Garmin, Garmin, Garmin... Which one to buy...

[jefmcg]

I was typing this and then stopped ... I guess you are committed now ,but If you are thinking of doing audaxes, you should get one with mapping.

I made an audax-friend on my first 200km, partly because his Garmin only did breadcrumbs and he lost the trail several times. I was using OSMAND on my phone, so he stuck with me.

Sure, you can use iPhone in a mapping emergency, but in my experience of audaxing, you want proper maps on your handlebars for the entire ride, and it doesn't really make sense buying a garmin, and then pushing it out of the way to squeeze an iPhone onto your handlebars, and still have the battery life problem.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Damn.

I thought you got given basic instructions for the audax, and was told you could reset the mileage so you continue until the next milestone?

 

[ianrauk]

Ok, so excluding the 800+ sets, and bringing it back to the 500 and 510, is the only benefit of the 510 the bluetooth?

Regarding the breadcrumb turn-by-turn, is it reliable? I aim to buy a cyclocross bike for audaxing and other sportives, and it would be ideal to have the directions. I don't think I need full mapping, and when I do eventually start touring (by tandem or solo bike) I can always use my iPhone.

@Nick Stone , how have you found yours in bad and cold weather?

The breadcrumb trail is very reliable. I use it all the time. Takes a little while to get used to it but once you do it's very good. However if you are thinking of the 500 then check out the Garmin forums as there was/is a well documented problem with the breadcrumb course/routes with some 500's. It's pot luck as to whether you get a 500 that works properly or not.

In regards to rain/cold. These things are tough. Have used in minus temps and in many hours of rain with no problems.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

The breadcrumb trail is very reliable. I use it all the time. Takes a little while to get used to it but once you do it's very good. However if you are thinking of the 500 then check out the Garmin forums as there was/is a well documented problem with the breadcrumb course/routes with some 500's. It's pot luck as to whether you get a 500 that works properly or not.

In regards to rain/cold. These things are tough. Have used in minus temps and in many hours of rain with no problems.

Thanks Ian, I've sunk dosh into the 510, so will see.

Might find some online routes for Devon (ideally some places I'd like to ride), and take it from there. If it's a matter of getting used to it then I'm up for that. I liked the fact the 510 had less buttons and also profiles, as I plan on buying the cadence/speed monitor for a CX and tandem (when I buy them), so the profiles will definitely come in handy.

Now for it to arrive at work before Friday, then I'll be happy (even happier if my cashback is successful too).

Next expense is a new front light... So much researching to be done there!

 

[jefmcg]

Damn.

I thought you got given basic instructions for the audax, and was told you could reset the mileage so you continue until the next milestone?

You do get detail instructions. I've always enjoyed the belt/braces combination of GPX files and routes. In fact for my first few audaxes I used the route instruction + google maps + street view to build my GPX files. Basically practice the whole Audax on my laptop first. I did take a few wrong turns online, which I would have made on the road too if I hadn't practiced.

Here's an example of the route description to give you some idea http://www.aukweb.net/routes/901r.zip

as for my audax-friend: he was new to his GPX; it wasn't a 500, maybe a 200 series? not sure. The particular turn he missed was through a hedge; audaxes are generally on the road, so he just assumed that his trail was a little off and went looking for a road parallel to the trail we were meant to follow. I could see on my screen a dotted line through a field, so I knew where to go.

Any GPS takes a while to get the hang of (right @vickster ), so that might be a total explanation. I used my app (android OSMAND) 1/2 dozen times on my commute before I got the hang of it. Now it's second nature.

 

[michaelcycle]

Thanks for all your help folks! What tipped the scales was reading a review on BikeRadar and all of your help too.
Will get this installed on the bike as soon as it arrives, and hopefully have it running next week for my commutes.

Now all I'm hoping for, is my cashback to track properly, so I have some funds back, and I'll be happy

I'm not sure this will be of any use to you but Wiggle have the Garmin 800 with performance bundle and navigation for a very similar price...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-edge-800-gps-performance-navigation-bundle/

 

[vickster]

Indeed, @jefmcg especially as a technophobe with essentially no interest in using technical things to their full capacity and who gets really cross when things don't work straight out the box

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Damn Michael.

1p more!
I think I'm happy with my purchase, I'll be ok with it, for most of its use will be my commute and long rides, that's it. I can't think about what would be with another one.

Thank you though

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

You do get detail instructions. I've always enjoyed the belt/braces combination of GPX files and routes. In fact for my first few audaxes I used the route instruction + google maps + street view to build my GPX files. Basically practice the whole Audax on my laptop first. I did take a few wrong turns online, which I would have made on the road too if I hadn't practiced.

Here's an example of the route description to give you some idea http://www.aukweb.net/routes/901r.zip

as for my audax-friend: he was new to his GPX; it wasn't a 500, maybe a 200 series? not sure. The particular turn he missed was through a hedge; audaxes are generally on the road, so he just assumed that his trail was a little off and went looking for a road parallel to the trail we were meant to follow. I could see on my screen a dotted line through a field, so I knew where to go.

Any GPS takes a while to get the hang of (right @vickster ), so that might be a total explanation. I used my app (android OSMAND) 1/2 dozen times on my commute before I got the hang of it. Now it's second nature.

Thanks @jefmcg , that's handy to know.

I'm a bit off from Audaxing at the minute (fitness and bike wise), so I'll keep doing what I'm doing on my longer rides and things. I should be ok once I learn how to properly use it, and also how to make good use of its features. Mostly it'll be my commute mileage though.

Good idea on doing streetview though, handy if you know the course instructions (I take it you get them before the event?).

 

[jefmcg]

Damn Michael.

1p more!
I think I'm happy with my purchase, I'll be ok with it, for most of its use will be my commute and long rides, that's it. I can't think about what would be with another one.

Thank you though

If it's any comfort, wiggle are currently charging the same amount for the 800 and 501 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gps-cycle-computers/?ea=4294789732, so presumably there a people that would chose the BT functionality of the mapping features of the 800

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Yeah, ah well. I can't be bothered sending the 510 back (it's already been shipped), so will stick with it, and the cover I bought.

 

[Basil.B]

Been using a Garmin 510 for about a month now, well pleased with it.
Must admit it has lots of features I don't need, but I like the big screen.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Thank's Basil, can't wait for it to arrive!

 

[Nick Stone]

You can set the to auto pause, carry on what ever there is also on some website where you can hook up to your PC and run the programmes to put your name and number to come on in case you loose and some honest soul finds it( but it comes with bungee for handle bars)

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

Plim - you chose correctly. I've had a 500 for a year and a half and recently upgraded to a 510. I thought the navigation on the 500 left a bit to be desired, but it's much clearer and responsive on the 510 with turn warnings at junctions. It's much quicker to get a satellite fix and the missus is kept happy with the livetrack (also handy to meetup with your mates!)

Highly recommend using bikeroutetoaster.com - lets you set your virtual partner speed (including slowing it down going up hills) making it much more realistic. Just do the Garmin export, no warnings needed. RideWithGPS is good, but gets the virtual partner wrong. Garmin's routing is OK at best.