Garmin eTrex and SportTracks
 

I'm looking for a cheap GPS solution that I can mount to my road bike that will achieve the following:

I've done quite a bit of research and it looks like the Garmin eTrex might do what I'm looking for. I was hoping someone here is using one for these purposes already and can confirm? I was also confused as to which eTrex model I could use, there seems to be a few, Legend, Venture, Vista, etc. I'm basically looking for the cheapest model I can get away with while still getting the functionality mentioned above.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I can't answer your questions specifically, but I do own an eTrex Legend and have used it mounted on a mountain bike. The eTrex series doesn't have audible signals, so I'm not sure how it would alert you to the turns. The Vista has a barometer in it and it allows you to get a compass reading while standing still.

The eTrex series is pretty old tech by GPS standards. I think you could get something much more current that would do a better job, and probably not cost a whole lot more.

Also, I had problems with my Legend. After awhile, the constant shock of hitting bumps made it cut put periodically, rendering it basically useless as a bike GPS. Not much cushion on the eTrex mount. Bottom line, they're basically hiking units.

Got an etrex legend for Christmas and I love it. Though a bit big, it makes a good bike computer. Plus I can create routes on my computer and upload them to the gps for turn by turn directions. Don't know what the previous poster is talking about as it beeps a couple times before you make each turn. Just make sure you get the hcx version. It's newer and has a better gps reciever than the old cx model. Got mine new off eBay for $180 and that included the cd-rom with the entire USA map.

Mine's about 7 years old. Maybe older. I didn't realize they were still being made.