Gps units
03-14-19, 11:11 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Gps units
I have been looking at gps units to get navigation on my bikes, and had a couple questions:
1) will it work with all 3 bikes?
2) can I get mileage totals (yearly data) for all 3 bikes?
3) Is there a less expensive way to get navigation? Looks like around $250 for a computer, and another $210 for 3 sets of speed and cadence sensors, plus mounts.
Dave
1) will it work with all 3 bikes?
2) can I get mileage totals (yearly data) for all 3 bikes?
3) Is there a less expensive way to get navigation? Looks like around $250 for a computer, and another $210 for 3 sets of speed and cadence sensors, plus mounts.
Dave
03-14-19, 11:32 AM
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I run a Hammerhead Karoo which I absolutely love after many years of struggling with Garmin devices.
1) will it work with all 3 bikes? Yes. You can either Buy 3 separate mounts or just move the mount to different bikes as needed.
2) can I get mileage totals (yearly data) for all 3 bikes? Yes. There are ways to edit your rides. But what I do.. and I find it easiest is to just have it export the data to Strava and in Strava (Free app) you can just assign each workout a bike.
3) Is there a less expensive way to get navigation? Looks like around $250 for a computer, and another $210 for 3 sets of speed and cadence sensors, plus mounts. With a device like the Karoo, you don't need speed and cadence sensors. It'll do it all on it's own. Sure the device itself is a somewhat sizable investment, but, it's base don Android OS, so unlike the Garmin units, if they don't like something about it or the users don't, it can be changed and improved with a simple update.. and the device has been getting better and better with every update.
Hammerhead Karoo
1) will it work with all 3 bikes? Yes. You can either Buy 3 separate mounts or just move the mount to different bikes as needed.
2) can I get mileage totals (yearly data) for all 3 bikes? Yes. There are ways to edit your rides. But what I do.. and I find it easiest is to just have it export the data to Strava and in Strava (Free app) you can just assign each workout a bike.
3) Is there a less expensive way to get navigation? Looks like around $250 for a computer, and another $210 for 3 sets of speed and cadence sensors, plus mounts. With a device like the Karoo, you don't need speed and cadence sensors. It'll do it all on it's own. Sure the device itself is a somewhat sizable investment, but, it's base don Android OS, so unlike the Garmin units, if they don't like something about it or the users don't, it can be changed and improved with a simple update.. and the device has been getting better and better with every update.
Hammerhead Karoo
03-14-19, 11:49 AM
#3
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I am a fan of the Garmin products. they have been around the longest and have many options. The more you can afford the more you will get. Spend the $ if you can.
03-14-19, 12:10 PM
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I have been looking at gps units to get navigation on my bikes, and had a couple questions:
1) will it work with all 3 bikes?
2) can I get mileage totals (yearly data) for all 3 bikes?
3) Is there a less expensive way to get navigation? Looks like around $250 for a computer, and another $210 for 3 sets of speed and cadence sensors, plus mounts.
Dave
1) will it work with all 3 bikes?
2) can I get mileage totals (yearly data) for all 3 bikes?
3) Is there a less expensive way to get navigation? Looks like around $250 for a computer, and another $210 for 3 sets of speed and cadence sensors, plus mounts.
Dave
- Yes, one GPS will work for all your bikes. You will need mounts for all your bikes. My Garmin Edge 820 came with one out-front mount, and two standard handlebar/stem mounts. I'm using one Standard mount on my hybrid, and one Out Front mount on my road bike.
- Your mileage total will be for all your riding combined. I don't know of a good way to tell the GPS to track different bikes separately. For per-bike purposes I have the cheapest CatEye computer I can find mounted on each of my bikes as inconspicuously as possible. The cheapest -- even off-brand -- computer will provide an odometer and speed.
- Navigation doesn't require sensors aside from the GPS itself. The GPS will report speed even without a speed sensor (it just won't be quite as precise, but do you care?). And cadence is optional -- mostly useful to someone interested in training data, not just navigation. Also, be aware of what type of navigation you are getting. A Garmin Edge 520+ (about $279) provides navigation but it is my understanding that you have to plan your routes using a computer or smartphone and then load them into the device. And if you venture off course, the 520+ won't recalculate, from what I understand. The Garmin Edge 820 can do its own routing but runs $350. If training isn't as important to you as navigation, you might opt for the Garmin Explore 820 (instead of Edge), or one of the other 'Explore' bike-oriented GPSs. They're less expensive because they have fewer training stats; they're geared more toward someone who wants navigation but doesn't need to know about VO2max and such.
03-14-19, 12:17 PM
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03-14-19, 01:24 PM
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For $199.00 you can also get the garmin 520, which I assume is superior to the 130.
