Thinking of buying a GPS ??

[David5416]

I am thinking about buying a GPS for use on my road bike. I have been using my IPhone since getting into road cycling last year but on some of my longer runs out (4 hours plus) the phone batterie gives out. I was looking at a Garmin as they seem to look the part and have a lot of features on them depending on model. I want one that I can plan a route in advance show total distance time etc. Anybody got any pointers or preferences on models , don't want to break the bank but will pay for the right one.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Garmin Edge 200 ticks all the boxes you've mentioned, see HERE.

You can plan a route that it will display in the form of a breadcrumb trail, (what more do you need right?), and if you miss a turn it alerts you and gets you back on track.

It doesn't do heart rate or cadence, but it doesn't sound as though that interests you anyway, but if it does then you'd need to splash out for an Edge 500.

To summarise, if what you want is a superb cycling computer that gives you ride plotting facilities and the ability to review your ride on your PC, then the 200 is all you need.

 

[David5416]

Thanks for the quick response , I will have look at both your suggestions now . Thanks again.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

And if you want actual maps, 800 is still superior to the 810 imo

 

[David5416]

Does the 800 have actual maps that you can pre plot a route on then ??

 

[smokeysmoo]

Does the 800 have actual maps that you can pre plot a route on then ??

The 800 is basically a full on sat nav, but you pay handsomely for it, LINKY.

 

[Cuchilo]

If you want to plan a route and follow the GPS then the 500 will do it but gives a bread crumb trail to follow . If you have dl a route where someone decided to stop and go shopping you will end up cycling round in circles looking for the route . Trust me on this one . I am thinking of upgrading to the 800 just for the maps so I can see if they have gone off track or even done the course on an MTB rather than a road bike and make my own diversions to pick up the trail again . Having said that ive only followed a course once so im not sure its worth it for the small amount I have used that function .

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Does the 800 have actual maps that you can pre plot a route on then ??

It functions pretty much like a car based Garmin, inc searching for addresses/POI's (handy for cake stop hunting)

 

[David5416]

Just looked at all the suggestions , the 800 looks the dogs but like you say it costs. That said I think the breadcrumb line on the 500 would do my head in. There also seems to be a variety of prices about for the 800 at the moment is this because there is a Newer model out.

 

[David5416]

POI's cake shop style defo tick the boxes on longer rides. The other issue is the 800 designed to be used by brain surgeons , I am no way techno illiterate but would not want to have to study quantum physics to use it.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/garmin-edge-800-user-guide-with-fancy-pics.126369/

 

[smokeysmoo]

I think the breadcrumb line on the 500 would do my head in.

I actually like it in use, at the end of the day when I'm riding along the road all I want to see is exactly what I need to see. That said I don't ride in places I don't know very well either, perhaps I'd think differently if I did.

The 800 looks the dogs.

It is if you an either afford it or justify it.

There also seems to be a variety of prices about for the 800 at the moment is this because there is a Newer model out.

Probably, the thing to remember is the 800 is effectively an obsolete model now. The price seems to change as there are usually loads of different 'bundles' available as well. HANDTEC always seem to come up with the best prices on these things, but just check exactly what you're getting if you do go balls out on the 800/810.

 

[Cuchilo]

Also when following a trail on the 500 you tend to lose all the other details like speed etc . Its just the trail . The other details are on another page but then you lose the trail . Im not sure if the 800 is the same ?

 

[smokeysmoo]

If you want to plan a route and follow the GPS then the 500 or 200 will do.

FYI, the 200 gives exactly the same routing options as the 500

 

[numbnuts]

Other option is to fit larger battery and case to your iphone