Garmin, Bryton etc. Why????

Gizmodo

Ricey83 wrote:

Can you upload routes to a Garmin Edge 200?

See http://road.cc/content/news/44096-first-ride-video-garmin-edge-200

migrantwing

NapoleonD wrote:

I agree, no need at all.
I just carry a few OS maps in my back pocket in a metro carrier back for waterproofing.
If I want to know how far I've ridden I just take my average speed, estimated by taking the average speed of all the cyclists in the 'what's your average speed' thread and see how long I was riding, rounded down to the nearest hour.
If I get lost I always have my trusted Nokia 3210 to ring my mrs, I've not charged it up since August 2004. It's still got 2/3rds charge left.

LOL!

+1 Can't beat a good OS map

migrantwing

tiredofwhiners wrote:

Am I going to bounce my £600 mobile phone up and down on handlebars, subject it to shocks galore and have to put it inside a non-guaranteed allegedly weatherproof enclosure ? Nope.

It can stay safe in my back/side pocket and be cushioned while the rightly designed tool for the job, does its job. And when/if the Garmin packs up, I have enough battery left in my phone to find my way home, or call for help.

I wouldn't expect you to stick your '£600 mobile phone' on your handlebars, either.

napoleond

Ooh 'eck! Turns out I own a 600 quid mobile phone! Got it free on a business contract so didn't know how much it was to replace!!

migrantwing

NapoleonD wrote:

Ooh 'eck! Turns out I own a 600 quid mobile phone! Got it free on a business contract so didn't know how much it was to replace!!

Don't...Drop...It!

tiredofwhiners

migrantwing wrote:

I wouldn't expect you to stick your '£600 mobile phone' on your handlebars, either.

True, but its hard for those using a phone to follow a map route to do so when its in their back pocket

blackpoolkev

I wanted a speedo that recorded elevation data.For not much more I could have a Garmin 200.So I bought the Garmin.
The battery life is superb,I go for a 2 or 3 hour ride,plug the Garmin into the computer to upload the ride,it recharges whilst connected to the USB.10mins or so -fully recharged.I've accumulated 10 hours of riding without recharging and I've still had 50% charge.
This unit does not display maps,but you can follow a pre-planned route.Create your own route or download a GPX file to follow(handy if you're doing a sportive).The Garmin basically displays a black line,weaving across the screen(the route you should follow) and an arrow icon(your position and which way you are pointing).So.. keep the icon on the black line and you should be able to navigate fairly well.The bottom section of the screen is customizable to display all manner of things relating to your progress on your route.
If you're not following a route, the screen can show you all the usual info(including elevation data )with scrolling or backlight options.
It's small and neat.I like my Garmin.
P.S. No heart rate monitor or cadence options with the 200.

migrantwing

tiredofwhiners wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

I wouldn't expect you to stick your '£600 mobile phone' on your handlebars, either.

True, but its hard for those using a phone to follow a map route to do so when its in their back pocket

Agreed. Most phones lose GPS connectivity when in a pocket. Altho, the 'savvy' among us find ways I have a handlebar mount for my HTC phone, Yes, it's a bit cumbersome, but it does the job.

MountainMonster

migrantwing wrote:

tiredofwhiners wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

I wouldn't expect you to stick your '£600 mobile phone' on your handlebars, either.

True, but its hard for those using a phone to follow a map route to do so when its in their back pocket

Agreed. Most phones lose GPS connectivity when in a pocket. Altho, the 'savvy' among us find ways I have a handlebar mount for my HTC phone, Yes, it's a bit cumbersome, but it does the job.

To be honest, I never had problems losing signal. It was always the damn battery I was having problems with.

g00se

I use an Android phone and I can get 100 miles+ out of it for strava on one charge if I shut down data, wifi and sync while on the move. But it's a pain having it in the back pocket and if I forget to take it off of pause after a cafe stop it's a real faff to start it up on the roll - especially with gloves on. It's too delicate to mount on the bars and if I did, I'd need to keep the screen running which would kill the battery.

