Have you ever used a GPS for cycling?

[cantdrv55]

I received a Garmin eTrex Legend from my employer a year ago and have never used it. I have a nice Garmin in my car already so this is an extra unit. I was wondering if it's useful for cycling, like the Garmin 305. It's still in the original box and wrapper so I don't want to tear into it, just in case I can sell it if I can't use it. Just wondering if anyone has ever used a GPS like this one.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=173

[sweetnsourbkr]

It comes with no maps, so if you use it for any kind of routing, you'll need to purchase the street maps from Garmin ($100).

I also find that the Vista is better equipped because it has an altimeter. The legend is strictly a 2D GPSr.

[qpliu]

That's the GPS I carry in my jersey pocket. I mainly use it to record tracks of my rides, and as a clock for checking the time of day. I don't use it for much else, though. It can display a bunch of stuff that I haven't had much use for, such as moving time, current speed, current elevation, heading, average speed, maximum speed, etc. It has a built-in map with major roads and cities also, but I haven't found that useful either.

It loses the satellite signal quite a lot in some parts of the mountains such as Tunitas Creek Rd or Big Basin.

The main thing I wanted out of it was a list of timestamped latitude and longitude that I could analyze later, and it provides that mostly well enough.

It takes two AA batteries. I use rechargeables, and a charged pair usually lasts through a 7 to 8 hour ride.

[sweetnsourbkr]

I think if I were to buy another one, I'd get the GPS 60CSx (?) with the upgraded antenna.

[damnpoor]

I used mine before I had a little computer on my bike. The only thing I really used it for was distancing, and since I already knew the roads it was of no use as a map. After getting a new cateye computer I've never used the gps on a ride.

[cantdrv55]

It's for sale then. I'll put it on Craigslist.

[twobikes]

I, too, have a GPS in the car and have really grown to be dependent on it. I could see using a GPS on a bicycle to help follow a new route in an unfamiliar city. I downloaded the manual for the Garmin 305 and checked several things. It seems GPS units for bicycles are not designed to help you find your way, but to keep a record of where you have been and whether you were able to do it faster than previously, that is, for training. I will be happy just to find my way on a new route and to drop some more weight. I have not seen a GPS for a bicycle that does those well. Maybe I am wrong.

[PrincessZippy]

It seems GPS units for bicycles are not designed to help you find your way, but to keep a record of where you have been and whether you were able to do it faster than previously, that is, for training. I will be happy just to find my way on a new route and to drop some more weight. I have not seen a GPS for a bicycle that does those well. Maybe I am wrong.

I use the Garmin 60CSx when I am touring, riding an unfamiliar route or doing a double century. You can download the route from your computer to the unit and it will give you turn by turn directions - very handy when you're riding after dark. I have a handlebar mount for mine.

Veronica

[blueskytheory]

I love riding with my gps! I have a garmin vista cx, with the western states maps loaded on. I admit it was a bit pricey, but its been such an awesome tool. I have the bike mount for it. Its certainly great for tours (took it down the oregon coast this year), but also good for long day rides. It tracks all the info I want, like mph, avg speed, total elevation gain... and its nice to find new streets home even on semi-familiar routes. I can get about 20 hours on two aa batteries too, if i dont use the backlight. Highly recommended!

[msincredible]

I will be happy just to find my way on a new route and to drop some more weight. I have not seen a GPS for a bicycle that does those well. Maybe I am wrong.

Getting lost on your routes is a good way to drop extra weight. All those extra miles, you know. :p