iBike Dash Cycling Computer

I bought this about three weeks ago in hopes of replacing a Garmin Edge 305 and have about 6 rides on it thus far. For various reasons, I have gotten an RMA number to return it, here's why.

First of all, the case is great. It seals up nicely and I am confident that my iPhone 4 will be safe in it. Setup was super easy since it works with my existing Garmin heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor. If it weren't for the software, which is the only way you can take advantage of the case hardware, I would be keeping this product without hesitation because I have been looking for a weather resistant case like this for a long time.

Unfortunately, the software is this product's biggest failing. I wanted to customize one of the screens while I was riding and it stopped my ride each time, so I ended up with three rides recorded for one ride. While I was using a trainer, I was able to see calories burned, but when I was on an outside ride, the calories display was always zero. Contrary to what their web site says, the current version of the software DOES NOT continue recording when the App is interrupted. This is a major problem when using an iPhone and getting a phone call. Finally, the PC/Mac software used to analyze rides is pretty bad compared to Garmin Training Center. All you can do is open a ride file and look at the analysis. Garmin training center allows you to import your rides it it stores them organized nicely by year, month, and day and keeps them in a database. No dealing with files on your hard drive.

I contacted support about these issues and the CEO replied to me, which surprised me. He explained that the multitasking issue would be addressed in an upcoming refresh of the software. I also asked if they were planning on opening up the hardware so that other developers could write better software. He mentioned that they had thought about it, but are not interested in dealing with the support issues that may arise from someone else's software not working. He also mentioned that they were going to be updating their PC/Mac software with more features.

Bottom line, I felt like I was paying $200 for a work in progress. I see great potential for this product, but I will hold on to my money until it is ready for prime time or may just buy a new Garmin device. …More

333 of 356 people found this useful

I so regret spending over $300 on iBike Dash and its accessories. The case is so poorly designed that I would give it a D- and would recommend its designer to switch to another job. Furthermore, it is constructed with cheap plastic. It is a struggle to put in and out an iPhone. It scratches the edges and the protective sheet on iphone every time I take in or out my phone. The mount does not work if you have a triathlon bike or a bike with aerobars. You have to come up with creative designs to attach it to your bike.

The $150 for the base model is pretty useless, you have to spend additional $200 to get some basic data (cadence, speed, heart rate). If you want to get power data, that is additional. The device is a battery hog; it drains a fully charged iphone in about two hours in ride. If you have to go for multiple-hour bike ride, you must purchase extra battery and charger for iBike.

The screen display does not have an option to control the size of the fonts. As a result it is challenging to read the screen while riding. In addition, the visibility of the screen is significantly reduced if you are wearing sunglasses.

In short, anything else is better than this piece of junk. …More

3 of 3 people found this useful