Help me out with computers/GPS please

GT_Dave

Hi all,

I will be honest, im a technophobe and a bit Northern and solid and im after a cycle computer.

Ive had a Cateye Velo which is small and simple but im looking at upgrading.

Ive got £75 to spend at Evans Cycles.

Initially I have looked at the Garmin Edge 200, slightly over budget but thats ok, what confuses me is this:

I know it doesnt have mapping but does give you some form of route guidance, is this just routes that I have ridden previously or can I get other peoples routes from the website?

I also fancied something with cadence but I think these are all out of my price range?

If you had £75 burning a hole in your pocket and wanted a new computer what would you buy and why?

All answers gratefully received

Cheers

Dave

GT_Dave

(its an Evans Cycles voucher that I have which is why im restricted to them, other cycling companies are available)

francis666

Garmen 200 is ok, but a bit small.
When u know how (and its simple when told!) you can use www.bikeroutetoaster.com to make a simple Garmen tcx file that will write to the device (yes a Garmen 200 definitely does this). Will show a course on the device as line and you can see when you have to change direction, very simple but works

The 500 is a much better device as you can see it easier ( but costs more).

They both come with cadence sensors discounted if you buy at the same time. Bought mine from Ebay via china and was still covered under Garmen international warranty. (had a problem and change with in a week).

diamonddog

Garmin 200 doesn't have cadence or heart rate but if you're happy without them it does do basic routes. Screen size is the same as Edge 500. You can change part of the main screen readings from avg speed to altitude etc as you ride.

GT_Dave

Nice one Francis, thanks for your reply Mate.

I havent actually seen one yet other than on the computer screen so I wasnt aware that they were small.

I think a 500 might be better but definitely out of my price range unfortunately.

cheers,

Dave

rolf_f

francis666 wrote:

Garmen 200 is ok, but a bit small.
When u know how (and its simple when told!) you can use http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com to make a simple Garmen tcx file that will write to the device (yes a Garmen 200 definitely does this). Will show a course on the device as line and you can see when you have to change direction, very simple but works

The 500 is a much better device as you can see it easier ( but costs more).

They both come with cadence sensors discounted if you buy at the same time. Bought mine from Ebay via china and was still covered under Garmen international warranty. (had a problem and change with in a week).

The 200 uses the same case as the 500 so if one is too small then so is the other! Also, I'd be surprised at the 200 being available with cadence as I thought it didn't support HR and Cadence.

The Bryton 20 is another option - that's really small and neat and someone posted a link to them for £65 - but retail isn't much more. The 20 doesn't have the breadcrumb trail of the 200 but it does have HR and Cadence compatibility. However, both the 200 and 20 have more limited display options than the more expensive units and that does make a difference.