Which satnav?

[XmisterIS]

I would like to buy a satnav that I can stick on the handlebars any of my bikes; this would be an improvement on my current method of navigation, which comprises an OS map and a compass stuffed into my backpack!

My requirements for said satnav as follows:

1) Must be able to mount it on the handlebars and must be able to buy extra handlebar mounts for it (three bikes, one satnav!).

2) Must weigh significantly less than a housebrick - all the ones I've seen for cars are big and heavy.

3) Must be able to navigate me cross-country - so it must know about all the bridleways and other public-access paths that I cycle down.

4) Must be able to figure out that I am (for example) crossing a road rather than being stuck to the road like a car.

5) Must be able to go on a single battery charge all day, if necessary. (I like travelling light!)

Is there such a device out there, or am I asking for technology which doesn't yet exist?!

 

[Number14]

Garmin Edge 800 with 1:50000 UK map. OS map and compass in backpack as a backup

 

[PpPete]

Etrex Legend or Vista

1) Garmin own-brand mounts or better still RAM brand
2) More brick-like than Edge, but not that heavy
3) We are talking GPS here - not Satnav in the car sense of the word. Plan your route in advance, download it to the unit, follow it on the ride.
4) depends where you planned your route
5) 20 hours on decent pair of rechargeable AAs

 

[XmisterIS]

Thanks for replies!

What is the difference between GPS and satnav then? I thought they were the same! You've confused me now ...

 

[GrumpyGregry]

satnavs talk to you gps's don't (possible the world's grossest oversimplification)

Garmin etrex Vista HCx, copy of opencyclemap on a SD card. Your uncle is robert. It's what I use.

NB an etrex will not display maps that look like OS maps whereas Edge probably does. But they display what you need to know.

The best off-road cycling GPS I've ever used is the SatMap Active 10 but they are out of my price league.

 

[PpPete]

it's all GPS technology...

car type SatNav... program in destination, usually by post code, it decides "best" route for you. You follow it (or not). Unit chooses new route if you stray. Talks to you (Arrgh!). 2 hours battery if you are lucky.

outdoor or bike mounted GPS....much smaller screen, no voice, usually much better battery life. Some units can "navigate" you to chosen destination (not usually by post code though), can be a "point of interest" you've chosen from a list, or some other custom waypoint you've defined....but best way of using is to pick a route on, say, bikehike(as u are used to OS maps), send that to the GPS and you can follow that route "on screen" as you go. If the lil pointer is not on the track you defined - you is off-route! There are various slight sophisitications... differences between "tracks" and "routes" etc. which I wont bore with. Wait til you actually choose a unit.
The "mapping" is (usually) extra cost - unless you use OSM (a wiki map of the world) which may or may not be complete in your area.
BTW - in general terrms ones with a big display that looks like OS Landranger (1:50 000) maps have the least good battery life.

I got a Legend HCx a couple of years ago, started very gingerly after decades of map/compass use. Takes a lot of getting used to. Specific questions are often already answered over on yacf. you'll see I'm still asking questions over there.

 

[02GF74]

There is also the SatMap Active 10. I have one of these, yet to use it in anger. You need to buy the OS maps separately. It tells you were you are and you can mark up a route. What they don;t tell you is that the software to do that is another £ 80 on top of what already is one of the more expensive devices.

There is a web applicaiton bikehike.co.uk or similar that you can use to mark up a route - downside is you needs internet access to be able to use it.

 

[numbnuts]

I would recommend Garmin as their after sales service is very good