Having realised my iPhone just isn't convenient or reliable enough, I've decided to get a GPS computer for my bike (mostly road, but also mtb).
All I'm interested in is using it for route finding. I want to upload routes to it to follow. That is all. I would like to see a map of where I'm going on the screen, not just turning alerts and arrows.
The Garmin Explorer looks good but I have no idea if there are better/cheaper/less complex units out there. I like the fact that Garmin is a ubiquitous brand, which suggests to me that they might be 'the best'.
Any help and advice would be most gratefully received.
Cheers!
I use a Garmin Oregon. Does everything you want, is reliable and runs off AA batteries so is easy to manage on multi-day trips. I mostly use NIMH rechargeable and get around 16 hours from a pair.
I use the Garmin Edge Touring for the same as you describe. Works perfectly for me, just a few settings to change out of the box.
Look at Leyzne mega GPS unit, has maps. v good price as well.
Garmin being the biggest makes them lazy. After many garmins I got bored of being a beta tester and got a Wahoo. Much better for route following and doesn't spend ages 'calculating' like the garmin does.
Battery actually lasts as long as advertised as well - the garmin seems to last about 50% as soon as you have any accesories or the backlight on.
My experience is as you suggest, just stick with the big 'G'
Garmin 1030, outstanding. Also got Oregon 650 and 800. 1000 expired and not recommended. 1030 is the best of the bunch.
Why the 1030? Great battery life, maps on off road always updated for free for the whole of Europe. I’ve got OS SSD card but TBH the Garmin maps are far better and always updated. No brainier really
Ewan. What's the map view like on the Wahoo? I've heard positive things about them but I'm not won over by the monochrome screen. It also looks a little on the small side.
Pawsy_Bear. The Garmin 1030 sounds a little more than I'd need. I think the Garmin Explore is maybe more appropriate for me, if it's mapping is as good as you say the 1030 is.
craig24. The Edge Touring sounds good then. However, it's not advertised very clearly on the Garmin website. They show the Edge Explore but the Touring is tucked away and I could only find it with a Google search. Is it an old model? If so, is it replaced by the Explore? Cheers!
MTB Rob. Thanks. Will check out the Leyzyne. However, as they are relatively new to the GPS market, I'm a little wary of opting for something that might not be as well supported as Garmin stuff.
craig24. The Edge Touring sounds good then. However, it’s not advertised very clearly on the Garmin website. They show the Edge Explore but the Touring is tucked away and I could only find it with a Google search. Is it an old model? If so, is it replaced by the Explore? Cheers!
I've had it a few years after a recommendation on here. I'm not sure but the Explore does look similar and may well be the replacement for it. I recommend Garmin anyway, the Edge Touring has worked great for me. Only downside is its not normal replaceable batteries, so if multi-day touring it may need charging, but that isn't an issue for me. This looks to be the case for the Explore to.
If you just want to upload a route and then follow it the Garmin Edge will do a that somewhat cheaper than a full on bike computer. And you get full stats out of it, and the files can be uploaded direct to Strava.
Also use a garmin edge, I use OS maps on PC to draw a route then export it as a .gpx file. Plug garmin into pc and drag .gpx file over simple as that.
Also use a garmin edge, I use OS maps on PC to draw a route then export it as a .gpx file. Plug garmin into pc and drag .gpx file over simple as that.
Yes! That's all I want it to do. Sounds like I'll be getting myself an Edge Explore then.
I have an edge explore 820. When it works its great but Garmins software can be frustrating at times. Just don't rush to do any updates. On version 11 at the minute and it seems to be working fine. I use Strava to create routes and it automatically puts them on the device using the strava app for the Garmin
I've had a Garmin 810 for donkeys, aside from the fact i have to plug it in to upload a route it's been solid.
I use it pretty much every day for just recording rides but use the routes when i go cross country to places i've never been before on the road bike. The maps on the screen are good enough to just follow your nose a bit when the strava route planner has sent you down a NSL dual carriage way that's used for the local time trial every now and then.
Can I also recommend you have a look at ridewithgps. Used most mapping software off and online. This is my current go to favourite. Simple quick.
Just ordered a Garmin Edge Explore. Thanks everyone!
