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So, what do people use/recommend?
Garmin? Wahoo? Something else?
Requirements ...
- ability to load maps/routes/gpx files
- ability to navigate including (mostly) off road.
- ability to record the ride/synch with Strava
- decent battery life
I don't have a HR monitor and don't really train (I just ride my bike) so don't need lots of features around that.
Needs to be reliable (both as a solid unit itself, but also in terms of not having electrical/GPS glitches.
Will most likely be purchased used/refurbished rather than new.
Cheers.
Will most likely be purchased used/refurbished rather than new.
If you're going used I'd say look at Garmin, on the basis that they are pretty common across the sports GPS device market and there are a bazillion models from the last decade or so one of which should suit.
Edge 810 maybe?
I've actually been impressed by the cheap Edge 510 (which is pretty old technology now) I got off fleabay over summer, however it lacks mapping which the 810 had.
obviously the newer you go the higher the numbers get, I believe the 520, 520+ and 820 had mapping and of course if you can stretch to the 530/830 you'll be getting the newest bestest devices Garmin are flogging this week.
There are also various "touring" labelled models from recent years which forego some of the sensor connectivity options but have mapping functions, but they weren't such big sellers...
Oh and before you buy anything read up on it on DC Rainmaker.
Garmin Edge Explore. I was a bit worried about getting on because the old Edge Touring was so flaky, but the Edge Explore has been spot on.
Full colour maps, that you can pan around whilst riding
Sync with Garmin Connect and onwards to Strava automatically
Create routes in Strava (with heatmap data) then browse them directly on the device and follow - no cables required
Routing actually works
You can navigate to points of interest or map locations at any time inc mid ride
Touch screen works with gloves and in the rain.
Great device.