But the main reason I'm getting a Bryton is the heart-rate and cadence display. I can keep an eye on what I'm doing within training zone plans.

migrantwing

MountainMonster wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

tiredofwhiners wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

I wouldn't expect you to stick your '£600 mobile phone' on your handlebars, either.

True, but its hard for those using a phone to follow a map route to do so when its in their back pocket

Agreed. Most phones lose GPS connectivity when in a pocket. Altho, the 'savvy' among us find ways I have a handlebar mount for my HTC phone, Yes, it's a bit cumbersome, but it does the job.

To be honest, I never had problems losing signal. It was always the damn battery I was having problems with.

The standard batteries are cr*p. There are higher output batteries online for around a tenner that will double, or even triple, your battery life. The other problem with smartphones is the amount of apps that run in the background that you don't even realise are running.

MountainMonster

migrantwing wrote:

MountainMonster wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

tiredofwhiners wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

I wouldn't expect you to stick your '£600 mobile phone' on your handlebars, either.

True, but its hard for those using a phone to follow a map route to do so when its in their back pocket

Agreed. Most phones lose GPS connectivity when in a pocket. Altho, the 'savvy' among us find ways I have a handlebar mount for my HTC phone, Yes, it's a bit cumbersome, but it does the job.

To be honest, I never had problems losing signal. It was always the damn battery I was having problems with.

The standard batteries are cr*p. There are higher output batteries online for around a tenner that will double, or even triple, your battery life. The other problem with smartphones is the amount of apps that run in the background that you don't even realise are running.

Yup, but the phone works fine for me for what I need, so I don't see the point in buying a battery for something I won't need, if you get me.

I can't close any programmes on my Blackberry, which is kind of annoying, but it lasts enough to be able to use the phone for what I need!

pippi_langsamer-2

I'd certainly rather have a dedicated GPS unit on my bike rather than a GPS enable phone for the reasons already mentioned.

I bought a Garmin about 6-7 years ago when they were first becoming popular and still have it. I dont have any real reason for wanting an updated version of it neither- it does all I want.

I've had some of the most memorable rides both on road and off road following new routes that I'd schemed up in the comfort of my own home. Some have been great- one was nearly disasterous high in the Lakeland fells one Autumn :shock: That was down to user error and over ambitious route planning LOL. My early Garmin just had the course/ route mapping facility whereby you follow the 'breadcrumb', trail you've uploaded from your chosen software. I certainly wouldn't want something more akin to a TomTom staring at me all day (enough of that in the car!)

I also used to like the "virtual training partner", for common rides, whereby you can "race", yourself from previous rides.

Strapping a mobile phone to your stem conjours up this kind of image for me:

sbbefc

I can see exactly why people would want a Garmin etc, I currently use an app on my blackberry to record my rides, I bought a mount and I just feel that my phone will eventually get dislodged and fall off. The battery life is poor if I have the display on and its difficult to safely scroll through km, average speed etc. It also doesn't show me the gradient and HR either. I keep my phone in my pocket and log my ride for strava but that's about it. Id prefer to have a Garmin.

pippi_langsamer-2

I'd also question whether the sensitivity of the gps sensor in a mobile phone is as good as a dedicated gps unit?

essjaydee

I had a clear out via fleabay, from some unwanted stuff in our loft, and made enough to purchase a Garmin 800
I figure it didn't cost me owt, as financially I am exactly the same, but now have a new gadget, and I love tech

I'm still sussing out the good cycling routes in my area and for me carrying an OS map around and having to keep stopping and checking it wasn't something I fancied. Copying numerous rides onto an OS map on a small portable unit was exactly what I wanted. The fact that it records your rides, for me, helps log it into my memory when I upload it and see where I've been, so I guess eventually I won't need to use it, but as my memory isn't great, then can't see me ever getting to this point (does that make sense!)

HRM and cadence sensor would be invaluable for any specific training plans, so will be using these on the turbo in 2013 to help shed some pounds. Do a few Sportives also, so ability to have the route already programmed into the unit is great.

