Ltactics

I want a gps to take different routes on my bike. Are there any computers that feature detailed traveling (maps, moment by moment street location ect)as well as performance and workout tracking?(Workout data means less to me if i can get a good computer that focuses on navigation because i have another computer for workout purposes. What are some good ones expensive or inexpensive? thanks

Pain

Garmin 800 or 810 is what you want. Should be some good deals on the 800 since the 810 just came out.

cafzali

Or if you want an even better deal, hit eBay and look for deals on the 705. It's a fine computer that will do everything you want. The 800 added a touchscreen and some other bells and whistles, but I have a 705 and it works great for what I need.

Ltactics

Are there any cheaper than 300? Maybe older versions from 0 -150?

Dahon.Steve

I did many miles with the old Garmin E Trek Legend black an white version. I did buy the software, creating my routes on the computer then uploading them to my Legend. I would do complex 80-100 mile routes with that GPS and they are now part of my library. These old GPS units are selling for less than $50.00 dollars on Ebay. I lost mine but now I use the E-Trex Legend CX with better battery life. Those are running for about $100.00.

You really need the software to create routes and learn how to create good ones. With a GPS, routes don't have to be all highway. You can now create complex routes through subdivisions and small county roads. Remember when creating routes, to place your marker AFTER each turn. All roads that have straight lines should be looked at street level with Google to see if it's a high speed expressway. Learn to break a route so the GPS doesn't force you to back track in case you decide to deviate from the original route.

Have fun!

Ltactics

Are there any gps for cheap in color with detailed maps? Im looking at the 705 but it is still going for 2-300. Thanks.

jerseyJim

I use a DeLorme PN30. My girlfriend has a Garmin 800. The Delorme has a MUCH better screen. It is color and the resolution and readability are FAR superior to the Garmin, especially when trying to read the map while riding. We often have to stop to figure out where we are on the map when using her Garmin

It's cheaper and it comes with kickazz software for creating routes and downloading them into the unit. One great feature of the the software is that it is topographical. You can graph the elevation characteristics of the entire ride accurately and compare the amount of climbing you need to do from one route variation to the next. It also works well for hiking. It will display your current position and track traveled from the trailhead so you can backtrack if you get disoriented.

It doesn't have all the bike computer functions of the Garmin. You can display current speed while you are running turn by turn on the map but that's about it. Also it had a pretty big learning curve and not so great documentation. I almost threw it out the window a few times before I figured out what it did well and how to use it effectively. Also it uses AA battteries. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on whether it is more convenient to recharge or just pop in new batteries. It runs through disposables in about eight hours and NiCads in about six.

Athens80

Do you have a current source and price for these?

jerseyJim

No

Ltactics

Thanks, i think thats the one i will go for. What mount do you use for your bike? Will i need to purchase maps, or do they come with them, or do they have a website to download them? Thanks

jerseyJim

Delorme sells a handlebar mount that works great and is easy to install. My unit came with topographical maps for the US or maybe even for all North America I am not sure. It was a gift so I don't know if they were extra or not but it came all in the same box. I know Delorme tries to sell you all kinds of extra map stuff but I never bought a dime of extra maps or anything and I have used it all up and down the eastern seaboard of the USA with no problem. I did have to load the maps of my surrounding area into the unit from a CD ROM and if I went to Virginia say or Florida I have loaded those maps in and deleted something temporarily and then loaded the local maps back in when I needed them. I think you can buy more memory too but I never bothered.

Good luck and remember patience is key it is frustrating to learn to use but once you know how to use it it is an invaluable navigation aid.

01 CAt Man Do

I'll just add my voice to the Garmin 705 recommendation. I haven't own mine too long to say to much about it but so far it seems to do everything I wanted it to do. I picked mine up on ebay and got lucky...<$200. JerseyJim mentioned that the map on the 705 was hard to read while riding. I should add that you can Zoom in and out with the map to view a larger/smaller area but the screens are small ( 35mm x 40mm ) but that pretty much goes with the territory of handlebar mounted bike stuff.

