Originally Posted by
Steve B.
It seems like you want a GPS that is only going to indicate current position, so as to verify on the paper maps, where you think you are, determine distance to a stopping point, etc...
As opposed to using a dedicated GPS that has routing capabilities. Garmin and Wahoo (as well as others) will do routing, but that begs the question as to how to develop routes a 1-1/2 year or so in the future, that allows flexibility. I don't see you generating in advance the ENTIRE route for 24 months, much less downloading that to a device.
Both a Wahoo (RideWithGPS) as well as Garmin (Connect) can generate routes and the easiest way to do this is on a computer by accessing the websites. This could easily be done on a tablet that also has web access. That would then allow a smartphone or tablet that has web access, to dump the route to the device via BlueTooth.
Just some thoughts.
Thanks for replying.
Don't worry, I'm not going to attempt to try to plan out my route months in advance! :-) That would not be my idea of touring :-) I much prefer to wander, hence the desire for a digital aid.
I see myself using this in 2 ways;
1. In case of emergency. Be able to plot a route to the nearest town/station/airport etc. For this I would need routing capabilities.
2. There are already a lot of gps tracks out there. Depending on where I am I'd like to be able to add them to my device simply as a back up to paper maps. Therefore, I see myself "borrowing" others gps tracks rather than creating them myself on a phone/tablet. I won't be heading off with 24 months worth of maps, either, and I may not be able to always have the quality of map that I want. In those cases, I'll hopefully have the gps tracks to assist.
The Garmins I looked at can do 1, but can only download to the device via usb from a P.C. (They can upload data via bluetooth). Plus my experience with the Touring has left me with strong doubts as to reliability.
The Wahoo doesn't need to connect to a PC at all - it's all done through an app. From what I've read it will do what I want it to do, both 1 and 2.
Thanks for the input.
Frank