garmin edge 800 free maps??

evsy

hey everyone.

ive decided to splash out on a garmin (did think of new wheels but i want a new toy).

im struggling to understand differences between the options though.

i know the base model has basic, almost useless, maps, but can you get free maps anywhere which would work with it? im not fussed with the heartrate monitor or cadence, just want the maps really so i dont have to rely on my phone.

im also pretty useless with pcs, so if there is free maps on net somewhere is it easy to put on garmin??

sorry if these are stupid questions.

thanks for any advice

evsy

chiark

Yes, OpenStreetMaps. Best one I have found is from http://www.velomap.org/

All the information you need is on that site. I use the UK map with the contours added

evsy

chiark wrote:

Yes, OpenStreetMaps. Best one I have found is from http://www.velomap.org/

All the information you need is on that site. I use the UK map with the contours added

Brilliant!
thanks for that!
so basically there is no need to buy the navigation bundle?? those maps would do exactly the same?

rich164h

Yep openstreetmaps work fine. I got mine from talkietoaster. They're routable and have contours on.


The only downside appears to be that they don't have the postcode information in them so you can't use the postcode navigation functions on the 800 (not a real problem), but apart from that I can't see any reason to pay the extra for the city navigator maps (both initial costs then updates later).

evsy

so with the opensource maps would i be able to program a route in or is it only for following where you are?

alfablue

You can load a pre-planned route onto your Garmin (I use this Cycle Journey Planner which will select cycle friendly routes), and www.gpsies.com (which includes OSM cycle maps). You can also get your Garmin to navigate, routes won't always be as good as preplanned ones, but the OSM Cycle maps will allow it to use cycling infrastructure (eg it will use cycle paths where appropriate).

I use Velomaps but also Talkytoaster and Openmtb maps.

alfablue

I use a Garmin Dakota 20, I like the cheap price and AA batteries. Does most of the things the Edge will do, but not as sleek a package.

chiark

Does the Dakota connect to HRM and cadence? If so, I do wonder why there's a need for bike specific stuff...

rich164h

I could be wrong but I don't think it does. For navigation the Dakota offers everything you'll need but for bike info/stats you really do need a proper device like the edge or forerunner products.

alfablue

chiark wrote:

Does the Dakota connect to HRM and cadence? If so, I do wonder why there's a need for bike specific stuff...

Yes, I have HRM and the Dakota does work with the cadence sensor. It doesn't come with a bike mount, that's an extra £11.

It does most things that the Edge does but it doesn't have the virtual training partner. The Screen is probably not as bright, and the unit is bulkier. It can use the same software and online stuff that the others can (Garmin Connect; Mapsource, Training Centre etc). It doesn't show heart rate zones on the unit (it shows the HR - I use it in spin classes), but it does show them when uploaded to Garmin Connect or Training Centre - I don't know if the Edge does zones, I would expect it would.

Even though I like the look of the Edge 800 better, I really like AA batteries especially as I do multi-day tours where I have no chance to recharge. Also, the internal Lithium batteries are probably not (easily) user replaceable, but will deteriorate over time, just like your phone battery. The penalty of taking AA's is a fatter unit. All in, with HRM and bike mount I paid about £230, and whilst I was prepared to buy the GB Discoverer (OS) maps for £150, I have never found the OSM maps to be lacking. I have also used OSM for France, Spain, Netherlands and Greece.

I would say if you are a day rider only, the Edge 800 would be good (apart from cost) but if you tour then the Dakota is better.