Which cycling GPS unit?

[yellowjack]

OK. So it's probably been done before, but I can't see the subject covered recently.

I've been using a wired Cateye computer since forever, and logging my riding data in a notebook (paper, not electronic ).

I recently signed up to Strava, and at the same time to the PistonHeads bit in 'clubs'. I also added some of my data manually, going back to September last year. Now this is all well and good, but I'm unable to use the bulk of the site's functionality because it depends upon processing raw GPS data in order to record specific routes/segments/PR's etc.

I've been hankering after a GPS for ages, but the cost has been putting me off. I can afford one but it seems a lot to spend all at once on something so small. Now I'm coming around to the idea of actually breaking open the piggy-bank and ordering one, so I'd like to request the advice of the assembled throng. I've settled on a Garmin, but not sure which one...

Edge200 (unit only) @£83.32 http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-edge-200.html

Edge500 (unit only) @£127.79 http://www.handtec.co.uk/satnav-gps/cycling-gps/ga...

Edge500 (HRM + cadence) @171.59 http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-edge-500-heart-rat...

Edge800 (unit only) @£227.49 (voucher code valid 'til 28/06/13) http://www.maplin.co.uk/garmin-edge-800-686610

Edge800 (HRM + cadence) @£270.59 http://www.handtec.co.uk/satnav-gps/cycling-gps/ga...

Edge800 (HRM + cadence + citymaps) @£312.49 (voucher code valid 'til 28/06/13) http://www.maplin.co.uk/garmin-edge-800-with-hrm-c...

Edge800 (HRM + cadence + OS 1:50,000 maps) @£350.95 (inc. extra 10% off at checkout) http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/training/tra...

I want the Edge800 with OS maps. Probably don't need it, but it may come in handy, and save taking paper maps out in the rain.

With the deals on offer, voucher code(AWIN37) at Maplins, and an extra 10% at 'checkout' with Merlin, now seems as good a time as any to order one. Any advice welcomed...

[Gizmoish]

Either a 200 (which I have) or a 500 with HRM/cadence IMO.

Obviously the 800/810s maps are nice to have, but when did you ever go out and actually get lost? And lost to an extent that you'd have paid £200+ to know exactly where you were?

[sjg]

If you're not fussed about cadence, HRM, power meter support, etc then there's meant to be an Edge Touring model out soon with the colour screen, mapping & navigation but not the serious training stuff. Should be quite a bit cheaper than the current 800/810.

Else there are some good deals on the 800, and the replacement 810 doesn't add much at all in the way of useful features.

Personally though, a 200 does me fine for logging rides and following pre-planned routes.

[yellowjack]

Oi! You two! This is s'posed to be PistonHeads!

What's your game? Advising me to buy a 200/500? I would have thought the default setting on here would be to recommend the snazziest, jazziest, all singing, all dancing bling-bling available?

Sincerely, though, thanks for the replies. I think I want to have the HRM/cadence feature, so the 200 is out. It's now down to the 500 or the 800, really. Gizmoish makes a fair point about the mapping. Shiny bling, and a nice to have, but I don't use it that much in paper form at the moment, although as I get a bit fitter, and start to venture 'out of area' on the road bike, I might be glad of some navigational assistance, even if were only to confirm I was on the right track.

The deals I've linked to in my OP are the best I can find as of today. Anyone know of a well kept secret source of (legitimate) cheap Garmins?

I don't want to be dodging VAT or having Plod knock on my door 'recovering stolen goods' but if there is a better deal out there, I'd love to hear about it.

[outnumbered]

I've got a 200, which is pretty good as a basic unit. The only annoyance I have with it is that the speed display jumps around too much, especially so when you're under trees. This is where the 500 with the external speed sensor would be a big improvement.

[Birdthom]

I got the 800 with all the trimmings from handtec. I don't often use the navigation on regular training rides, but it's really useful for pulling routes off Strava if you are looking for routes in areas you're not familiar with. I'll be relying on it heavily on holiday this year. It was also great on my one and only sportive, as half the route markers were removed by NIMBYs and I ended up with a pack of riders following me to get us all round. I'm very happy with it.

[Mr Will]

If you have a smartphone you don't need the 800. The 500 is perfectly capable of guiding you around a pre-planned course and Google maps will do you a better job of helping you find your way home.

[PGM]

I have a Bryton Rider 35 with HRM and Cadence, been great so far, used on 100mile+ routes too.

[GaryGlitter]

Garmin 200 is a good entry-level unit if you're not fussed about recording accurate stats for ascents/descents as it uses the map data from Strava. I'm getting massive discrepancies when comparing my ride (recorded on a 200) against other people on the same ride using units that have built in altimeters (Garmin 500/800 etc.)

Bryton are another option to look at maybe.

[tuffer]

I have an 800 with HR, Cadence and OS.....its ace. Just do it.

[944fan]

yellowjack said:

Oi! You two! This is s'posed to be PistonHeads!

You are right. I suggest the Edge 800 with all the gadgets. Whilst you are at it get an ANT+ Power meter, one of those £1000 crank jobbies. All that kit will add some weight so maybe throw in some new wheels whilst you are at it.

Job, jobbed

[BOBTEE]

GaryGlitter said:

units that have built in altimeters (Garmin 500/800 etc.)

My Edge 500 with its supposedly more accurate altimeter had me at -21m today, in Yorkshire! I do like it but the altimeter bit is bobbins!

[S10GTA]

Mr Will said:

If you have a smartphone you don't need the 800. The 500 is perfectly capable of guiding you around a pre-planned course and Google maps will do you a better job of helping you find your way home.

This

[Magic919]

I've got the Edge 800 with OS maps. I've just stuck on OpenStreetmaps instead, so that's an option that save a few bob, as they are free.

[ducgas]

Just bought a garmin 200 with £50 of tesco vouchers,on offer until next week,very pleased with it.

[Mr Will]

BOBTEE said:

GaryGlitter said:

units that have built in altimeters (Garmin 500/800 etc.)

My Edge 500 with its supposedly more accurate altimeter had me at -21m today, in Yorkshire! I do like it but the altimeter bit is bobbins!

That's the flaw with barometric altimeters, they are very accurate for rise or fall but have no concept of zero, so drift over time.

What you need to do is create an "elevation point" on your Garmin at your home (or anywhere else that you regularly start rides from) so that it has a known reference point to work from - this vastly increases the accuracy.

[Dan Friel]

I need a cheap GPS with ant+ connection, any recommendations? Bryton 20 or cateye 50 look like good value but any ideas would be appreciated.

[Some Gump]

Op,
I find the hrm and cadence is a great way to keep motivated on long, hilly rides. Keeping your heart rate at 170 even though it hurts, or keeping cadence up even though your breathing is all ver the shop, whatever.
Many people disagree though, so it's all down to personal choic. Personally, i love my edge 800.

[doolie]

I'm similarly converted, ride with a hrm and cadence monitor, linked to my bryton 35.

Brytons are great value.

Decathlons ANT+ cadence monitor for 17 quid, good value if you need one

[yellowjack]

944fan said:

yellowjack said:

Oi! You two! This is s'posed to be PistonHeads!

You are right. I suggest the Edge 800 with all the gadgets. Whilst you are at it get an ANT+ Power meter, one of those £1000 crank jobbies. All that kit will add some weight so maybe throw in some new wheels whilst you are at it.

Job, jobbed

Although I'm going to hold off on the Power Meter.

And probably the wheels.

For the time being.

Possibly.