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Old 05-29-13 | 07:14 AM
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njkayaker
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From: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Originally Posted by rgpg_99
I've been looking at GPS-based navigation devices for a while. What I want is a GPS-based device where I can load detailed maps that would have all highways, roads, and streets in a given area (e.g., south eastern US). I don't want a bike computer with speed, cadence, distance, etc., because I already have that. I only want the navigation/orientation capability (currently I'm using my iPhone and Google maps).

What I'm finding is a number of bike computers that also have GPS navigation, for instance, the Garmin Edge 800 and the new 810. But, like I said, that device has much more than I need (speed, cadence, HRM, training routines, etc.).

I found other devices like the Garmin Nuvi, which seems to have a good size touchscreen, or the (seemingly) bulkier Garmin Dakota. There are also a couple of devices under the generic name of Waterproof GPS (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-S...676536382.html) and Bike Kit Car GPS Navigator (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Tou...vip=true&rt=nc).

Any recommendations for a GPS navigation device that has a large screen (at least 4"), has the option of adding detailed maps (providing the equivalent of Google Maps), can be mounted on a bike, and does not include unnecessary (for me) functions such as speed, distance, cadence, HRM, training, intervals, etc?

Thanks in advance.
Why not just use your phone? You can get an external battery pack that would extend how long it would last. There are lots of apps that let you download maps.

Some one I ride with uses a motorcycle GPS that uses AA batteries (he swaps the batteries in the middle of the ride).

Note that routing might be an issue: the car-focused units might not provide routes that you'd want to bicycle on.

The random Chinese units certainly are cheap but you won't get much information about how well they work (you won't be able to get any service if you have problems with one) and you have no idea how long the battery lasts.

I suspect that many of the car/motorcycle units really don't have enough battery capacity to last for a long bicycle ride (you'd have to either be able to swap batteries or use an external pack). Given that, I don't think that would work better on a bike than a phone would.

Last edited by njkayaker; 05-29-13 at 07:26 AM.
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