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03-14-19, 01:44 PM
#7
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I like the Garmin's as well. I agree that if you want true navigation, like in a car, you need the 820 or 1030 or whatever the more upscale models are. the 520 will try to tell you how to follow a route you created,or downloaded, but it is super basic, and will not get you (for instance) home from where ever you are.
as far as tracking how far you go on each bike, if you set up different profiles, one for each bike, and select the proper profile when starting the ride, it will be ingrained in the data. (Strava, if you want to use it, will not know the difference however). as others have said, no sensors are needed unless yo want that data, and the GPS can figure speed, distance, and elevation change with out speed or cadence sensors. One last point: I do not like the units with a touch screen. it doesn't work like a phone, and you have to remember it is different and i get frustrated by that.
Garmin units are pricey, but reliable and if I hadn't lost the 500 i bought in 2013, i would still be using it today.
as far as tracking how far you go on each bike, if you set up different profiles, one for each bike, and select the proper profile when starting the ride, it will be ingrained in the data. (Strava, if you want to use it, will not know the difference however). as others have said, no sensors are needed unless yo want that data, and the GPS can figure speed, distance, and elevation change with out speed or cadence sensors. One last point: I do not like the units with a touch screen. it doesn't work like a phone, and you have to remember it is different and i get frustrated by that.
Garmin units are pricey, but reliable and if I hadn't lost the 500 i bought in 2013, i would still be using it today.
03-14-19, 02:54 PM
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I've done well with Garmin computers, I'm using one of their watches now and love it.
Think about whether your phone can do the navigation you want or not, because of so you can spend less on a simpler computer.
Think about whether your phone can do the navigation you want or not, because of so you can spend less on a simpler computer.
03-14-19, 03:19 PM
#9
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Have you considered using your cell phone with, for example, the Strava app? You can set up an account on the Strava website which allows you to add various equipment (I.e. multiple bikes, pairs of running shoes, etc.). The website offers the ability to analyze your data more in-depth.
Dan
Dan
03-14-19, 03:33 PM
#10
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I've moved from a Garmin 520 to a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and I like the Bolt much better. Paying a little more for a great product is worth it when it comes to cycling computers.
03-14-19, 06:51 PM
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Consider Bryton units.
https://www.brytonsport.com/#/
https://www.brytonsport.com/#/
03-14-19, 07:16 PM
#12
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If you already have a smartphone, another option is to use a cycling navigation app such as Strava. There are lots of mounting options for phones if you desire real-time feedback during your rides. Or you can start the app, turn off the phone and carry it in a pocket. The app will record your ride while it runs in the background. Another way to get real-time feedback if you have an iPhone is to pair it with an Apple Watch if you have one. You can run your favorite cycling app on the Apple Watch and sync the data to the app on your iPhone when your ride is over. This is the what I do. Works for me. Very versatile and no need for an additional stand alone GPS. Unless you want one. Good luck with whatever you decide.
03-14-19, 08:26 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
If you already have a smartphone, another option is to use a cycling navigation app such as Strava. There are lots of mounting options for phones if you desire real-time feedback during your rides. Or you can start the app, turn off the phone and carry it in a pocket. The app will record your ride while it runs in the background. Another way to get real-time feedback if you have an iPhone is to pair it with an Apple Watch if you have one. You can run your favorite cycling app on the Apple Watch and sync the data to the app on your iPhone when your ride is over. This is the what I do. Works for me. Very versatile and no need for an additional stand alone GPS. Unless you want one. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Dave
03-14-19, 08:48 PM
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I put my wahoo cadence sensor on my shoe so I just need one sensor. I wear the same shoe no matter the bike and each bike has a mount for the computer.
03-14-19, 08:55 PM
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You could Google “Smart phone vs, dedicated GPS computer”, they’ll be a lot of posts.
Many folks have gone the route of buying a h-bar bracket for a phone that has a waterproof case, adding apps that can navigate, maybe using a used or cheap phone that isn’t connected to cell service, downloaded a map set so cell service isn’t needed, than deal with possibly shorter battery life and sometimes a screen that’s hard to read in sunlight. It’s likely the cheapest option.
Others just find it worth it to buy a $250 to $600 dedicated unit. In general and if you want to view maps on a GPS unit, the bigger the screen, the better. Add in devices such as heart rate, power meter, etc... kind of begs for a dedicated GPS unit.
Garmins are are the most popular and, in my opinion, do mapping and navigation best. Hammerhead Karoo has great maps but not sure it allows a Strava generated route. Wahoo Elemnt is a nice unit, might have the best Strava interface, can do Turn By Turn, only gives you B&W maps, but are good for road rides. Lots of options.
Garmin 520 Plus, 820 and 1030. Wahoo Bolt and Elemnt, Hammerhead Karoo, assorted Lezyne and Bryton units as well,
Many folks have gone the route of buying a h-bar bracket for a phone that has a waterproof case, adding apps that can navigate, maybe using a used or cheap phone that isn’t connected to cell service, downloaded a map set so cell service isn’t needed, than deal with possibly shorter battery life and sometimes a screen that’s hard to read in sunlight. It’s likely the cheapest option.
Others just find it worth it to buy a $250 to $600 dedicated unit. In general and if you want to view maps on a GPS unit, the bigger the screen, the better. Add in devices such as heart rate, power meter, etc... kind of begs for a dedicated GPS unit.
