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Treated myself to a cheap Garmin 810 in Aldi but am now debating taking it back.
I currently have a 200 and use Strava on my iPhone. I use it almost exclusively for road work and don't have a power meter or a HRM though I am debating buying the latter. Having bought it I'm just not sure what to do with it and if I want to spend £200 on it.
So dear STW, save or spend my £200, should I keep it or return it?
Keep it. It'll be more accurate for Strava compared to your phone and the 200 (1 sec sampling vs 'smart') plus it means you have a dedicated device so you can save your phone battery for emergencies. You can also load maps onto it if you want later on.
^^ what he said....
I liked my 810 (now replaced with an 820.) But then I have a PM and a HRM and that's mostly what it shows. Is handy for routes too. The Bluetooth upload via phone is handy too. I guess I could use an app on the phone but I don't really want that strapped to my bars.
rather than take it back, I would take it off your hands for the £180, i bloody missed out yesterday
Keep it, they're a good bit of kit.
And use it, obvz.
rather than take it back, I would take it off your hands for the £180, i bloody missed out yesterday
ramsbottom aldi had some at 19:00 last night
Trying to be objective with myself here:
No issue with accuracy on my phone, I'm not a pro so no major problems there.
Phone battery is no issue either, Strava seems to use very little power and I have no issues even for 120 mile+ rides.
Phone stays in a back pocket, I have a 200 in my bars for navigation and general speed and distance.
I guess the idea of better navigation appeals to a degree as does the Strava live stuff. The HRM stuff does too but then to get these I need an upgraded Strava account, a new HRM and that's more money to spend.
Wouldn't be without maps now, but a lot of my rides (especially road) are me planning something that looks interesting on the computer, or taking someone elses's ride, then following it on the unit.
I could do that on a 200 (just following a line) but it's a lot nicer to have a satnav-style screen come up and tell you the name of the lane to turn down then go back to the time/speed/etc screen.
Bluetooth upload straight after is nice, with Garmin Connect and Strava linked they go up within seconds.
Does Strava live work on the 810? I was under the impression you needed a 520 or 820 for that.
Yes, it will auto upload via Bluetooth.
I've used mine a lot for navigation. Also great for strava segments if you have a premier strava account.
Great value for 180 quid. I paid 300 for mine and after 4 years it's still going strong
For me the 810 is great, map checks when out are nice. I came home a different way (just moved) and hitting nav to home made the end of a long ride much nicer, turn by turn on the road is good for getting junctions right. There are loads of Strava premium trials out there with 2 free months so give it a go for the live stuff. Had mine about 4 years now and wouldn't give it back
Live tracking is useful if you go out solo, uploads are far more straightforward too.
Keep it. I bought a Garmin 820 yesterday. I've got the 200 too. Even though I only use it for speed (disappointing :D) distance and time, which the 200 does admirably, it's nice to see your progress on the screen before you.
I'm sure I'll use some of the extra funations in time, but a new gadget is always fun.
Trying to decide whether to sell the 200 or keep it as a spare?
Keep it, you're worth it as some bimbo tells us regularly.
It's gone back. If I had a compatible HRM and/or used power then it'd be worth keeping but I don't. I'm sure the mapping is good too but right now my 200 does what I need.
On the upside, there are still 4 left in the Stourbridge store if anyone wants one.
If anyone has one going or could pick one up from their local Aldi I'll take it. Our local has none. Can anyone help...?
Sorry to but in on this thread but I'd like some advice please, I'm looking at buying a garmin and have more or less settled on the 520 available from Halfords of all places at £185.
I'd gladly buy one of these from Aldi if it was more useful?
It's going on a road bike, it's a Giant with ride sense fitted to the chain stay and it's got a cadence sensor on the crank arm.
I'll open a new thread to ask more specific questions but could the knowledgeable please yay or nay the 820 over the 520 please.