GPS for mapping
Discussion
I want to pull the trigger on a dedicated cycling GPS with mapping. The most important thing is the mapping functionality – much less interested in performance stats, strava, route logging or connectivity as I don’t use any of that. I do want something that can provide a cycle-friendly mapping solution there and then for a ride, or something I can load a map into that I have created myself. And then something that has good user functionality when out on the roads.
I have previously used my iPhone with CycleMaps for long rides, which is good for finding an appropriate route but very bad for functionality when actually riding – and the battery life is very poor as you would expect. I also use the good old paper map.
My budget is unlimited. I’ve done a lot of research and initially thought the Garmin 1030 would do the job – excellent reviews for intelligent mapping both on and off road, and good functionality when riding with turn by turn assistance, big clear colour screen etc. However, I’ve read a lot of forum comments who say Garmin aren’t the most reliable and there are glitches, it crashes etc. For £435 on Wiggle I don’t particularly want to get something that doesn’t work so well or won't last a good few years. I want to buy something reliable and that will last. Trouble is I can’t seem to find an alternative with as high quality mapping. Ulitmately I think I will get the 1030 but if anyone has any other recommendations I’d like to hear it.
Added bonus would be if I could use it on my motorbike!
I have previously used my iPhone with CycleMaps for long rides, which is good for finding an appropriate route but very bad for functionality when actually riding – and the battery life is very poor as you would expect. I also use the good old paper map.
My budget is unlimited. I’ve done a lot of research and initially thought the Garmin 1030 would do the job – excellent reviews for intelligent mapping both on and off road, and good functionality when riding with turn by turn assistance, big clear colour screen etc. However, I’ve read a lot of forum comments who say Garmin aren’t the most reliable and there are glitches, it crashes etc. For £435 on Wiggle I don’t particularly want to get something that doesn’t work so well or won't last a good few years. I want to buy something reliable and that will last. Trouble is I can’t seem to find an alternative with as high quality mapping. Ulitmately I think I will get the 1030 but if anyone has any other recommendations I’d like to hear it.
Added bonus would be if I could use it on my motorbike!
Did you prefer the 1030 due to its screen size? If your eyeballs can see a smaller size screen the old Garmin Touring (PLUS) (a few old ones may still be available) or the 820 Edge Explore (also end of line?) may fit the bill. I have both and the maps are easily visible at cycling speeds . The 820 Explore is the slightly more modern of the two but has a smaller screen size than the Touring , same/similar to a 520 Edge.
Before you go and blow your cash on something new and shiny down load Komoot. Mrs S has been using it to plan our tour from Seville to back home.We have only used it to plan so far as we don't begin the ride until September but if it navigates as well as it plans a route it will be good.
Tried komoot - unfortunately didn't get on with it. Creating the map was good, but on the ride I found it hard to see where I was supposed to be going compared with google maps and then when I deviated from the ride it doesn't actually update it as you go, just says do a I turn. So I had to turn it off and switch to google maps as I was in a busy town.
A bit frustrating but I think I'm going to get a garmin and be done with it. I think using a phone is always a compromise but I guess that's why there is a market for expensive dedicated gps devices!
A bit frustrating but I think I'm going to get a garmin and be done with it. I think using a phone is always a compromise but I guess that's why there is a market for expensive dedicated gps devices!
I use an Element Bolt, with routes plotted using Ride With GPS and I'm more than happy with the mapping functionality.
Black and white only, but that's a bonus for me as I struggle to read a phone screen in bright sunshine. Doesn't re-route if you go wrong, but otherwise it's perfect.
Black and white only, but that's a bonus for me as I struggle to read a phone screen in bright sunshine. Doesn't re-route if you go wrong, but otherwise it's perfect.
I was about to suggest Hammerhead Karoo as a left-field choice - it had a rave review by DC Rainmaker at the start of the year.
https://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/hammer...
Fast forward 6 months and looking at the huge list of comments it seems you'd need some brave pills to take the plunge
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/02/hammerhead-kar...
A pity - may be it will turn out OK in the end as the mapping sounds great.
https://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/hammer...
Fast forward 6 months and looking at the huge list of comments it seems you'd need some brave pills to take the plunge
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/02/hammerhead-kar...
A pity - may be it will turn out OK in the end as the mapping sounds great.
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