The big selling points of the Garmin 705 is it's ability to give you audible and visual prompts when you approach your planned turns ( for downloaded routes ). That and the fact that it also is supposed to run for 13hrs on one charge ( although I haven't tested that yet. ) The only down side I'm seeing so far is that there is a learning curve to learning all the functions. I can't wait for the weather to get warmer so I can really get used to playing with this new toy. So far I have only had the chance to test it once ( locally ) and the 705 warned me well before my turns as well as "at" the actual turn. So far I like what I'm seeing. Having a good GPS unit is really going to add a large degree of comfort when riding long rides in unknown territory.

bwilli88 

Got a smart phone, I have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, pure android, I use the Strava app and google tracks app.

hamster

Also take a look at eTrex 30. Color screen, supports maps (official Garmin maps cost $$$ but you can download OpenStreetMap files for free), works with the standard Garmin heart rate monitor and the cadence sensor. New units go for about $250 these days. Display quality isn't great compared to a smartphone, but it's tolerable. I rode with eTrex for a year and only recently had to switch to Edge because eTrex did not work with a power meter.

Ltactics

How do the pn 20 and 40 compare? Im finding it hard to find a 30. Thanks

Athens80

Yup, the top returns on Google, even ebay, give a "this model is discontinued / not available" notice.

Ltactics

Are the 20 and 40 good too?

jerseyJim

I would imagine that they have more and less features than the 30. I would check the Delorme website and pick the one that has the best set of features for you.

TromboneAl

I got my Garmin Edge 205 for $100 (used).

It does not have maps, but you should think about whether you need them. For me, I almost always ride on known routes -- I never need help finding my way. But different routes are limited here, so it may be different for you.

I have all the benefits of courses, ride uploads, training goals, etc, for a lower price.

Chris516

GPS is great for tracking your ride. But, I would like bike GPS to be able to locate me, were I on a road for the first time, and had a serious accident. Because, I have wanted to do some long distance rides north of where I live, that are on some country roads, or at least outside of region I live in. I don't mean something like doing a century all within a ten square block area. I mean on some roads that I have never been on. Where if I got in trouble, I could feel safe that I could be located.

I have done rides south of where I live(county, DC, VA). But that is still 'regional'.

I need to be able to have GPS mapping. But in my search on Ebay, all the Garmin Edge 705 bundles listed, were from the UK. I don't want to buy from someone outside the U.S.

Wil Davis

I use a Garmin Quest which I bought 7 years ago. I've found it to be perfect for my use, has all the bells & whistles I use, and can download/upload routes and tracks for further analysis. I'm sure they're obtainable on eBay for a song. Here's a pic of mine:



Good luck!

HTH -
- Wil

01 CAt Man Do

Chris, Most GPS units will allow you to look at a map. The display will show you where you are. You then call someone with your cell phone and tell them you are E-W-S-North of the intersection of such and such roads. Some GPS units will have a window that tells you your position by longitude and latitude. With some smart phones the 911 operator can tell where you are by the GPS on your phone. Not to mention if you have a smart phone you can have any number of free GPS/maps apps that will enable you to tell others where you are.

About your search for a Garmin; don't click on the links with U.K. in the address. There is an Ebay USA and a U.K ebay. Go to Amazon and look around. They have some used ones listed there.

Chris516

I have the Garmin Edge 200. It will not do mapping like a car GPS. The 510, 705(discontinued, but still available online), 800, and 810, will do mapping. The 200 will only do tracking, which is useless. If the 200 has a longtitude/latitude feature, I have not found it yet. I don't have a smartphone, nor do I want one.

As for my search, I went on Ebay's U.S. website. All the 705s' that were either, the bundle, or just the 705 themselve, it said they were coming from the U.K.

cplager

This is not true; most bike GPS units do NOT have a map with streets. Some high end ones let you buy and load maps (or you can use open source maps) but if you have an Garmin Edge numbered less than 600, then you will not be able to load maps.

Roosterbird

https://www.gpscity.com/garmin-dakota-20.html
I have a Garmin Dakota 20. It does all those things your asking about, mapping, tracking, uploads/downloads and is color too. Costs about $215 new. Google it for more details and price. One thing it doesn't do is count cadence unless you buy a separate sensor. Uses Garmin connect,garmin fit and base camp too. Also is ANT capable (wireless capable)