Garmin Edge 200

Witneyoxon

Hello,
New poster here so please be gentle! I've had a Garmin Edge 200 for over a year now which I've been very pleased with. I've just noticed that the elevation that's being uploaded to Garmin Express and Strava is much lower than that stored in the history of the computer. I first noticed it after a ride with others when their elevation data on Strava differed by a large margin to mine (mine 1500ft vs 2800ft).

So it seems from this that the computer is recording correctly but not uploading the correct elevation data even though the other data seems accurate. Anybody come across this problem before? Any advice on how to fix it gratefully received.

sniper68

Use Elevation correction in Garmin Express and Strava.Both use different means of calculating the data.
My sons Garmin Edge 200 gives massively different figures to my Garmin Edge 800 even when we ride the same route side by side.
The difference is the 800 can be set to a known elevation point(my house for example) so it then collects the data with a known staring point.The 200 doesn't have this feature so uses barometric pressure(IIRC).
Even using Elevation correction the 200 gives some really strange readings!
We regularly do a 16mile route which has roughly 1300ft of ascent.My 800 is always there or there abouts.His 200 has given figures as high as 2500ft and as low as 600ft!!

Witneyoxon

Thanks for this I didn't realise they could be so inaccurate. I've looked for where to run elevation correction on Garmin Connect and Strava but no joy. Could you point me in right direction please.

timothyw

The Edge 200 doesn't have an barometric altimiter so the elevation data it provides you on rides is derived purely from GPS - GPS isn't very good at detecting elevation, particularly the relatively small changes you'll get on a cycle ride.

For this reason, when you upload rides to strava/garmin connect, Strava automatically corrects the data using elevation data from maps/satellite surveys/etc.

For the other Garmin devices (500, 800, 510, 520, 810, 820 etc) which have barometric altitude data by default strava won't correct the elevation - users with those devices can turn on 'elevation correction' on strava which uses the same map data that is used automatically on the 200, but most people won't notice or turn this on, so the elevation data tends to be a bit iffy from those devices on strava.

So to review, three issues:
- GPS elevation data on your 200 is poor to start with.
- Barometric elevation data from other Garmins is better but still not great.
- The corrected data on your rides on Strava will be different to the uncorrected data from other riders with barometric sensors. Similar results will be obtained if they turn on 'elevation correction'.

Personally I just don't put too much stock in elevation data on rides - if you want to measure your progress, compare your times on known climb segments.

sniper68

Witneyoxon wrote:

Thanks for this I didn't realise they could be so inaccurate. I've looked for where to run elevation correction on Garmin Connect and Strava but no joy. Could you point me in right direction please.

On Garmin Connect scroll down the right hand side of your ride activity and you'll see a picture of your unit.Underneath it has a line that says "elevation corrections" and it will say either enabled or disabled.You need to enable.

On Strava go to your ride and under the total ascent it will say "elevation?" Click on this then close Strava.The next time you log on it will have recalculated.

Witneyoxon

I found it on in Garmin Connect but it's already enabled! On Strava I can see where it says "elevation" but clicking there doesn't do anything. Are you using Strava Premium as I'm using the free version?

sniper68

Witneyoxon wrote:

I found it on in Garmin Connect but it's already enabled! On Strava I can see where it says "elevation" but clicking there doesn't do anything. Are you using Strava Premium as I'm using the free version?

Yes Premium.
Just checked my sons free Strava and his doesn't work either.

Witneyoxon

Ah ok thanks for checking. It sounds like the only way to better accuracy is to buy a better Garmin then. Any recommendations for the best value way of doing this? This cycling lark is starting to cost a fortune:-(

sniper68

Witneyoxon wrote:

Ah ok thanks for checking. It sounds like the only way to better accuracy is to buy a better Garmin then. Any recommendations for the best value way of doing this? This cycling lark is starting to cost a fortune:-(

I picked up an Edge 800 with maps for £130 on eBay.
Had it nearly a year with no issues!
The classifieds on here sometimes throws up a bargain!

motogull

One of my routes takes me alongside a motorway over a river. Pre-elevation correction the profile is flat there. Afterwards, it looks like like I went offroad down to water level, rode over, then rode back up. I have a 500.

SmithAndEastern

i need to get a Garmin so bad i've ruined countless amounts of mobiles strapped to my bars

apreading

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