Garmin Computers

alex2662

Hello everyone!! Just joined today. I have a question about GPS computers.
I’m pretty much set on buying a Garmin, either 800 or 810, I’ve had a look on the various forums and reviews and my brain is fried, I want to know the main differences between the computers that warrants paying an extra £100 for the new model.
1. One of the best features for me is to map out a route on the pc, upload it and the computer tells me where to go. Can both the computers do this?
2. Do I need to buy the maps bundle to do the above functions? I’ve found a website where I can get free maps and upload them to the Garmin, I’m not sure if this is legitimate, I’m assuming it is, called garmin.openstreetmap.nl, has anybody used this site?
3. Does the computer work well with strava, I currently use my iPhone but want a more accurate and accessible computer then a phone.
Sorry if I’m going over old ground, but I’m sure you can all appreciate when you look on various websites to do a bit of research you quickly get bewildered and lose interest :!: :!:

Anonymous

Sounds like all you need is the 800! I think the main difference is:
- Live weather updates on the 810
- bluetooth connectivity to iPhone to share location

All the things you have mentioned are do-able on the 800 and the free maps are legit. They are opensource - im sure someone can link you to where they are available for cheap.

Not sure which one you are going for but sportspursuit are selling the bundles off for cheap, if you want all the extras thrown in as well. (up to 30% off)

If you sign up using my link below then we both get £10 credit. Only downside is a 3+ week waiting period

www.sportspursuit.com/join/coriordan

alex2662

Thanks for the prompt reply, Wandsworth hey, was literally there days ago, I have a mate who lives in Clapham, nice area, anyway off topic, the live weather function never really enticed me anyway, quoting a work colleague when I was trying to sell the garmin 800 concept “surely you know the live weather? You’re outside” I have to agree.
Is that the only use of the Bluetooth, to show your location through social media and alike? If so, not really essential either. Makes for a good advert though, as shown on the garmin website, but I’d probably never use it.
Brilliant, thanks for the link I’ll have a look now.

Anonymous

I think the live weather is good if you are in the Alps/Pyrenees/Lake District, where it can change quite quickly!

As for the opensource maps, I mean free - not cheap

The location sharing is social media or anyone else - WAGS might want to know where you are and that you're safe. I find the 'find friends' app on the iPhone does this well and uses no extra battery.

Used to live by Clapham junction. Need to update as moved to Fulham now!

alex2662

What’s the main difference between the trail and enduro? Is it just the two meters (heart rate & Cadence)? Are they worth the extra £45.00??

Also looking at the two photos on the sportpursuit website they have different views, do you know if the “sat-nav” style is available in both bundles as I like that?

Hmmmm still not sold with the weather function

Yeah, IMO the joy of going for a ride is that the misses doesn’t know where I am! Not keen on the constant tracking beacon idea! She’d probably hunt me down, knock me off and claim the life insurance!! haha :P

simonj

HRM & Cadence for £45 is worth it, HRM alone is £45 so even if you don't use the cadence and just sell it. Once thing I like on the 810 is that with an 800 when I'd finished a ride I like to upload it using my PC so I can have all my rides on Garmin Connect to compare how I'm doing, with the 810 and BT it just uploads automatically via your phone and the Garmin Connect app without the need to plug it into a PC which for me is a very neat app.

simonj

alex2662 wrote:

What’s the main difference between the trail and enduro? Is it just the two meters (heart rate & Cadence)? Are they worth the extra £45.00??

Also looking at the two photos on the sportpursuit website they have different views, do you know if the “sat-nav” style is available in both bundles as I like that?

Hmmmm still not sold with the weather function

Yeah, IMO the joy of going for a ride is that the misses doesn’t know where I am! Not keen on the constant tracking beacon idea! She’d probably hunt me down, knock me off and claim the life insurance!! haha :P

Also the premium 810 bundle (with HRM) comes with the extra out front moutn which is very good.

The 810 live tracking feature can and I think is set by default not to be on.

alex2662

Thanks for all the help, looking at it realistically the new features of the 810 don’t warrant the inflated price tag?? Just my opinion, plus I only have a certain amount of disposable cash!

I think I’m settled on the 800……….

hopper1

alex2662 wrote:

Thanks for all the help, looking at it realistically the new features of the 810 don’t warrant the inflated price tag?? Just my opinion, plus I only have a certain amount of disposable cash!

I think I’m settled on the 800……….

I just bought an 800, as opposed to the 810.
I already have a 500, which I'll probably continue using for races.
I read dc rainmakers review on the 810, but decided that, as you say, the extra outlay isn't justified, well, not until Garmin include the Bluetooth 4.0 chip set
Paid £235 for base unit from Handtec...

supermurph09

I think you can achieve what you want with the 500 or newer 510.

1. One of the best features for me is to map out a route on the pc, upload it and the computer tells me where to go. Can both the computers do this? Go to Garmin connect, plot in a course and upload.
2. Do I need to buy the maps bundle to do the above functions? I’ve found a website where I can get free maps and upload them to the Garmin, I’m not sure if this is legitimate, I’m assuming it is, called garmin.openstreetmap.nl, has anybody used this site? Don't actually need a maps bundle to do this imo.
3. Does the computer work well with strava, I currently use my iPhone but want a more accurate and accessible computer then a phone. Plug in, click upload and there it is!

alex2662

Right, so I just need to buy the unit by itself (charger and mount included of course) cheapest I see was on handtec for £235.00 as well.
Yeah the Bluetooth feature is good, but not essential, and still IMO not worth the extra cost.

I see your point for the 500/510, I have seen some bad reviews for the 500, so was going to stick with at least the 510, if I’m now comparing the 510 and the 800 the cost isn't much difference, and for the same money, why not go 800...........

Bar Shaker

800s are available with HRM, Cadence and full Europe maps for approx £260.

You will ask yourself why you waited so long to buy one.

alex2662

260 where??? send a link