Just hope it doesn't go pop when I'm out one day! I'd be stuffed

teisetrotter

It does get confusing though. The 800 comes in three flavours the most expensive being performance and navigation bundles ......... as it is a GPS navigation unit what the hell are you paying the extra £40 for!

binsted

Garmin, Bryton etc. Why????

Because they are the right tool for the job they do.

I have an i-phone and a cracking bit of kit it is too but use it for apps and tracking purposes and it eats batteries, not really sure why the OP needed to ask, he probably paid more for his phone.

curium

I have a Garmin Edge 800. I use the navigation function irregularly when on long rides during spring/summer. Most of my riding is commuting on roads I am familiar with so the mapping is a nice bonus which is invaluable when I use it but as stated is used infrequently. Hard to comment on whether the navigation is worthwhile because it is infrequently used but when it is used it beats carrying a map everytime!

I no longer bother with HR mainly because I can't be asked with putting the strap on every time and it needs regular washing or it stinks of sweat. I do wear it when riding in sportives or abroad purely because I like to collect as much data as possible for posterity in those circumstances.

Cadence, altitude, speed, averages, heading, sunset time and current time; believe it or not these are all metrics I use regularly and would feel deprived off if my Garmin was replaced with a lesser device.

I am particularly dependent on cadence as I tend to lose focus and spend too long in the wrong gear. Keeping an eye on my cadence and making timely gear changes to maintain momentum has had a massive effect on my times alongside with general improvements in fitness. Lots of people will say they can 'feel' when their cadence is wrong and to an extent I agree but the computer works better for me.

Altitude I have found useful for seeing how far I've climbed and the live graphing feature helps identify false flats. On a long ride it's nice to see the profile. For my daily commute its only been used initially to highlight where a few false flats start.

Speed, Averages. Basics expected from any cycle computer.

Heading I like to know when I'm just out riding following roads with no particular route in mind. The same goes for sunset time.

Current time. Needs no explanation.

Also the Edge 800 touchscreen works with gloves and the battery life beats any smart phone I've used.

mabbo

Mmmmmm, I use an £8 unit from Tesco. Speed, time, distance, average speed. Paper maps off google and road signs tend to do for navigation purposes, so, yep, I reckon they are maybe just another way of spending your money.

Rather have new tops or shorts myself. Oh...........and gloves..............I tend to go through gloves.

migrantwing

binsted wrote:

Garmin, Bryton etc. Why????

Because they are the right tool for the job they do.

I have an i-phone and a cracking bit of kit it is too but use it for apps and tracking purposes and it eats batteries, not really sure why the OP needed to ask, he probably paid more for his phone.

For your information, the phone was passed down to me from the girlfriend. Didn't cost me a penny.

ethanhayes

migrantwing wrote:

Interesting to read all the replies. Thanks, guys.

I'm not against the whole Garmin/Bryton stuff, it's just the cost vs actual required use. No doubt I'll be following in your shoes if and when the prices come down Again, battery life on an Android phone sucks. That's a plus for the Garmin/Bryton units.

I'm the big cheese of my university cycling club, as such I need such it would be nice to have some sort of device that would tell me where to go when (if I ever) lead a ride!
Being able to track your ride is pretty important to me too. It's a chance to see where I could improve, going up a hill for example - which gives me something to work on next time I go out!

Sure you can use your phone, but I like to have my current speed in front of me at all times.
I don't fancy the idea of putting my £500 smart phone on the handle bars, where it could easily fall off or get soaked.
If it rains, no need to worry about the garmin.
If it falls off, then it should be alright, they are pretty robust!

It's not a necessity, but it's certainly not something that's only useful to people who take their riding very seriously!
And if your not using your phone you don't risk being caught out with no battery and a mechanical you can't fix, with no way home.

moscowflyer

I hold my hands up, I'm a gadget freak and I love having the latest technology. The 800 is a fantastic piece of kit, I could probably do with the 705 but decided to go all out and buy the 800 instead. I do the creating new routes and downloading onto the unit etc and also use turn by tuen on unfamiliar routes (although this does drain the battery after 50 miles or so). If there's a 900 out next year, I'll probably upgrade.

Yes, it's overkill, but I love a stat.