How good are Cycle GPS systems like memory map???
Discussion
I'm considering getting a cycle GPS, either the Memory Map Adventurer 2800 or Garmin Edge.
I've never used one only looked at a few in the shops.
My questions are:
1. Do you use them and how regularly
2. How good are the the stem mounting brackets.
3. Can I sit at my computer and plan a route, either on or off road and then when riding just be told turn left in 100m etc with my planned route shown on the screen and will it re route me if i stray?
4. Which one would you go for?
All comments appreciated
I've never used one only looked at a few in the shops.
My questions are:
1. Do you use them and how regularly
2. How good are the the stem mounting brackets.
3. Can I sit at my computer and plan a route, either on or off road and then when riding just be told turn left in 100m etc with my planned route shown on the screen and will it re route me if i stray?
4. Which one would you go for?
All comments appreciated
It really depends on a number of criteria:
If you don't need the HR / Cadence I would go with a GPS 60CSx or a GPS62CSx. The 60 model uses garmins map data which is ok, whereas the 62 uses OS 1:50thou maps so you get a plot on a virtual map. I have the 60CSx and although the mapping isn't as clear, it works fine for cycling, gets better reception than the cycling types, and also gives you turn by turn road nav as well - although no voice. The 62 is similar but the more modern version.
To plot routes though you'd need to buy the mapping software. I bought the whole of the UK on Garmins mapping for under £100 and it fits on a 2 gig card so I have the lot on my GPS. Handy if you just want to up and go somewhere.
- Will you ever only use it for cycling or for other sports like walking?
- Do you have a car GPS?
- Do you need cadence or HR functionality.
If you don't need the HR / Cadence I would go with a GPS 60CSx or a GPS62CSx. The 60 model uses garmins map data which is ok, whereas the 62 uses OS 1:50thou maps so you get a plot on a virtual map. I have the 60CSx and although the mapping isn't as clear, it works fine for cycling, gets better reception than the cycling types, and also gives you turn by turn road nav as well - although no voice. The 62 is similar but the more modern version.
To plot routes though you'd need to buy the mapping software. I bought the whole of the UK on Garmins mapping for under £100 and it fits on a 2 gig card so I have the lot on my GPS. Handy if you just want to up and go somewhere.
I'm sure that a dedicated GPS is better, but I do this on the cheap via a handlebar mount for my phone. Gives me turn by turn nav (on road), Google maps (off-road); Tracks my speed, route, altitude and calorie burn and lets me upload them to the web when I'm done.
The only downsides I can see are battery life (maximum 5-6 hours using the GPS) and the lack of waterproofing, but both of these can be overcome if you are so inclined.
The only downsides I can see are battery life (maximum 5-6 hours using the GPS) and the lack of waterproofing, but both of these can be overcome if you are so inclined.
dubbs said:
I have to question the ability of those types to find a signal though. I have both the GPS 60 - which has a proper antenna - and the Garmin 3790t - which looks like an i-phone and doesn't. The 60s despite being 5 years old now, is much much better at getting a signal in areas where coveregae is marginal.I have a Garmin Edge 305. I use both the heart rate monitor and the cadence sensor. Cadence I mainly use for when I am on my rollers otherwise you don't get any speed reading.
It is the best computer I've ever bought. I like being able to judge what is going on by something that is measured, my heart rate, rather than guessing by how I feel.
Mapping is good and I like the online "databasing" of my rides using Garmin Connect.
I don't value the mapping stuff that the more expensive models do and I don't have a powertap so don't need that functionality.
It is the best computer I've ever bought. I like being able to judge what is going on by something that is measured, my heart rate, rather than guessing by how I feel.
Mapping is good and I like the online "databasing" of my rides using Garmin Connect.
I don't value the mapping stuff that the more expensive models do and I don't have a powertap so don't need that functionality.
JontyB said:
I'm considering getting a cycle GPS, either the Memory Map Adventurer 2800 or Garmin Edge.
I've never used one only looked at a few in the shops.
My questions are:
1. Do you use them and how regularly
2. How good are the the stem mounting brackets.
3. Can I sit at my computer and plan a route, either on or off road and then when riding just be told turn left in 100m etc with my planned route shown on the screen and will it re route me if i stray?
4. Which one would you go for?
All comments appreciated
I have a Garmin Edge 800, so:I've never used one only looked at a few in the shops.
My questions are:
1. Do you use them and how regularly
2. How good are the the stem mounting brackets.
3. Can I sit at my computer and plan a route, either on or off road and then when riding just be told turn left in 100m etc with my planned route shown on the screen and will it re route me if i stray?
4. Which one would you go for?
All comments appreciated
1. I use it every single time I ride the bike. Even if I know the route (or I'm not following a route) it can just be used for displaying and recording anything and everything.
2. The quarter turn mount is excellent, never any worries about this.
3. Yes, you can certainly do that. I plan routes using Bike Route Toaster or by downloading a GPX, though the unit can auto-route if necessary. You get warnings (arrows, sound alert) for turns. If you want to plan routes off-road you will need the appropriate (OS) maps on your unit.
4. Garmin Edge 800
I haven't tried the Adventurer though.I have a garmin edge 605, i use it every ride even if it is only to record distance and time. The base map is not worth using, garmin topo maps are pretty useless as well. I use maps from http://openmtbmap.org/ these are very good. if you get lost it is really nice to have. I only use it off road. but if you need it for road use, use these maps http://www.velomap.org/.
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