kayakdiver

My phone has a fully functional GPS without regard to cell service. So if it doesn't work my Garmin Edge wouldn't either. But I can understand why this would be a problem if your phone uses towers to pin point your location.

sstorkel

My iPhone also has a fully functional GPS receiver. What it doesn't have is an on-board map database. It's more than happy to tell me my exact latitude and longitude at any time, but without the ability to plot that position on a map it's useless...

brianogilvie 

If what you want is mapping, the eTrex series would be worth considering. They're slightly heavier than the 800, which weighs 3.5 oz (98 g), and they're bulkier, but the difference is minimal.

The Edge 800 is a cycle computer and training aid: it gives you a whole series of metrics (speed, average speed, lap speed, lap distance, total distance, total distance climbed, grade, and many, many more), it has a lap button for easily recording laps, it can be programmed with different workouts, and it also has the basic mapping and navigation functions. It's best to think of it as an Edge 500 plus mapping. Some of the other Garmin devices can be used with a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor, and have some of the same metrics (the Oregon series, for instance), so the line between cycle computer and GPS mapping unit is blurry, but there's still a difference in emphasis.

dbg

I am also considering the 800. The problem I have is not knowing the real pros and cons --the kind of knowledge you only get from using one for a week+ on a long trip. I wish I could find a store that would let me keep one for a month of experimentation. Also I'm not a fan of rechargeable batteries. I like my current GPSMap60Cx with my only complaint being non-support of trails in the city navigator map package. Maybe the 800 has the same issue. Otherwise the routing and useability features have been fantastic on the GPSMap60. The AA batteries last 15 hours and I carry spares. I hate discovering I've failed to recharge sufficiently and now the GPS is dead. Maybe a solar charger..?

Every summer on an annual WI trip I take gps files generated from a Delorme package (from the person who plans the new route each year) and read them into my Garmin maps and upload them into my GPSMap60. Works well, but I'm curious if the 800 may give me cool new features without have serious other negatives.

SFGary

Hi brianogilvie, thanks. That's good to know. Before I lay out the $$ I am going to experiment with buying an external battery, a bike clip and my car GPS, the Garmin 2595. If that can be used because I'll only be on U.S. roads then I am all set. If not, I''ll check out the Oregon and the eTrex variations.

brianogilvie 

The Edge 800 works well with USB batteries. I have a couple of 1150 mAh Duracell batteries I carry with me in case my Edge starts to tank. The connection isn't waterproof but it should be OK in light rain; the whole setup could go in a baggie if the rain is really bad.

The map issue has nothing to do with the Edge, and everything to do with Garmin's maps. I am a big fan of using OpenStreetMap-based maps for my Garmin products. There's a bit of a learning curve, but it's not too bad. Today's ride was about 30 miles from Versailles west to Thoiry, then back to the train station in Neauphle. I planned it on RideWithGPS.com, using OpenStreetMap cycle mapping, then exported the TCX file to my Garmin. I set up the course to give turn indications, using the OSM France map I had downloaded to the Edge's SD card. It worked perfectly. No Garmin mapping product was involved.

Barrettscv 

I ordered a Edge 800 today. I'll report on it in a few weeks.

rifraf

Initially I thought my Edge 800 was a waste of handlebar space with regards touring. Here in Australia many towns are days apart so there were no charging options. Now I have an E-werk with cache battery (with my Sondelux) so my Garmin is always charged/charging and its finally useful. I was so sick of sitting in caravan park laundries or bathrooms for hours trying to get everything charged up it was seriously detracting from my enjoyment of touring. Now I'm a very happy camper!

Carbonfiberboy 

I've used the 800 for touring and love it. I pre-load the route with TCX files. I use OSM maps designed for cycling. It's best feature, when used with a route, is that it tells you immediately when you're off route. I hate having to stop and look at a map to figure which way to go, and also hate backtracking. The 800 is a good solution. Not perfect, but as good as it gets right now. Works in any country, any time, no cell tower access. It just works. I use a battery pack of 4 rechargeable AA cells to extend life, and carry an extra 4 cells. Battery life thus is not a problem unless one is really remote, doing MTB touring in Africa, for instance. In which case, one can use a hub and a USB charger device. But not necessary for ordinary touring. I don't carry paper maps any more. I used to, but never used them.

robow

Well if you didn't like the 800, the new Garmin 900 with its improvements is supposed to be out shortly

https://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/a...in-2013-35888/

Carbonfiberboy 

+1 That's the way to do it.