GPS / Cycle Computer

chrism_scotland
chrism_scotland Posts: 221
edited June 2010 in Road buying advice
Thinking about getting a GPS Tracker / Cycle Computer but not really sure where to start, I would like to track my routes so that I can see how well I am doing, where i have been and if I am improving ride on ride, I had also thought that I would maybe like mapping so I can plan routes beforehand and then know where I am! But I can always use Google Maps or TrekBuddy on my phone for a quick fix if I am lost so its not a major concern, just wondering where to start really and whats a good bet.

Comments

  • calvjones
    calvjones Posts: 3,850
    I have a Garmin 500 Edge which as £150 for the basic unit is good. No maps, but you can follow a breadcrumb route, and the upload of activities to Garmin Connect is painless.
    ___________________

    Strava is not Zen.
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    I got an edge 205 for £75 of the classifieds - which is a good starting point. I had quite a few offers of people selling so you could probably get a similar deal.
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    No budget mentioned so it "has" to be the Garmin 705 with Heart, cadence & maps.

    Does it all. Costs mind. Your choice as to whether it is worth it to you.
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • chrism_scotland
    chrism_scotland Posts: 221
    Garmin 705 looks good but wee bit dear I think, maybe looking to spend around £200
  • copper585
    copper585 Posts: 141
    have a look at the garmin edge 500, its about £145 for basic package at handtec or £185 with the cadence/hrm.
  • digitaldave
    digitaldave Posts: 114
    +1 for the Garmin Edge 500. I got the version with heart rate and speed/cadence. I've only had it a week, but it's been great so far. Recording routes is a doddle. Planning routes to follow is a bit more involved - I use www.bikeroutetoaster.com to plan the route, then use their download to GPS device option to send it in TCX format to the Edge 500, which then automatically converts from TCX to the FIT format used natively by the Edge. You don't get satnav like directions, but you get the breadcrumb trail that calvjones mentioned. I paid £224 for mine with heart rate / cadence, but you can get the basic unit for a lot less without them.

    Hope that helps :).
  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    +2 for Garmin 500.

    I get to use it with my Powertap also which is great and I can swap it easily from bike to bike.

    Love that it clocks your route and and you can download it on the Garmin website afterwards and see where you've been.
  • chrism_scotland
    chrism_scotland Posts: 221
    I know that one of the comments mentioned that the 500 doesn't have mapping but can follow a "breadcrumb map route" what is this and how does it work?

    I think the Edge 500 is the the one for me but if I could get the 605 or 705 for not a lot more I could be convinced.
  • digitaldave
    digitaldave Posts: 114
    Have a look at this review:

    http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/11/garm ... eview.html

    Do a search on that page for 'breadcrumb', there's a screenshot that shows what it looks like.

    Hope that helps :).
  • chrism_scotland
    chrism_scotland Posts: 221
    Cheers mate, I'm not sure how easy that would be to use, very tempted by the Edge 705 I have to say! The mapping looks excellent.
  • AndyD2574
    AndyD2574 Posts: 1,034
    Took delivery of my Edge 500 tonight so setting it up.

    How do I ghet temperature showing?
    Specialized S Works Venge
    Argon18 E114
    Specialized Langster Single Speed
    Scott Spark Expert 29'er
    GT Avalanche
    http://www.glasgowgreencycleclub.co.uk
  • chrism_scotland
    chrism_scotland Posts: 221
    How does the Garmin Edge 605 compare to the 705? Is it just older?

    I'm also wondering whether I could just buy the Edge 500 for tracking, stats, etc and use something like Google Maps or Ovi Maps on my Nokia E72 for route guidance, although I know that using a GPS signal a phone battery is unlikely to last long.

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