GPS Cycle Computer

nickponty

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a GPS cycle computer, specifcally one that I can upload routes from Bikely, etc...to and then follow directions. I'm not worried about having the actual map on screen, just directions if that's easier/cheaper. I really like exploring new routes but invariably get bored either digging my iphone out my jersey pocket constantly to check maps, or getting lost!

Any thoughts on which are the best, or best value?

Thanks all!

Nick

richard_farrant

Just got a Bryton Rider 40 for £130, seems good so far but not used it much yet. Bryton website is a bit rubbish though

nickponty

Thanks Richard. Does it do directions? Looks from the website it just tracks a route, show you height and distance remaining, etc... I'm looking for something that tells me where to turn left/right, etc...!

richard_farrant

just tracks a route, if you upload a pre-planned route you can follow it (not tried this yet) and see your position on the route but there is no map or directions to speak of. The Bryotn 50 and Garmin 800/810 are the ones with proper maps

Sprool

check out the little o-synce navi2move - http://www.o-synce.com/en/products/navi ... 2move.html
you can upload routes to it and follow directions, but no on-screen map. Good low cost alternative to Garmins

jamiekavanagh

I have a Garmin 510 which suits me perfectly. While it has the option to have a map, it also has plenty of other displays if you don't want to follow it. The Virtual Partner is very useful for solo training and has made mine worth the money on its own.

It does work with Bikely, sort of, if you use BikeRouteToaster as a middleman. Garmin connect also has a range of groups and other route maps to play with too, which is nice. Not the cheapest GPS, but worth the investment IMHO.

bernithebiker

Garmin 500. Best thing on my bike, and now quite reasonably priced......

510 seems pricey to me, with features I wouldn't use.

smidsy

I have the Bryton 35 (similar to Garmin 500) which used breadcrumb type navigation. The Bryton 40 is also very similar.

It essentially points you along between waypoints (that you can set) by showing you a line representing the road on the screen. It then flashess up OFF ROUTE if you make a wrong turn. The line on screen bends and wiggles to give an idea of what the road does (so you know if it is straight or has sharp turns etc).

Not directions as such but good enough and a damn cite cheaper than a Bryton 50 or Garmin 800 (both of which have proper maps)

freezing77

nickponty wrote:

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a GPS cycle computer, specifcally one that I can upload routes from Bikely, etc...to and then follow directions. I'm not worried about having the actual map on screen, just directions if that's easier/cheaper. I really like exploring new routes but invariably get bored either digging my iphone out my jersey pocket constantly to check maps, or getting lost!

Any thoughts on which are the best, or best value?

Thanks all!

Nick

You should also consider something from the etrex series you can get the etrex 20 that has mapping for £125 here
http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-etrex-20-010-00970-10.html
or maybe an etrex 10. for £75.
http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-etrex-10-010-00970-00.html

freezing77

When following a predetermined route I would use this screen, the arrow always points in the direction you need to go.

junglist_matty

Garmin 500 will show a route and also can display arrows at road junctions "waypoints".... If you use "www.ridewithgps.com", create a route, save it, view it, download it as ".TCX" then put it into the Garmin/NewFiles folder on the edge 500.... Power on the Edge (will take longer than usual as it converts the route to it's .fit format", then do the ride, it will show up all the waypoints for you.

If you want to download the cuesheet also, on ridewithgps options, select vehicle type "car", draw your route and then download it will also download the directions list to the edge500 which becomes viewable on it's own scrollable screen....

I don't know why Garmin Connect doesn't allow this feature considering the 500 supports it, just it seems no-one knows about it but loads want it!


http://ridewithgps.com/edge_500

...I didn't believe it, tried it ages ago and it actually does work.... Was great when riding in Spain a couple of weeks ago when I wasn't sure of the route/roads I'd mapped to ride.... It even beeps when you need to turn at a junction!

RubbishCyclist

Garmin 500, does everything without fault, tons of accessories and great after sales back up, friend of mine has just had an issue with his and they sent a new one straight out.

jordan_217

Agree with everyone else on the Edge 500, ace bit of kit. I download/create routes from/in BikeRouteToaster, export them as a .tcx file and drop them onto the Garmin. I opt to create automatic waypoints when I do the route and presto I get on screen turn by turn instructions whilst I'm riding. No need for mapping.

I would also add that the my favorite functionality on this is the the ability to upload workouts in advance and then follow them with on screen prompts. I now use it for ever turbo trainer session, much better than me squinting at a bit of paper that ends up smudged with sweat.

I really can't see the need to have proper mapping unless you're MTB'ing or Touring.