Ken

(Sorry, no screenshot, but comments reflecting on my experience - basically, navigation solely using the app on a phone is fine!) 

I find the map and route presentation in the Andoid app map essentially indistinguisable from using the web version on the smartphone, except that the app has a arrow head (##) showing your actual location per GPS. In both cases, as you zoom in the level of detail in the mapping becomes more and more detailed (eg street names etc) in the same style. I gather some of the underlying software uses different display processes in the Andoid app, but in practice I can't tell. 

On a close "side by side" comparison just now, I notice that in the app version the cycle route has helpful direction arrow symbols indicating the turns at the junctions. 

Obviously the phone screen size is a different experience compared with viewing the website on a monitor or tablet etc, so I chose a smartphone with a decent size screen. I lock the phone on portrait display to suit the app.

I don't use any other navigation device when riding.  I find I mainly don't look at the screen, instead the turns are voiced as you approach the junction. The app swiftly gives an alarm if you go off route (see app settings menu). 

Phone battery charge is a constraint on longer rides, as the screen display is inherently power-sapping. To save the charge, I use the app's "dim between turns" setting. On long rides I save further by using the ability to download the route and background maps to the phone, which can then be set in airplane mode ie phone calls etc turned off. I also carry a battery charge pack as back-up.

The way the phone is mounted is also relevant. My (quite large) Samsung phone usually is in a waterproof folder mounted n the handlebar ie viewed thru a clear plastic panel. That is not quite as satisfactory as having the phone directly bracket-mounted ie viewing the screen directly, but still very adequate. Sunlight reflection is a bigger issue (I can adjust the mounting angle to deal with that.) But often I just have the phone in my bar bag, which keeps it out of the sun, as in hot weather my phone can complain about overheating; I listen for the directions etc as required, while it paints in the tiles as I progress along the route... 

Hope this helps.

## For absolute perfection, it would suit my (not great) eyesight if the arrow showing ones location stood out more, and probably bigger (perhaps customisable as a setting?). And a "dark mode" setting - which I understand is on Richard's to-do list - will also be a nice enhancement saving battery charge. But basically, the Android app is already great ...

Thanks Simon,

Excellent overview. 

For short uncomplicated rides - up to say 200K Audaxes - I can usually hold a picture of the route in my head but for a forthcoming bikepacking route I will need turn-by-turn instructions on the handlebars, so your experience and advice is excellent. 

I have a friend who does many overseas 1200k''s who employs a stand-alone phone alongside a device and follows your example of turning the phone to airplane mood to save the battery.

I have asked friends if they are willing to pre-drive my routes and paint arrows on all the turns, but disappointingly, none have come forward yet. Work still to be done on that advance technology.

I offer an Android screen capture recording of the real-world ride from Sherborne to Castle Cary on 17 November 2025. Unfortunately it doesn't have the audio calling out the turn instructions. See this:

https://youtu.be/S6VfnzD9sSU

But is there any reason why you cannot install the cycle.travel app and try this for yourself?

Regarding navigation using C.T routes on a Wahoo, I regret that we appear to have gone around in circles on this. I have already produced YouTube videos showing the screen for a Wahoo Elemnt Roam and an Elemnt Ace. Please look at these videos if you haven't already done so:

https://cycle.travel/post/7102

The crucial point is to ride with the Wahoo on the Map Page. Although the turn-by-turn instructions pop up, I find I give these little attention. Simply: an occasional glance at the chevron line on the screen and I know where I have to go long before the instruction text appears. No need to read the small print.

Chris

"But is there any reason why you cannot install the cycle.travel app and try this for yourself?"

No, I already have it, just haven't used it. I wanted to see another person's picture of a route.

The issue I have with Wahoo or any other device (Garmin, Corus, etal) is the screens are too small for me to see the routes without putting on my reading glasses - which I do not wear for cycling. Hence my interest in using a phone for showing routes.

Thanks to Simon for confirming my expectations.