GPS hardware (cycling and running)
Discussion
Hello,
What are you guys using for GPS tracking of your rides and runs (hardware wise)?
I'm using my Android phone and am going to upgrade to something dedicated as it's just too flakey (plus I like shiny toys). I do a fair bit of Mountain Biking (but not loads) and a bit running (~5miles maybe a few times a week) and want something to track / upload to Strava.
I can't seem to find the "perfect" device so figured a decent cycling computer (Garmin 510 / 810) combined with a watch (Garmin Forerunner 220) would be the way forward to keep the accessories the same... Is there something I've missed?
What are you guys using for GPS tracking of your rides and runs (hardware wise)?
I'm using my Android phone and am going to upgrade to something dedicated as it's just too flakey (plus I like shiny toys). I do a fair bit of Mountain Biking (but not loads) and a bit running (~5miles maybe a few times a week) and want something to track / upload to Strava.
I can't seem to find the "perfect" device so figured a decent cycling computer (Garmin 510 / 810) combined with a watch (Garmin Forerunner 220) would be the way forward to keep the accessories the same... Is there something I've missed?
I think a Garmin 310 is what you might be after. It's a watch aimed at triathletes which would hopefully do away with you needing two single devices. The Garmin Edge range is aimed at cyclists but there's no reason you couldn't just put the edge in your pocket when you go for a run but if you wanted to track your run cadence I don't think it can be paired with a footpod. Likewise, if you took a running watch I don't think you can link it to a bike cadence sensor if you were after recording that data, which is why I'm thinking 310.
The bible for all this technology is the dcrainmaker website which has many comprehensive reviews.
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunn...
The bible for all this technology is the dcrainmaker website which has many comprehensive reviews.
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunn...
I had an edge 200, but recently upgraded to the 800 - both of which I use for predominantly cycling, with the occasional run.
(The 800 can be got pretty cheap now, if you can live without the small extras of the 810)
Good thing about the 500/800 is that is has faster GPS recording than my old 200, so when im mountain biking it gives a more detailed and accurate trace, and measures a slightly longer ride (the 200 would see the entry/exit of a big berm as the same location so even a small 5mile course in Swinley would show a shorter distance than it really was, the faster you go.
(The 800 can be got pretty cheap now, if you can live without the small extras of the 810)
Good thing about the 500/800 is that is has faster GPS recording than my old 200, so when im mountain biking it gives a more detailed and accurate trace, and measures a slightly longer ride (the 200 would see the entry/exit of a big berm as the same location so even a small 5mile course in Swinley would show a shorter distance than it really was, the faster you go.
I use a Garmin Edge 500 for cycling and a Garmin Forerunner 110 for running and both are fine for me.
The first 110 I had went back under warranty and while it took a few weeks it was replaced
While Im running I just want pace and distance and when im riding I just want speed, cadence and heart rate so those devices do everything I need.
I am however interested in the other data afterward but having the same brand isnt vital as you can use Strava for data for different brands.
I will probably update the 110 to a 220 later in the year as it has a longer battery life and quicker GPS location on startup.
You can get a wristband mount for 500 for occasional run use or can get a 310 or a 910 for both run and bike but im happy with two separate devices.
The first 110 I had went back under warranty and while it took a few weeks it was replaced
While Im running I just want pace and distance and when im riding I just want speed, cadence and heart rate so those devices do everything I need.
I am however interested in the other data afterward but having the same brand isnt vital as you can use Strava for data for different brands.
I will probably update the 110 to a 220 later in the year as it has a longer battery life and quicker GPS location on startup.
You can get a wristband mount for 500 for occasional run use or can get a 310 or a 910 for both run and bike but im happy with two separate devices.
I have a Suunto Ambit which I use for cycling, hiking and snowboarding, and my wife uses it for running. It does the usual GPS stuff plus navigation and can't think of much it won't do that a separate cycle computer and running watch would do. Garmin do the Fenix which is probably quicker to upload to Strava (You have to export the activity to Strava with Suunto).
Edited by benny.c on Tuesday 28th January 09:59
benny.c said:
I have a Suunto Ambit which I use for cycling, hiking and snowboarding, and my wife uses it for running. It does the usual GPS stuff plus navigation and can't think of much it won't do that a separate cycle computer and running watch would do. Garmin do the Fenix which is probably quicker to upload to Strava (You have to export the activity to Strava with Suunto).
