What isRiDE ReaderRated?Products tested by RiDE readers,
for RiDE readers. Complementing
RiDE’s extensive kit tests, on these
pages we’re turning things over to
you. Each month one brand-new
product — from a visor sponge to a
flip-front lid to a textile suit to a set
of tyres — is used, evaluated and
rated by a fresh panel of regular
RiDE readers.These judges are free to use the
product however they like, decide
for themselves how well it lives up
to the manufacturer’s claims, then
deliver their scores and comments.RiDE Reader Rated is unique,
allowing a range of voices to be
heard from across a broad
spectrum of motorcyclists.If there’s an issue with something,
the RiDE Reader Rated panel will
find it. And if they give something a
thumbs-up, you can buy it with the
peace of mind that it’s already been
through multiple real-world
evaluations from riders just like
you, as well as the RiDE team.How do I getinvolved?
If you want to become a part of a future
RiDE Reader Rated feature, start by
heading to our Facebook page. Click on
http://www.facebook.com/
RiDEmagazineBauerMedia/ (or just
search for ‘RiDE magazine’‚ and look for
the blue tick), like our page, and keep
your eyes peeled. We’ll post our calls for
volunteer product testers there and
explain how to get in touch. If you’re
successfully selected, you’ll be sent the
product to be tested, along with an
evaluation form to complete. Simple!Suggest a product
Got a burning desire to see a particular
piece of kit reviewed by the RiDE Reader
Rated panel? Send your suggestions to
[email protected]FraserBrown
Setupwaseasy– I installed
theMyDriveapponmyphone;
thisallowsyoutocreate
routesandsyncthemwiththe
satnav.It’seasytocreate
routesontheTomTomunitor
usingtheapp.Youcanselectfromdifferentriding
mode;fastestorthrillride.Youcanrecorda rideand
saveit,whichisa goodfeature.Youcanalsogetlive
trafficreportsusingyourphonedataaswellas
displayingcallsormessages.I covered 340 miles
overa two-weekperiodinbrightsunshineandrain
andscreenvisibilityandtouchsensitivitywere
unaffected.I haveonlyusedmyphoneasa satnav
previouslybuttheTomTomRider 550 ismuchbetter.
SCORES
EaseofcreatingroutesusingMyDriveorproduct...9/10
Easeofusewithgloves...........................10/10
Visibilityofscreen(inrainandsunlight)............10/10
Mountingease....................................10/10
TOTAL........................................39/40
GrahamBell
TheRider 550 isimpressive
andrammedwithfeatures.
However,usingthemall
requirespatience.Thougha
bitclutteredwithinformative
butsmallicons,itsvibrant
screen is readableinallweathersandI likedthe
sensitivity adjustment.Afternearly 700 miles,my
favourite featureisthesidebarhighlighting
upcoming POIs(PointsofInterest)suchasfuel,
traffic, roadworksandspeedcameras.TheMyDrive
phone app makesplanningsimplerouteseffortless,
though the desktopversionwasa touchfrustrating.
But transferringviaWi-Fiwasexcellent.Bluetooth
for traffic updates,music,text-to-speechandphone
calls increasedmysatisfactionwitheveryride.
SCORES
Ease of creatingroutesusingMyDriveorproduct...9/10
Ease of use withgloves............................8/10
Visibility of screen(inrainandsunlight).............9/10
Mounting ease....................................10/10
TOTAL ........................................36/40
JonNelson
After 750 miles of beautiful
British roads, I’ve come to an
easy conclusion; the day of
the dedicated sat nav is far
from over. For the last few
years I’ve used various iPhone
apps but none have the convenience nor ease of use
of the Rider 550. While they all offer great mapping
and features, there’s still one problem; you can’t use
a phone with gloves on the move. The TomTom has
showed me that when it comes down to it, I’d rather
spend more time riding, making quick changes on the
go, than faffing about at the side of the road with my
phone. And, while it’s far from perfect, the TomTom
still has great routing, withstood torrential rain and
has well thought-out features. I’m sold.SCORES
Ease of creating routes using MyDrive or product ...8/10
Ease of use with gloves ............................9/10
Visibility of screen (in rain and sunlight) .............8/10
Mounting ease .....................................6/10
TOTAL .........................................31/40SteveDeakin
I ama volunteerriderandfleetmanager
for Blood Bikes Manchester and we were
interested to try the new 550 as an upgrade
to our 410 models. It’s much faster. Using
with thick winter gloves was no issue butit
was quite easy to catch the wrong POI
optionwhen you have fat fingers. Routing is slick once you have
selectedyour preferences and re-routing is quick when you come
acrossa diversion, which I did on a couple of occasions. The
biggest benefit is the wireless function; map updates are notified
as soon as you are connected to Wi-Fi. Compared to an earlier
model, you won’t be disappointed with the 550.FredJansen
I have the latest TomTom Go
in my car, which works
flawlessly and the Rider 550
is no different. Map data is
more complete than any other
I have used and the user
interface is intuitive. It avoids traffic and finds nice
country lanes. I particularly like the ‘Plan A Thrill’
function. Parameters for bends and elevation can be
set, as well as stops on the way. All you need for a
random Sunday morning ride. However, it is tiny,
which makes the text and buttons tiny. The
touchscreen works remarkably well with gloves on,
even with thick ones. But as the unit is small, it is
easy to press the wrong button.SCORES
Ease of creating routes using MyDrive or product ...9/10
Ease of use with gloves ............................8/10
Visibility of screen (in rain and sunlight) .............7/10
Mounting ease ....................................10/10
TOTAL ........................................34/40The RiDE reader panel says...
SCORES
Easeofcreating.........9/10
routesusingMyDrive
orproduct
Easeofusewithgloves ..8/10
Visibilityofscreen.......6/10
(inrainandsunlight)
Mountingease...........8/10
TOTAL..............31/40july 2019 | 107