Newb to GPS

[sentral dogma]

I've tried to read a few GPS related posts and my head seems to be spinning with all the different manufacturers, different models, different software and compatibility, and different map creating/editing sites.

I have a simple need. I want to see a well detailed map with my position as a dot on it. That's pretty much it. I don't need/want speed, altimeter, HR, mileage, calories, power, random little stats.. etc. I don't even need route planning. I don't need it to command me to turn. I need good battery life and ease of use. Basically I want Google maps in my hand(or on my handlebar). I want to be able to zoom in and out easily, and to scroll the map easily.

Sooo.. do we have a commercial device like that available now? Are there units out there that will be a good compromise? Or is my best solution still to plan out my rides and carry paper maps with me?

Thanks.

[Phantoj]

How long is "good" battery life to you?

[sentral dogma]

actually battery life will probably won't be that important to me. I've been researching the Garmin 60Cx/CSx. I'll probably settle for any unit that runs on AA's.

[Photosmith]

If you're OK with a smaller screen, the Garmin Vista HCx does almost everything the 60 and 76 do, but for less money. The drawback is just the screen size really, but you do get a longer battery life as a result, like 25 hours versus 18 hours on a pair of freshly charged Sanyo or Powerex 2700mAh cells.

[ranaes]

The smaller Garmins for hikers is an interesting idea. I used a Garmin Quest (bought for car and bike) for a Tuscon guided tour (around 150 miles.) I liked it, but the lack of battery life, with rechargables was frustrating. I like the idea of swapping out AA's instead.

[Phantoj]

How about using a car GPS like a Nuvi or some such? Nuvi 250 has a 4 or 5 hour battery life. You could use one of those external USB battery packs to extend the life or run on AA's. The touchscreen car GPS units are fairly cheap, are super-simple to use, and all come preloaded with maps. You would have to rig up a mount for your bars, but that's probably not a big deal.

Sometimes you can find no-name mini GPS'es for only $100-$150... Here's a refurb Tom Tom for $100 after rebate: http://www.buy.com/prod/tomtom-one-3rd-edition-portable-gps-system-w-preloaded-maps-of-us/q/loc/111/207668047.html

would leave you some $$$ for a battery pack.


On second look, the battery life for the TomTom is pretty dismal (2 hrs)...

[luv2climb]

60CSx does not work to well on hadle bars, I tried one for a week or so and it continually popped out of the mount. It is a great unit as I have one for backpacking and hiking just not best suited for bike use on the bars.

[Photosmith]

60CSx does not work to well on hadle bars, I tried one for a week or so and it continually popped out of the mount. It is a great unit as I have one for backpacking and hiking just not best suited for bike use on the bars.

Well that stinks! They must use a different mount than the 76-series, which I use on my bike. The 76 mounting is very secure.

[sentral dogma]

what do you guys think of the Colorado series, besides them being way more expensive? They 'seem' less rugged then the 60's as well.

[Photosmith]

Reasons I wouldn't get the Colorado:

Buggy - Garmin is still trying to sort out the firmware issues
Long bootup time - 45 seconds average just to finish booting up the OS
Short battery life - Some folks seeing as little as 5 hours from 2500mAh NIMH's, usually no more than 7 hours
Less water resistance - An embarassed REI salesman reported on one of the forums it was the first Garmin to ever fail after submersion in their water tank at the store.
Cost - it costs a lot more than a 76CSx

Other than all the negatives, its a great unit. :) Maybe Garmin will address all the issues some day, but it's been some 6 months now with not a whole lot improved from what I've read.

[sentral dogma]

How about the Magellan Triton series?

Assumptions I made from some googling about Magellan:
- bad customer service
- better software intuitive-nicity
- better routing directions. from personal word of mouth. Also, I am taking back my statement in my first post about not needing routing.

Assumptions of Triton series
- buggy + bad customer service = not goodness?

[CCrew]

60CSx does not work to well on hadle bars, I tried one for a week or so and it continually popped out of the mount. It is a great unit as I have one for backpacking and hiking just not best suited for bike use on the bars.

I've had my 60Csx in a Ram mount on my handlebars for ages - it's *never* come loose. That's on a MTB that sees lots of singletrack. Heck, dropped the bike into the car and hit the car with the stub antenna on the 60 and even then the car dented and the 60 stayed put.

Nuvi' not good on a bike as it's not waterproof/resistant. Zumo would be a better choice there.

Magellan is unsupported pretty much for a lot of other slick things that GPS's can do, and their maps aren't the best.

-R

[Dahon.Steve]

I have a simple need. I want to see a well detailed map with my position as a dot on it. That's pretty much it.

I think you'll get bored after a while because that's very limiting. It's like only using your bike to go to the grocery store and back and nothing more.

First of all, the handheld GPSs tend to have very small screnes which make it difficult to see where you are. It's possible but just not enjoyable. Also, if you aren't following a home made route saved in your GPS, you'll end up going on wrong roads, choosing ones that are maybe too fast.

Learn to create your own routes with the sofware. Upload them. Explore.

[gps_dr]

I've used Ram mounts for several years, with good results.
I did have the clip that goes around the bar break on one mount - (replaced free)
I switched to the RAP274 mount and haven't had any problems with those.
The cradles hold them very securely - designed for each unit.

[SWO]

I've had my 60Csx in a Ram mount on my handlebars for ages - it's *never* come loose. That's on a MTB that sees lots of singletrack. Heck, dropped the bike into the car and hit the car with the stub antenna on the 60 and even then the car dented and the 60 stayed put.

Nuvi' not good on a bike as it's not waterproof/resistant. Zumo would be a better choice there.

Magellan is unsupported pretty much for a lot of other slick things that GPS's can do, and their maps aren't the best.

-R

I also have my 60Csx in a Ram mount and it is very secure. Just to be safe, I cut a length of Velcro strap to wrap around the 60Csx and the Ram mount. I can still see the entire screen and it is locked in tight.

[donrhummy]

This might be what you want: http://www.hammacher.com/publish/73523.asp

[norsehabanero]

i have the garmin vista cx it works great i have a handlebar mount,(stem mount, I made it) it works fine