dkong84

I am currently considering on getting a bike computer. Have not decided on which one yet but I was wondering how often do they release new models? Not sure if I should wait on the newer models or for possible sales on older models. Also any tips on looking for deals on bike computers? Thank you for any help you can provide!

Steve B.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...ts_and_Fitness

Iride01 

Buy what you can afford to lose. So if that is a refurbished model, then you can maybe find a really great deal at some sites every once in a while. However being sporting devices, they tend to not have a truly great deal very often. gpscity and Factoryoutletstore are two that I've found some deals on refurbs occasionally.

Otherwise I tend to buy straight from Garmin's site. And though the latest and greatest does come with flaky software sometimes, it's usually quickly fixed. And I really feel that many of the problems were the interface between the bike saddle and the device. It sometimes just takes a while to understand the way Garmin's work and especially when it comes to new features it seems that it's too easy to misunderstand what it really does and how it works.

njkayaker

There isn't much of a reason to buy them from Garmin directly.

Bicycletiresdirect.com has discounts on Garmin devices fairly regularly (check holidays). They even had the 1030+ on sale now/recently.

njkayaker

Both things can be (and are) true.

zacster

I bought my Elemnt Bolt 3 years ago and they have not yet replaced it. They have added to the line though. I've been perfectly happy with it.

For all the latest on gadgets go to DCRainmaker.com. He reviews everything.

Ilbiker

Garmin is generally a two year cycle. The 530 and 830 came out in 2019. I’ve been in the Garmin camp for many years - FR620, FR920, Fenix 5X and now Edge 530. I would definitely check out DCRs site, very detailed, no BS, real world reviews. Generally, any new Garmin device will have quite a teething period. I’m ok with that as I’ve never bought anything as soon as it came out. A year later and I’m good to go. By that time there’s usually been enough updates to iron out the nastiest bugs, plus reviews on these updates.

At some point you just have to take the plunge and buy knowing that there will always be a new device introduced. Notice I said new, and not necessarily better. Decide, buy and start enjoying. 🙂

dkong84

Thank you

I'll check them out. Thanks

Thanks I will take a look at them

Thanks the reviews will be helpful. Still trying to decide what will work for me

Yeah you're right. Got a little lost today using Ride with GPS on the phone when I got to a spotty area definitely makes me want to get a bike computer soon.

Steve B.

If you have time to wait, I’d bet that Garmin and the vendors will reduce the price of the basic 1030 at some point, maybe this fall or before the holidays. Currently the older 1030 is priced the same as the 1030 Plus, which is baffling. Why buy the lesser equipped unit when you can get the newer for the same price ?, thus I think Garmin will start blowing out the 1030. It had been reduced to $399 a few months ago, down from $599 ( a quick web search shows some sales at $530). It’s worth it at $399, especially as they’ve stated the 1030 will be getting an OS upgrade this fall that gives it essentially the same updates to navigation currently on the Plus.

I’d recommend a more basic (and les expensive) unit except as you state you are using your phone with RWGPS to navigate. Having a large map display is really useful for this, is why I returned my Bolt and went to a 1030. A good alternative is the Garmin Explore, which has a much simplified OS and is oriented towards navigation and not the performance metrics like training, workouts, etc..,.it’s only $250.