times in the past. Helen and Sean might find this handy for their cycling trip to Denmark.
This app is a very simple way to get turn-by-turn directions from rides that you plot (or that someone else has plotted, like cycling companies). Once you load the routes, you can start one of them on your phone and it will start guiding you with voice turn-by-turn directions (think of it as Google Maps for cycling routes). When you, of course, get off track, the app will let you know so you can backpedal and get back on track. After a while, the audio cues start to be interpreted very easily, so you know you are on the right track without needing to look at your phone.
Audio cues are not always going to be enough – once in a while you will need to look at your phone to understand what is going on. Listening to directions is nice, but if there are a series of directions to follow quickly, then it’s best to have a quick look at what is going on one at a time. We recommend the Lamicall phone holder; it’s sturdy, convenient, and doesn’t rattle your phone. If you have an old phone, we recommend using that one for navigating – in case it falls or gets damaged, no real loss.
We recommend having an anti-glare screen to avoid trying to read the map on your phone when the sun is hitting it directly. Search for any anti-glare screens on Amazon that fit your phone; they are pretty standard. I would not spend more than $20 on them. This one has good reviews, worth a try.
If you want to be able to listen to turn-by-turn directions (and music), then it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. That is why these headphones are perfect for your cycling adventures. They do not plug into your ear, and yet you can listen to everything perfectly. The battery life is great, there is no cleaning needed as they are never inside your ear, and you can listen to everything around you. The controls make it east adjust volume and skip to the next track without losing focus on the road – highly recommended!
That’s the setup we’ve found works best after many rides and a few lessons learned the hard way. With the combination of a reliable navigation app, a sturdy phone mount, a screen that’s readable in sunlight, and headphones that let you stay aware of your surroundings, you’re well-equipped for smooth and safe cycling adventures. Whether you’re heading out for a casual local ride or tackling a multi-day journey like Helen and Sean’s Denmark trip, having a solid navigation setup can make all the difference. Happy riding—and may your turns always come before your questions!