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OK so I've been using a Garmin Edge 205 for many many years (at least 15) to find my way round single track. Used to be I'd go on an evening LBS ride, find myself constantly at the back, but I'd record the route and could then then go and re-ride it at my own pace.
Rarely felt the need to have maps - though these days I also carry a Garmin Montana (which I bought for motorcycle greenlaning) in my backpack, in case I need some context as to where I am.
So what's the problem? Well, it's a bit of a faff downloading gpx from Strava, converting to Garmin CRS format, then uploading to the 205 via Garmin Training Centre.
So recently I became interested in the Wahoo Element Bolt. These days (I'm in my early sixties) I ride a Spesh Levo and it seems the Wahoo could tell me things like how much battery I've got remaining.
But in reality I just want what the 205 gives me, without the hassle of having to convert GPX to CRS.
I've just bought (because the Bolt seemed too much of a jump) a secondhand Edge 500 but, whilst it's easier to communicate with from a desktop, the navigation features seem inferior to the 205.
So I need a bit of push perhaps, to upgrade to the Bolt, or the Garmin 520 (or whatever the latest is in that league), but I need to know it's money worth spending.
Anyone?
Can't really help with the guidance thing as I don't use a GPS to tell me where to go - spoils the adventure for me.
However, I have a 500 and a newer 520 and 520 feels miles ahead to the 500. I think largely due to the newer model not needing plugged in to a computer to sync things (connects to phone so easier (but can use computer as well).
The screen is a bit bigger and in colour (not monochrome) so I find it easier to read at a quick glance.
You should be able to put GPX straight into the Garmin by plugging it into a computer and moving the file into a folder called 'new files' (think) in the Garmin directory. If that's not the case with modern Garmin's maybe someone can confirm.
With the Wahoo you could put all the gpx files into a free ridewithgps.com account. By 'pinning' the chosen ride it will appear magically on the wahoo when you next turn it on and sync it on your wifi or your phone will transfer it if you are out and about.
Garmin 530 is easy to use and has the Trailforks app.
Went through this conundrum 18 months ago and bought a Wahoo elemnt and have no regrets at all.
Fab bit of kit, easy to setup and use. One downside some point out if that you can't reroute or navigate on the device but in reality I've only done it twice in all that time nd it involved pulling mobile from pack and sorting it , no stress.
James
thanks for all your replies, I think I'll move the 500 on and buy something new - just got to decide whether it's Garmin or Wahoo. Lots of comparison articles and vids to wade through....
I'll add in to the mix that I bought a second hand Garmin 800 about 3 years ago and it is brilliant. Decent enough screen and pretty bombproof. I think I paid about £50 for it.
I just have the OS maps on my phone and use the GPS to pinpoint my location when navigation gets tricky these days.
I use the Great Britain Topo Map app and then buy the maps i need. About £10-15 a pop for a county.
I should add i am lazy/efficient and like things that work easily (plug and play).
can somebody bring me up to date on MTB singletrack GPS?
From your thread title I’d say Garmin 530 or 830 are way ahead of anything else due to their Trailforks integration and Trailsight feature. I’m finding that and the on board mapping brilliant for finding trails.
But then you go on to explain how you are happy with a much more basic device other than the process of loading routes. If that really is the case, and you have a smartphone, then the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt will probably be great for you.