How's the navigation with that gizmo? Is it much like car sat nav? Edited by benny.c on Tuesday 28th January 09:59
I use a Garmin Forerunner 305 for both running and cycling, and like the fact it is on me, not the bike. It is a large wrist watch type device. It is about 3 years old, already been back to Garmin and replaced when it stopped recognising the charging cradle.
It has a nav function of sorts, but if you get lost all you can do is retrace your steps, it won't recalculate your route or give you directions of any kind.
The Suunto is similar in that it doesn't have maps. You create a route on the computer/ipad and upload it to the watch. It then appears as a line on the watch to follow so it is immediately obvious if you've taken a wrong turn. If you divert way off course for some reason you can set the watch to navigate to the nearest waypoint on the route to get back on track.
The image below shows it zoomed out to 5km scale but you can zoom in so missing a turn isn't an issue.
The image below shows it zoomed out to 5km scale but you can zoom in so missing a turn isn't an issue.
I've been using a 910 XT since they came out, for swimming biking and running. Which is what it's designed to do.
It works with my HRM on both bike and run, and the cadence sensor and foot pod. It can also take power meter data.
It does the breadcrumb trail style navigation reasonably well (same as the Edge 500), and has an absolutely epic battery life.
I attach it to my handlebars, as I don't like trying to peer at my wrist when cycling. It's been the best GPS unit I’ve used, and was worth the money.
All that said, I've recently bought an Edge 510 for the bike. The extra fields on screen mean I don't have to scroll through screens, and I can see the data at the same time as the navigation. Plus the GPS tracking is much more accurate with it being a newer technology.
I think most of the forerunners have modes for both sports, but they're predominantly runners watches. I'd recommend 2 devices personally. You can get both for around £200 (say an Edge 500 and FR 110), and individually they'd be more useful than one device for both sports.
It works with my HRM on both bike and run, and the cadence sensor and foot pod. It can also take power meter data.
It does the breadcrumb trail style navigation reasonably well (same as the Edge 500), and has an absolutely epic battery life.
I attach it to my handlebars, as I don't like trying to peer at my wrist when cycling. It's been the best GPS unit I’ve used, and was worth the money.
All that said, I've recently bought an Edge 510 for the bike. The extra fields on screen mean I don't have to scroll through screens, and I can see the data at the same time as the navigation. Plus the GPS tracking is much more accurate with it being a newer technology.
I think most of the forerunners have modes for both sports, but they're predominantly runners watches. I'd recommend 2 devices personally. You can get both for around £200 (say an Edge 500 and FR 110), and individually they'd be more useful than one device for both sports.
I'll second the Garmin 910 XT.
I've been using mine for months now and upload the data a few times a week to Garmin's MyConnect, which displays just about every piece of information you could want.
It also benefits from being able to transfer from a wrist strap to a bike mount in a couple of seconds too. Also, if you're doing indoor running on a treadmill you can use a footpad to gather data. Beware you'll need to buy the HRM strap, bike mounts etc as extras.
Here's a copy of some of the information it gathered from Sunday's ride.
I've been using mine for months now and upload the data a few times a week to Garmin's MyConnect, which displays just about every piece of information you could want.
It also benefits from being able to transfer from a wrist strap to a bike mount in a couple of seconds too. Also, if you're doing indoor running on a treadmill you can use a footpad to gather data. Beware you'll need to buy the HRM strap, bike mounts etc as extras.
Here's a copy of some of the information it gathered from Sunday's ride.
hmm, lots of ideas! Thanks everyone.
I looked into the 310 & the 910, but I was a little cautious as their age - the geek in me says something new is just around the corner. The Suunto Ambit looks interesting and I'm not sure why I'd glossed over that one.
In terms of 'just tracking', I made the mistake of getting a HRM for my phone when I started running and realised I missed out on speed / timings - I'm keen to avoid repeating that mistake when I get my new shiny!
The research continues
I looked into the 310 & the 910, but I was a little cautious as their age - the geek in me says something new is just around the corner. The Suunto Ambit looks interesting and I'm not sure why I'd glossed over that one.
In terms of 'just tracking', I made the mistake of getting a HRM for my phone when I started running and realised I missed out on speed / timings - I'm keen to avoid repeating that mistake when I get my new shiny!
The research continues
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