GPS recommendations...

[Mazz]

Hi,

I'm after a GPS, mainly for loading routes for Audaxes.

I guess my main requirements are:
1. Good clear display, colour preferably
2. Good battery life
3. Clear directional instructions
4. route files can be loaded up easily
5. Automatic Recalculating of route if you go off-route.

Nice to have:
5. Useable on mainland Europe

Budget - maybe up to £300?

Really not fussed if it's Garmin or Wahoo or any other brand, as long as it comes recommended. Thanks

 

[PaulSB]

Wahoo. Mine has never failed. You'll find plenty inside your budget. I would go for a Roam. It has a bigger screen which with my vision I find a big help.

I would suggest you avoid touchscreens on all brands. It's a lovely idea until the screen gets wet, your gloves are soaked etc. Wet your fingers and try swiping a smart phone! Add to this ask yourself how easy it is to swipe a screen at 15 - 20mph on a potentially bumpy road???

You will now get a huge variation of opinions!!!

 

[13 rider]

People are normally in the wahoo or Garmin camp . I'm in the wahoo camp and in your budget for a new model will the the Elemnt bolt v3 . I currently use the v2 version and it's perfectly fine for my uses . The downside of the bolt is the screen is on the smaller size . It meets all of your requirements,turn by turn instructions can vary depending on which app you plan your route on (I use Strava ) and the rerouting options initially tries to U turn you for a while until finds a different route once it realises your on U turning . You will need a smart phone to get the best out of the wahoo

 

[Mazz]

Wahoo. Mine has never failed. You'll find plenty inside your budget. I would go for a Roam. It has a bigger screen which with my vision I find a big help.

I would suggest you avoid touchscreens on all brands. It's a lovely idea until the screen gets wet, your gloves are soaked etc. Wet your fingers and try swiping a smart phone! Add to this ask yourself how easy it is to swipe a screen at 15 - 20mph on a potentially bumpy road???

You will now get a huge variation of opinions!!!

Is yours the Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3?

 

[Mazz]

People are normally in the wahoo or Garmin camp . I'm in the wahoo camp and in your budget for a new model will the the Elemnt bolt v3 . I currently use the v2 version and it's perfectly fine for my uses . The downside of the bolt is the screen is on the smaller size . It meets all of your requirements,turn by turn instructions can vary depending on which app you plan your route on (I use Strava ) and the rerouting options initially tries to U turn you for a while until finds a different route once it realises your on U turning . You will need a smart phone to get the best out of the wahoo

Thanks for this. Why do you mention a smartphone? How does that come into it?

 

[13 rider]

Thanks for this. Why do you mention a smartphone? How does that come into it?

If your on a ride and decide to find a cafe or shop etc off route you can use the app to route you to these . If your just sticking to your then there's no need

 

[PaulSB]

Is yours the Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3?

No, I have the Roam V2 bought in July 2024. Prior to this I had the Elemnt, the forerunner to the Roam, for five years. It was written off in an RTC. Both have been faultless in every aspect.

You will get many recommendations. Personally I would always go for a Wahoo. Two things that might push me away; if they ever become completely touch screen or outrageously expensive.

 

[Mazz]

No, I have the Roam V2 bought in July 2024. Prior to this I had the Elemnt, the forerunner to the Roam, for five years. It was written off in an RTC. Both have been faultless in every aspect.

You will get many recommendations. Personally I would always go for a Wahoo. Two things that might push me away; if they ever become completely touch screen or outrageously expensive.

Sorry to hear about the RTC.
Like you, I prefer a larger screen & I know what you mean about touchscreens in the wet.

 

[Binky]

You realise a modern GPS head unit won't work on a rim braked bike?
It'll spontaneously combust.

On a serious note, I have the original Wahoo Bolt v1 and it's been excellent and as and when it dies(9 years and still going strong) I'll get another Wahoo.
From my research I'll be going for the Roam V3.

If you do a search there's several threads on gps units

 

[Dan Lotus]

If you can stretch the budget a bit/get lucky with a sale, I'd heartily recommend the Garmin 1040.
Failing that a 2nd hand 1030 would also do the job, and come in under budget.

 

[Mazz]

I would suggest you avoid touchscreens on all brands.

How do you zoom in/out of your on-screen map if it's not touchscreen? I guess you don't "pinch" it with finger and thumb, right?

 

[Binky]

How do you zoom in/out of your on-screen map if it's not touchscreen? I guess you don't "pinch" it with finger and thumb, right?

I mentioned the Wahoo Roam V3 which will be my next GPS head unit. That does have touch screen but also buttons on the side so best of both worlds. If wearingloves or particularly wet then buttons are the way to go.

 

[PaulSB]

How do you zoom in/out of your on-screen map if it's not touchscreen? I guess you don't "pinch" it with finger and thumb, right?

There are two buttons on the right side. One of the functions they offer is zoom in/out. I rarely use the function as I prefer to check my location on my phone. The Wahoo comes with an app, your route and ride shows in the app as well as on the GPS unit. If I need to zoom this is where I prefer to do so.

 

[Mazz]

I mentioned the Wahoo Roam V3 which will be my next GPS head unit. That does have touch screen but also buttons on the side so best of both worlds. If wearingloves or particularly wet then buttons are the way to go.

On your current one (Bolt v1), does the screen judder when raindrops land on it?
I'm guessing not, but my android phone does this a lot if I use it for navigation in the rain.

 

[Binky]

On your current one (Bolt v1), does the screen judder when raindrops land on it?
I'm guessing not, but my android phone does this a lot when I use it for navigation in the rain.

No but the Bolt V1 is not touchscreen.