Which Garmin...

[Markymark]

I have a simple wireless computer for my bike (Cateye Strada) that shows speed, distance, av speed etc and its brilliant. I do, however, want to get a GPS map for long rides. I’ve looked at the Garmin range. I’m really not interested in any more functions other than what I have plus turn-by-turn navigation. Not interested in uploading to Bookface or doing segments or time trials etc.

I’m happy to pay what it costs but don’t want to pay more than necessary. The Garmin 1000 maps looks good but with the new sensor (current ones apparently not compatible) it’s £450.

My one thought is buying the Garmin tourer and keeping the computer I currently have (which is small) and have both on the bars?

What I want to know is the map on the tourer as good as the 810 and the 1,000? Will I lose out on other really useful functionality? Am I being silly have both on one bike?

 

[martint235]

I've not used the tourer but I'd recommend looking at the Etrex series. The old Legend and Vista or their respective replacements the 20 and 30. I have a Legend on my commuter just as a speedo really and a 20 on my distance bike. They take AA batteries so you don't have to worry about taking charging devices etc with you. Both will accept OpenStreetMaps which are free and easily as good as the Garmin ones you can buy.

I did have an Edge 605 a couple of years ago. I got lost more times than I can count and the battery died on me 15 hours into a 24 hour ride. I don't think I'd touch an Edge again.

 

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

Edge Touring then

 

[PK99]

I have a simple wireless computer for my bike (Cateye Strada) that shows speed, distance, av speed etc and its brilliant. I do, however, want to get a GPS map for long rides. I’ve looked at the Garmin range. I’m really not interested in any more functions other than what I have plus turn-by-turn navigation. Not interested in uploading to Bookface or doing segments or time trials etc.

I’m happy to pay what it costs but don’t want to pay more than necessary. The Garmin 1000 maps looks good but with the new sensor (current ones apparently not compatible) it’s £450.

My one thought is buying the Garmin tourer and keeping the computer I currently have (which is small) and have both on the bars?

What I want to know is the map on the tourer as good as the 810 and the 1,000? Will I lose out on other really useful functionality? Am I being silly have both on one bike?

The tourer gives you all the functions of the cateye... plus mapping... it is made for you! You want the plus version

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/08/garmin-touring-computer.html

 

[Markymark]

The tourer gives you all the functions of the cateye... plus mapping... it is made for you! You want the plus version

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/08/garmin-touring-computer.html

So with just that I'd have the same data? Presumably it's all gps as I don't want to but new sensors. How accurate is gps speed, distance compared ti sensor with presumably signals dropping etc?

Also, what's the killer function I'm missing by not getting a 810?

 

[yello]

For my purposes, if my Edge 305 packed up (and it's blipped a few times of late), I'd probably go for the Garmin Etrex 30. But, as I say, that'd be for my purposes.

Why? Replaceable batteries with HRM and cadence primarily.

 

[PK99]

So with just that I'd have the same data? Presumably it's all gps as I don't want to but new sensors. How accurate is gps speed, distance compared ti sensor with presumably signals dropping etc?

Also, what's the killer function I'm missing by not getting a 810?

really just thr training specific functions, have a look at the comparison table in the dcrainmaker review.

i ride with the 800, my wife with a cateye - the speeds are the same

 

[PK99]

For my purposes, if my Edge 305 packed up (and it's blipped a few times of late), I'd probably go for the Garmin Etrex 30. But, as I say, that'd be for my purposes.

Why? Replaceable batteries with HRM and cadence primarily.

some people i ride with use the Etrex, they see and like the 800 I ride with - particularly the 3-d/car like route mapping - much easier to follow than the map view. they tell me the etrex does not offer that.

 

[martint235]

The Edge Touring despite being marketed as, well as a touring device suffers exactly the same main drawback as the rest of the Edge range - crud battery life and you can't swap it out mid-ride.

 

[PK99]

The Edge Touring despite being marketed as, well as a touring device suffers exactly the same main drawback as the rest of the Edge range - crud battery life and you can't swap it out mid-ride.

I find the battery life more than adequate for century rides and day touring - i charge overnight with a usb charger and plug socket i use for my phone as well.

the only issue with battery life was on the first century ride i did with it, keeping the map display on and redrawing all the time drained the battery after 8.5 hours

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Etrex 20 every time. On long* rides I don't personally give a stuff about HR and cadence, though if I did I'd just use my Forerunner watch as well. (with an HR strap and the cadence sensor)

How accurate is gps speed, distance compared ti sensor with presumably signals dropping etc?

Accurate enough

*might need to define long

 

[Markymark]

Etrex 20 every time. On long* rides I don't personally give a stuff about HR and cadence, though if I did I'd just use my Forerunner watch as well. (with an HR strap and the cadence sensor)

Accurate enough

*might need to define long

My longer rides are typically 60-80m with the occassional ton.

 

[martint235]

My longer rides are typically 60-80m with the occassional ton.

Then I'd agree that the Edge series can cope with this. But why limit yourself, you could move up to 200s with an Etrex.

 

[Markymark]

Then I'd agree that the Edge series can cope with this. But why limit yourself, you could move up to 200s with an Etrex.

Is that the only thing that's stopping me??

 

[martint235]

Is that the only thing that's stopping me??

Yep pretty much. The rest is just about eating.