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[Alex11]

I prefer maps for long rides out in the hills... If I'm just trying to get somewhere local quickly though, I use my phone. I was originally looking at the Garmin Edge with maps built in, but it's ridiculously expensive, so downloaded this app called Cyclehub. Designed as a Sat-Nav for bikes, and it's bl**dy brilliant... well - for free anyway.

You use a mount for your phone on your bike then?

 

[Cubist]

I used my Garmin 305 for the first time yesterday, and spent the first mile or two of the ride trying to figure out how to make it work. Turns out I could zoom in and out of the breadcrumb trail, and it helps if you press the start button. But then again I was wearing cycling glasses, not my prescription lenses. I still had the OS map with me, and the more I think about it, the more crucial a decent OS map is, not only because it helps confirm routes where course plotting may have slipped a bit sideways, but it also helps you find escape routes if the path you've plotted turns out to end at a precipice or whatever. So, Garmin and OS 1:25,000 FTW for off-road.

 

[Mile195]

You use a mount for your phone on your bike then?

No - I have a "mophie" extended battery so it doesn't fit in any of the mounts. I use something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIKE-MOBI...ing_Bags_Panniers_SR&var=&hash=item2578ef7e2e

It took about 6 weeks to come from Hong Kong, but for 3 quid it was alright - I don't need to use it that often. I think it only works properly because I have a BMC, and the top of the crossbar is flat. I don't think it would work so well on most other frames though.

 

[Lee_M]

I use my Gamin 800 for everything

Routes are created on line using maps, then use the garmin to keep me on track.

It can be reprogrammed to get me home if I hit problems (like lanes covered with snow for example ), and it means less things to have to carry in pockets and keep dry

 

[yello]

Maps - more reliable, don't need batteries, can be bought in local shops, etc etc etc etc

I've no aversion to GPS (in fact, I use one for most of my other riding when I want to follow a prescribed route without having to stop at junctions etc to consult a map) but maps are where it's at, imo, for touring. I feel they're just more in-keeping with my aims... and give you something to read after a day's cycling!

 

[snorri]

Part of the fun for me when touring is to have no plan and just bimble around aimlessly seeing where I will find myself.

Well yes, but after a month on the road, I do like to have a map for getting home again without retracing my outward track..