Garmins are are the most popular and, in my opinion, do mapping and navigation best. Hammerhead Karoo has great maps but not sure it allows a Strava generated route. Wahoo Elemnt is a nice unit, might have the best Strava interface, can do Turn By Turn, only gives you B&W maps, but are good for road rides. Lots of options.
Garmin 520 Plus, 820 and 1030. Wahoo Bolt and Elemnt, Hammerhead Karoo, assorted Lezyne and Bryton units as well,
03-14-19, 08:57 PM
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Right now what I do is to load a route into the Strava app on my phone, then stick it in my pocket. For the most part it works fine, but I would like to be able to see the route i'm on without having to stop and pull the phone out of my pocket. I moved to a fairly rural area 9 months ago, and am still learning the area. I'd like to be able to see the map all the time, and know when a turn is coming up, when i'm on a Strava segment, etc.. If there was a way to securely mount the phone to the bike, I might try it.. have a feeling that I might want to see some more data eventually like power data, heart rate, etc..
Dave
Dave
03-15-19, 12:08 PM
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Consider Bryton units.
https://www.brytonsport.com/#/
https://www.brytonsport.com/#/
As far as navigation, Ride With GPS offers very good turn by turn navigation (with little beeps and announcements along the route). A subscription is $50/year or $6/month; up here in Wisconsin, some people just buy the monthly subscription for a few months and then cancel. Depending on how long you'd plan to keep a Garmin, this might be cheaper.
03-15-19, 12:52 PM
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FWIW the newer garmin cadence and speed sensors go on the bike with basically rubber bands. It shouldn't be that hard to undo and reattach them from one bike to another.
03-16-19, 07:32 AM
#19
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Thread Starter
You could Google “Smart phone vs, dedicated GPS computer”, they’ll be a lot of posts.
Many folks have gone the route of buying a h-bar bracket for a phone that has a waterproof case, adding apps that can navigate, maybe using a used or cheap phone that isn’t connected to cell service, downloaded a map set so cell service isn’t needed, than deal with possibly shorter battery life and sometimes a screen that’s hard to read in sunlight. It’s likely the cheapest option.
Others just find it worth it to buy a $250 to $600 dedicated unit. In general and if you want to view maps on a GPS unit, the bigger the screen, the better. Add in devices such as heart rate, power meter, etc... kind of begs for a dedicated GPS unit.
Garmins are are the most popular and, in my opinion, do mapping and navigation best. Hammerhead Karoo has great maps but not sure it allows a Strava generated route. Wahoo Elemnt is a nice unit, might have the best Strava interface, can do Turn By Turn, only gives you B&W maps, but are good for road rides. Lots of options.
Garmin 520 Plus, 820 and 1030. Wahoo Bolt and Elemnt, Hammerhead Karoo, assorted Lezyne and Bryton units as well,
Many folks have gone the route of buying a h-bar bracket for a phone that has a waterproof case, adding apps that can navigate, maybe using a used or cheap phone that isn’t connected to cell service, downloaded a map set so cell service isn’t needed, than deal with possibly shorter battery life and sometimes a screen that’s hard to read in sunlight. It’s likely the cheapest option.
Others just find it worth it to buy a $250 to $600 dedicated unit. In general and if you want to view maps on a GPS unit, the bigger the screen, the better. Add in devices such as heart rate, power meter, etc... kind of begs for a dedicated GPS unit.
Garmins are are the most popular and, in my opinion, do mapping and navigation best. Hammerhead Karoo has great maps but not sure it allows a Strava generated route. Wahoo Elemnt is a nice unit, might have the best Strava interface, can do Turn By Turn, only gives you B&W maps, but are good for road rides. Lots of options.
Garmin 520 Plus, 820 and 1030. Wahoo Bolt and Elemnt, Hammerhead Karoo, assorted Lezyne and Bryton units as well,
Dave
03-16-19, 08:01 AM
#20
Sr Member on Sr bikes
I tried turning off the wifi on my phone to see if it could pick up a gps signal (to simulate an old phone with no connection on strava). It says that there is no GPS signal. I will probably have to go with a gps unit. Maybe it would be good to see some in stores. Not sure what one of the previous posters meant by "true navigation?"
Dave
Dave
Dan
03-16-19, 10:22 AM
#21
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Agreee. GPS functionality should be completely independent of WiFi and Cellular service. Not sure why bonsai’s phone is doing that, maybe user confusion ?, as you won’t know you have functioning GPS unless you have some maps cached from Google Maps or a separate mapping apps with map sets resident on the device. Google uses WiFi or cell service to download the mapping images.
03-16-19, 10:25 AM
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It shouldn’t be hard but I found it a PITA to reach into the spokes on my front wheels to be switching sensors around. I just went and purchased more for the bikes that need them
03-16-19, 10:33 AM
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fwiw, I have mine on the rear.. and a G3 spoke pattern doesn't hurt :-)
03-16-19, 02:35 PM
#25
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