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Hey,
I'm debating whether to get a Garmin touring or similar cycling-specific Garmin with maps, or give my eTrex 30 another go for cycling.
I got the eTrex 30 a few years ago and have used it on maybe three rides ages ago - generally found it too complicated and faffy compared to using a phone / road signs, plus if I wanted off road maps as well as road it was either going to be expensive or faffing around trying to install free maps - I'm sure some people find this straightforward but with the option of Google maps I prefer to just get out the door and ride.
However now I'm living by the Peaks and doing longer rides, including audaxes and some overnight trips, on and off road, I'd appreciate a device that isn't a phone using up precious battery life/data, with maps for non-planned navigation and the ability to very simply upload and follow GPX files shared on audax/CTC websites/by riding friends. I'm not into spending ages planning exact routes on my computer...
Any suggestions - has anyone successfully used an eTrex easily for low-prep long rides or am I better off going down the bike-specific route?
I had an Etrex 20 and never enjoyed using it. Ended up buying a Garmin Edge Touring and never looked back. Its miles ahead in terms of navigating and ease of use. Also the mount is great, unlike the Etrex.
I have a Garmin Touring. It's pretty good.
If you look online there are some settings changes that stop it being annoying with routing.
Putting a GPX on is relatively easy (copy it to a particular folder via USB then restart it).
I find it a bit annoying sometimes getting to the start of a route and getting it all synced up to be following it, but once you're moving it's good - the UI isn't amazing.
I think some of the newer ones (820 etc) have similar functionality. More expensive though! The touring has been out for a long time, so doubt there will be many updates for it
Really like my Garmin Touring.
I use Talkytoaster maps which have been great both in the UK & France for on/off road riding.
I have found that you need to turn off the auto redirect as it tends to take you the shortest way to your destination not just back to your route. Also when you start navigation, press ‘no’ when it asks if you want guidance to the start of your loop and just follow the map otherwise it can get confused, especially if it’s a loop & direct you straight for the finish point.
Other than that, the only real bugbear is how crap Garmin Connect can be & the fact you have to physically plug it into your computer as it doesn’t have Bluetooth, although that’s a first world problem really.
Have plumped for a Touring Plus - one of the few available apparently - looks like may have been discontinued in favour of the newer 'Explore' range.
Keep an eye out for my eTrex in the classifieds!
I’ve had a Dakota 20 and a Touring for several years
It depends on your priorities.
The Touring is a much better cycle computer and way more Strava friendly but crash prone and not particularly reliable. Attempting to use it as a ‘sat nav’ and set a destination from the screen brings new meaning to ‘faff’ and the results may not please you. I’d say it suits road touring and that’s probably what it was designed for.
If you can read a map, the Dakota is a much better unit for off-road navigation in my opinion, just far less convenient with a horrible bar mount.
From my point of view, Garmin just don’t ‘get’ mountain biking.