volosong

Went on a cross-country ride back in 1995. Can't remember what I used then, but I did have something to record my speed and distance.

I'm in the planning stages for another unsupported cross-country cycling trip after I retire next summer. I'd like to utilize a GPS cycling computer, similar to my Garmin Edge 800, however I will not be hoteling it every night, so I will not be able to recharge the Edge on a frequent basis. The battery life of the Edge means that I would need to recharge it pretty much every day. Does there exist a cycling specific GPS computer that will take replaceable batteries? I suppose I could use one of my hand-held GPS receivers, but would like to be able to take advantage of the mapping/routing function of the Edge 800.

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

Seattle Forrest

None that I'm aware of. Would you really want to buy disposable batteries every day on a bike tour though?

I have an Edge 800, for my use the battery has always been plenty. I also have a Garmin Fenix 3 GPS watch, and use it backpacking, which is sort of like the on foot version of bike touring, and only through the wilderness. So I've run into the same problem as far as battery power goes. I bring a smallish battery pack to charge my GPS, normally I'll top it off (back to 100%) when I set up camp.

This one costs $10, weighs 2.7 oz, and will charge my watch 7 or 8 times. I don't know what the capacity of the Edge's battery is so I can't say how many times it will charge that. This one is heavier and holds far and away more power. Assuming you run across a power outlet once a week, you should be able to find something to work for you.

danmyersmn

I believe the Garmin Oregon 600 is going to be a good option for you. You will need to buy Garmin City Navigator North America maps for it to get turn-by-turn.

Have you thought about a Dynamo hub? I can run my lights and charge my phone while my phone is navigating and streaming music from my hub.

rjdennis

several garmin hand helds would work, think the etrex 30 might be a good choice, has a bike mount and connects to sensors...r

noglider 

I have to recharge my Garmin Edge every two or three days. If I wanted to use it where I was away from electrical outlets for more than a couple of days, I would carry an external battery. I have one rated at 20,000 mAh, which is surely exaggerated, but it works well for charging my iphone several times. It weighs a pound and cost about $40. You can get lighter ones with smaller capacities, too.

rifraf

This thread from the MTBR forum might interest you Volosong:
Edge 1000 MTB users?- Mtbr.com

dr_lha

I don't think you're going to find a GPS that runs on AA batteries, however, alternatives ways to charge your GPS might include a dynamo hub, or maybe even a solar panel, like the ones featured on this page:

Bicycle Touring - Shop Gear

rifraf

Garmin do a few gps's that run on AA's.
The first that springs to mind as most tempting is the Etrex 35t, which is a new model.
I think all the Etrex models take AA's and wouldn't be surprised if its the Edge models with their rechargeable that are the odd ones out.

dr_lha

Fair enough.

njkayaker

1000 mAh.

njkayaker

You should be able to use other maps (that are free). There are many sources of maps based on openstreetmap data for the Edges. The 600 should use the same "img" map format.

Free worldwide Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap

Seattle Forrest

But part of the question was:

The 800 prefers non-highway roads and sits pretty nicely on the stem or bars, it's easy to see but out of the way. I'd rather use one versus a bulky hiking GPS given the choice.

rifraf

I own a 800 unit as well.
I've not seen an Etrex in the flesh but know the 35t comes with heart belt and cadence/speedo sensors and handlebar mount.

It might interest you to read a quote from MTBR forum (I linked to it above) Big Larry:

"There's nothing I miss in the eTrex Touch 35t versus the Edge 1000 for my mountain biking. The eTrex can handle different bike profiles with different screen setups and different parameter settings (like types of maps for instance). The eTrex can handle fitness monitors such as Heart Rate, Cadence, and Bike Speedometer on the wheel (for improved accuracy). I also like that the eTrex has a (soft) start/stop/save button so I can start and record different rides on different days into separate tracks, just like on the Edge.

However, the Edge 1000 does have some road bike and bike training features not available on the eTrex. For instance, it has a lap button so you can count laps. It has the ability to virtually race yourself or others from their tracks. It can also handle the "Vector" power monitors that are built into the pedals (not SPD compatible) and costs up to $1500. (Many sites such as Strava can give you a good estimate of your power from weight, speed, climb, etc... I also calibrate relative to HR at a gym.) The Edge 1000 can also accept the Varia variable distance headlight and tail lights, including rear view radar warnings. The Edge 1000 can also interface with the Di2 electronic shifting if it has wireless, to show and record the gear that you're in. I have Di2 electronic shifting, but Shimano hasn't come out with a wireless transmitter yet for the XTR mountain biking version. I suspect when it does, the Edge will be able to record that.

Both the eTrex 35t and Edge 1000 can display phone text and email messages. But the Edge has WiFi for automatic syncing to the web of your rides without wires. I find this almost useless, however, as I already need to plug the Edge into the computer for an hour after each ride to charge, and it syncs then. So I've never turned on the WiFi, which just sucks the limited battery life, which ironically means you need to plug in more often by using WiFi.

On the other hand, the eTrex Touch 35t has good Geocaching capability, and versatility for hiking, hunting and other off road sports, not available on the Edge 1000. The relative value of these features depends on what you're into. I'm more in the outdoor than road biking."


A preview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQExI5n86Lc

Seattle Forrest

I have Vector pedals on my bike. They would get in the way on a MTB but they're the best upgrade my road bike has ever seen.

Looigi

I think others have mentioned bringing a battery pack. This one would probably recharge a Garmin 10 times or so and weighs ~11 oz:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-16000mAh...=anker+battery

volosong

Thank you all for your input. I have an Oregon, (one of the first versions available), and an eTrex 30. (In fact, I have about eight handheld GPS receivers because I used to teach "Map Interpretation and GPS" at my local community college.) I'll do some 'testing' with my 30, and if it does what I want, then I'll take a very close at the 35. Carrying a bag full of rechargable Enloops will take care of 'trashing the environment' issue.

Openstreetmaps is a very good resource. I have their data on most of my receivers, even the Edge 800. Openstreetmaps have 'saved my butt' more than once when wandering throughout Italy. Failing the above, then I'll go with the power packs that you guys recommended. In any case, there are options, and I thank you for making me aware of them.

hockey

Garmin etrex 20/30 run on two AA batteries. 20 hours on a set.

rifraf

Theres also the dynohub option which is how I keep my Edge 800 and iPhone charged whilst on tour.
Theres little worse than having to hang around a caravan park bathroom charging your electrical items.
Many of them here abouts close the kitchen/common room early evening so the bathroom and occasionally the laundry is your only option for power. You can't leave or your charging items will be pinched but its hardly where you want to hang out for a few hours.
My dyno system feels like chump change compared to the above inconvenience. It also charges my Petzl Tikka 2XP head torch.
Sony cameras like the RX100 and A6000 can also be charged via its usb format charging.

unterhausen

I use rechargeable battery packs with my 800. The guys that do the tour divide race use a particular kind of external battery which seems to be the most similar activity. I think the 800 has an 1100mAh internal battery which lasts 8-11 hours, so one of the 2600mAh batteries should keep it going for quite a while. I think that riding 40 hours really only takes one of them if you don't display maps, use low backlight and the 800 is fully charged at the start.

Didn't the 305 use AA's? People seem to like them, but I'm not convinced myself. I know I have rando'd with people who use replaceable batteries, we had to find some AA's for one guy.

I have a AA powered usb charger which works pretty well, from what I've heard. I have never used it, but I know it works. Trying to remember the name. It'll come to me. About $20. ETA: its a gomadic https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o04_s00