Skip to main content

Satmap Active 12 GPS unit


Like Schwarzenegger in Terminator, the Satmap Active 12 is a big, clever robot that's hard to understand. Its bright, hi-res 3.5in screen and comprehensive OS mapping (in either scale) make it the only real choice for serious trips into serious hills.

Sadly there's no touchscreen, and control is often awkward via seven stiff buttons and one under-sprung joystick. The accompanying software works but has the ugly, unintuitive complexity of a download from 1998 - you learn to serve it, not the other way around.

Further mapping comes via SD card, while emergency battery caddies, tough rubberised cases and Bluetooth sensor connectivity mean it's totally prepared for big adventures. Once you've learned how to use it (you'll need the instructions), it's a winner.

Touchscreen No
Extras included Charger, USB cable, bike mount

Price 675$

Popular posts from this blog

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

Scott Scale 950

The Scale 950 uses the now traditional-for-cross-country 29er wheels to excellent effect, with a fast but fun character that's happy racing or railing.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

Formula CR3 brakes

The CR3 features a cartridge-type master, which improves power and modulation, plus it is super simple to service: The self-enclosed unit threads directly into the lever body. I took apart our test set and had it back together and bled in 10 minutes with no special tools. Like Formula’s RO brakes, the caliper pistons are actually oval, making more surface area–and thus, more power–than round pistons, but simpler than a four-piston system. The CR3 is best suited for aggressive trail riding.