CRC have some good deals on Garmin Edge 800s at the moment. I've been contemplating a GPS for cycling but I would also need to be able to use it when snowboarding/hiking in the back country. Any Edge 800 owners use theirs for more than just cycling?
I appreciate it will have a lot of bike specific features, but I'd just be just looking for something that could:
track routes as I go,
pre programme routes before I go, and
point me in the right direction home.
Thanks
There great for anything like that, and there even cheaper than CRC on velo-m at the moment http://velo-m.co.uk/accessories/cyclecomputers/garminedge800trailbundlewith1:50kgbdiscoverer.html
A smartphone can do all of that, surely?
Edge 800 will do all of that and more but maybe one of the more graphic devices like a Dakota would be a better choice.
Yes, a smartphone can do the same but the battery will run flat and if it has a capacitive screen any drops of water cause problems using the thing.
But don't smartphones use mobile networks for GPS? Which would incur costs if you are boarding abroad.
I used my edge 705 on a walking holiday in Switzerland, it was fine. But I would prefer a non cycling unit, with better screen and replaceable batteries for non cycling activities, it's just not worth buying another device when I have one already at my disposal.
But don't smartphones use mobile networks for GPS
No, the GPS part is a receiver only. Your smartphone may download data to help get a quicker fix and you may have apps that would use data but you should be able to turn data off and the GPS function just fine. You will need maps on the device rather than via the internet.
How would you intend to use it snowboarding? Just for recording where you've been and an emergency "where the *^$£ am I?" device?
I'm looking for a device I can programme a route in to before I head out so I have a quick way of checking I'm on roughly on track (I'll have a map too).
When hiking with others who are leading I'd like a way of recording where I've been so I have the route for next time.
And finally, probably most importantly, an oh F***! this weather was not supposed to happen, I can't see more than 20 metres, which way is home?
I suppose the question is will an Edge 800 do? I don't want to buy one GPS for my bike, and another for the mountains. Does the Edge 800 not display maps just arrows saying go left in 20 metres?
Yes, the 800 displays a map. I bought the OS 1:50000 UK maps for mine. It may not be ideal for your purpose because the screen is small and I think only greyscale (I own one and can't remember 🙄 but if it is colour it's certainly not vivid). It does many things well and planning a new route on it if you need to change your plans for any reason is possible but awkward due to the small screen limiting your overview.
No the 800 is full colour but the screen is a little small for on the fly navigating. The question is do you need all the cycling functions with it? Like HR, speed, etc or do you just want to use it for navigating in which case one fo the bigger devices such as the Dakota would probably be a better bet.