Bike computers GPS thing

DJBOMBSCARE

I get the feeling this has probably been asked before. But I'm after a bike computer for mountainbiking

I know what I want it to do and that is to map where I go and then be able to plug it into the computer and keep track of training routes etc.

I have had a go with something on my iphone and imapmyride and it was a little bit pants really. I got back and it just hadn't wanted to work. Whihc was a little bit disappointing.

Having a look round here as well as tinternet everything seems to be pointing me towards Garmin GPS but reviews I've read are somewhat mixed. So any ideas.

I'm not that fussed by HR and cadence, just time route distance speed etc and if I am going down the GPS route I would like to be able to download perhaps routes to it so I can ride places I dont know.

SO any help would be brilliant and thanks in advance

FSR_XC

I use a Garmin 305 Forerunner.

It is a cross training computer with modes for running etc. Yep, it's got HR & cadence, but the 205 model does more or less everything the 305 does, without the HR (cadence is an extra anyway).

Mounted on the bike it is as small as the average bike comp, unlike the bigger Edge.

Anyway, it works very well, only losing signal in tunnels and under very heavy cover. Speedo is pretty accurate and you can train against a previous route using virtual partner. There is a lot more it will do.

Downloading the info is as simple as plugging it in the usb slot. Routes can be viewed in Google maps quickly or you can further upload them to Bikehike.co.uk or other route sharing site.

There are better gps units but I can't fault what I have. Definately the most useful thing I have bought for training.

Anonymous

A Garmin Edge 205 on the cheap sounds poifickt.

AndyTheRocketeer

I think the Forerunner, Foretrex, Edge have a Garmin proprietry website for tracking training etc.
All have built in batteries, so OK for training, recording a trail, but I wouldn't rely on them for navigation anywhere remote.

I use an eTrex Vista HCx in the back pocket. Can have proper maps on it (OSM are pretty good round here), can just drag/drop a recorded .GPX and upload to mapmyride, everytrail, etc.... and you can load routes/tracks onto it using standard GPX files (unlike Edge etc. where I believe you need to convert from a track to a TCX course file).

Depends what you want really. Just a bike training aid... get Edge. GPS navigation device that does a lot more but not HR/Cadence/Laptimes etc. etc.... get an eTrex or similar.

camerauk

another vote for the edge 205 works a treat

camerauk

another vote for the edge 205 works a treat

plasma_man

Another vote for Edge 205.

Works great, there are better one's but for the budget it really does a lot. I load all my routes onto motionbased web site which works well apart from during busy weekend periods.

BorisSpencer

I use a Geko 201. No base map but it does waypoints, routes, and tracks.

bomberesque

I have an Edge 705. It's more than you seem to need though. I'd agree with sentiments above that the mapping and navigation stuff on the edge units, whilst there, seems secondary to the fitness stuffs that is inherited from teihr forerunner range.

For what you say you want, I expect a Forerunner would do. Or Decathlon sell for <100 Euros (over here at least) a similar unit GPS logger thing. Not sure what you can get a forerunner for, probably similar for base model.

fwb2006

Active 10 no contest, http://www.satmap.com/

The best alllround sat nav/map for allround use

DJBOMBSCARE

CHEERS for the info guys, I'll check out the 205 I think.

Frools

i know you said you have an iphone and tried using an app on that, but for anyone else looking for a similar thing
TrackMe for Windows Mobile based phones has worked pretty damn well for me