I have enough points to get this gps from my rewards site at work. Should I just get this free one or spend some money on a different one?

Depends on what you're looking for it to do. It's a solid little unit, durable and easy to use. Doesn't do auto-routing, and the basemaps are pretty much worthless, but add MapSource City Select or Topo depending on what you're riding they're respectable. Is it the Vista (plain) or the Hcx?

But if what you're looking for is ride stats/elapsed time/speed/averages etc. it's solid. Not earthshattering mind you, but solid.

-Roger

Just the plain one. Just Vista. Is the auto-routing necessary for trails? I guess I just need it to make sure I'm on the right path, and not end up taking a DH route that I know I can't handle.

Just the plain one. Just Vista. Is the auto-routing necessary for trails? I guess I just need it to make sure I'm on the right path, and not end up taking a DH route that I know I can't handle.

I have a Legend, which I think is one step down from the Vista, and the built-in map on it wouldn't help it all for what you want -- it just shows roads (only fairly major streets in town). I haven't used Garmin's topographical maps myself, but it sounds like you'd have to spend some money on them to be able to use the GPS the way you have in mind.

I have a Legend, which I think is one step down from the Vista, and the built-in map on it wouldn't help it all for what you want -- it just shows roads (only fairly major streets in town). I haven't used Garmin's topographical maps myself, but it sounds like you'd have to spend some money on them to be able to use the GPS the way you have in mind.

Correct on the buying additional maps. Problem with Garmin's Topo product is they're 1:100,000 quads which means they really lack for detail. Delorme topo for example is 1:24,000 - night and day.

Topo is like $89 also. But it's an issue with just about any handheld - none really come with detailed maps unless it's a bundle pack deal.

-R

So I guess you're saying this unit doesn't provide real-time location on the trails?

So I guess you're saying this unit doesn't provide real-time location on the trails?

It provides real time location. Heck, it'll give you LAT/LON coordinates within about 15 feet of accuracy on the globe. What we're saying is that you probably won't be able to view it on screen against a map without additional map software loaded - which isn't included with it (or most units actually)

What it will do however is if you have a GPS and cell phone signal, and fall off a cliff and can't move, you sure can give rescuers accurate coordinates as to where you are. Most all SAR teams these days carry GPSr's. It'll tell you how far you've traveled, and your current and average speeds. It'll track your every move and allow you to upload to a computer to view. You can go geocaching. Lots of things you can do with it out of the box. It's just that in this day and age it's a basic unit, not a lot of bells and whistles. It was however *the* GPSr to own 5 years ago - none better at that time.

-Roger

Thanks for the info. Considering that it's free, I guess it's good enough. What would you recommend that's low cost right now?

My son runs a Vista on his MTB, but it was free as it was my old one :-) I run a Garmin 60Csx on my MTB. I'm going to let them sort the bugs out of the new Colorado and the 60 will get upgraded. Heck, if it's free? go for it unless there's something compelling that's not a GPS that you can get with your rewards.

I will say that I find the mapping functions on either to be worthless, other than being able to judge how far we are from something, and that's with optional maps installed. What they are good for however is mapping trails. Thing is, obviously, that you have to run the trail at least once with track logging turned on in order to develop maps. Catch 22.

Take a look at GPSCity to see what's out there and if you have an idea of what functions you need. http://www.gpscity.com. Good place to buy from also. I'm not an employee, just a happy customer :-) Garmin 76/60Csx/Colorado will be the high end. Vista's pretty much the bottom of the heap. The Rhino's are cool, combine FRS/GMRS radio and GPS in one package. Good if you're running groups. It's all about what you do and what you want to do - questions you can best answer unfortunately

Hope that helps some!
Roger

Are these mapped trails available from other trail users? I remember seeing a site that had downloadable maps of my local trails.

I have enough points to get this gps from my rewards site at work. Should I just get this free one or spend some money on a different one?

That would depend on which version of the eTrex. I was given an eTrex 3 years ago and the antennas were as weak as I subsequently read about, much to my dismay (it was a gift to me). I did see that new models have a better antenna system, but I cannot confirm.

That would depend on which version of the eTrex. I was given an eTrex 3 years ago and the antennas were as weak as I subsequently read about, much to my dismay (it was a gift to me). I did see that new models have a better antenna system, but I cannot confirm.

I'm not sure if it's the antenna system per se. The newer models have the high-sensitivity GPS chip (the models with the 'H' designation).

I have the original bottom-of-the-barrel eTrex, and it performed poorly in canyons where there wasn't a lot of sky showing. My Edge 305 (which has the high-sensitivity receiver) works much better. I don't think it's worth it to use the older models without the high-sensitivity receiver. They are more annoying than useful if you don't have wide open skies.

This isn't your question but keep in mind you have to mount it on your bike so maybe consider a Ram mount. You can get them cheap at Amazon and the sponsors here don't seem to carry them. There are different styles.