Originally Posted by
Steve B.
Give a look at the Efge Explore 2. It's designed for touring, does not get loaded down with all the performance stuff, workouts, intervals, etc.... perfect for creating a route, loading and following. As well, having navigation on a device designed for it, with a map that's actually readable is a big improvement over a watch. I know, I have an Instinct 2 Solar and would never try any cycle routing on it. It's on sale a few places, runs around $250 -
Garmin Edge Explore 2 GPS Cycling Computer | ProBikeKit.com
Honestly I am still a paper map and fire up the phone once in a while to check where I am if unsure kind of guy. I am thinking of the watch navigation as a supplement to the paper map. Just a beep to say, "hey there is a turn here". In some places where I can rely of frequent charging I might leave the phone on and in airplane mode. Otherwise I might have it turned off unless I need to use it. Depending on how I am using it I can charge frequently or go a week or even maybe two on a charge (I have never needed to go two on a charge on a tour) and still text home daily and check my location once in a while.
I actually would be pretty happy with just using my phone if I was willing to deal with the battery issues. I am not sure about current models, but think I recall something like 12 hours battery for the Edge. I wasn't thtilled about living with that.