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I'd like to get a dedicated GPS device so my phone is kept for 'in case I need it' duties, but allows me to explore some more - gravel, road and mtb. I record activities with my Garmin Instinct watch. I'm not interested in 'training data', only in navigation and I'd like maps not breadcrumbs. I'd like to be able to use it for Komoot, Strava and GPX routes that I've got from a few books. I'm not tech savvy so it needs to be idiot proof, and I don't have a PC/laptop so it's got to work getting routes from apps/phone. The edge explore looks like it fits the bill, but the edge 530 appears to have better battery life according to other threads I've found, although I'm not 100% sure I know what I'm reading 😂. Money is an object, so anything above £200 is an absolute no. Suggestions gratefully received, preferably based on your own use experience. TIA
I don't know about the Explore, but I use Komoot for route planning with my Edge 530. It is set up so that any route I plan on Komoot (using PC or phone) automatically becomes a "Course" in Garmin Connect. When I synchronise my phone and my Edge, the Komoot route is on the Edge. Takes seconds.
However, and please take this in a well-meaning way, not being "tech-savvy" is a bit of a choice. Expect to have to develop some amount of savvy if you're going to get the most out of the technology.
and please take this in a well-meaning way,
Well taken 😂 I use Garmin Connect, Strava and Komoot, so generally stick to routes already created/shared!
Garmin edge 530 or the explore. Latter seems more suited to your usecase
If you’re looking at the Explore then really you should choose the Explore 2, the battery is massively better - although over budget.
I just use an iPhone 12 mini + quad-lock mount and my Instict Solar watch these days. The map on the Instict is basic but works most of the time and you can always check the phone for a better view of things. I use this setup for bikepacking and also thru-hiking.
Recommend what you have:
Garmin Edge (2) etc
Treat yourself to Talky Toaster maps:
Plot routes using: https://cycle.travel/
Download gpx and transfer to device via Garmin Connect on your phone;
Chatter: https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/garmin-map-experts-help/
The edge explore looks like it fits the bill, but the edge 530 appears to have better battery life according to other threads I’ve found, although I’m not 100% sure I know what I’m reading 😂. Money is an object, so anything above £200 is an absolute no.
The Explore* is the one to go for if you don't want/need all the training stuff clogging it up, it's a decent bit of kit.
*What you actually want is the Explore 2, the newer model with far better battery life but that's over budget...
Amazon have the Explore at £198 and the Explore 2 at £250. If you can stretch that extra £50, it'd be well worth it.
FWIW, Explore user here - when I first got it it'd do 10hr days in full navigation easily. Now, 18 months later, it'll only do about 6hrs on full nav, you can maybe stretch it to 8hrs on battery saver mode but I routinely take a small powerpack with me on all-day rides now, I just don't trust it to last.
Don't get too hung up on the Edge 2 battery life.
With an Edge I've done a full day of touring (80 miles from Stirling to Pitlochry on back roads taking 8hrs or so).
Had it set to prompt just before a turn and it worked fine.
Recharged overnight and did the same the next day into Loch Ossian, and then Aviemore etc
Carried a small portable charger just in case but didn't need it.
I run this mount - positioned over the stemcap. Just rotate it out of the way to access the OneUp tool if required.
https://www.velochampion.cc/products/garmin-gps-handlebar-mount
You mentioned not having a PC and being able to use from a phone, as well as routes from books etc.
I can confirm this is totally possible with the Garmin Explore (and I assume other Garmin models). I was on holiday last year in Luxembourg, found some interesting routes online while there, and was able to import to the Garmin phone app and then send to the device. No computer needed, and was actually fantastic to be able to do that on the fly with no advance planning.
I’ve got the edge explore and my wife has the 530. Explore has a bigger screen and is touch screen which I like, but the battery on the 530 is way better.
Lezyne Mega XL has "proper" maps and you can download areas to the GPS unit and your mobile to do navigation solely from offline routing, rather than relying on the Ally app on your mobile having a decent mobile data reception. Massive battery, good sized screen, much more customisable screen layout and data fields than it had when released in '18. Never used navigation off-road, but decent on-road, besides having to be attentive at staggered crossroads.
Gutted when I misplaced mine last autumn in the last ~5mins of my train journey, still not bought a replacement, can be had for ~£160.
Other options I'm currently looking at are Garmin Edge 530 and the iGPSport igs630, still need to find out if the Lezyne Super Pro has the same functionality including "proper" maps as the Mega XL but with a smaller (but still very decent 28hrs) battery.
Mr Goat I’ve emailed you regarding a Mega XL I have for sale.
Just a quick update on this, and thanks for everyone's input! Bewildered by the array of devices and the number of threads, I decided I needed to just plump for a device before considering if a bigger investment is worthwhile for what I do/need/might need. So, I've picked up a refurbished Edge Explore. Seems good so far. Oh, and @scotroutes, I've even managed to connect everything up using Garmin Connect and got Komoot on the Explore too as an app! I can even see the routes I've previously planned! (Proud usually-an-eejit moment 🤣🤣🤣). Thanks folks
Edit: to include site I bought from
https://g.eu.factoryoutletstore.com/
I was actually looking at these yesterday as Argos has them on offer but can't get over how small the screen is.
That's a bargain price although from what I've been reading the battery isn't very good on this version and was remedied with the Explore 2. I found this out through being in a similar position to you and doing some research so not trying to wizz on your chips just passing info along that might be helpful dependent on how far or long you're intending on riding 🙂
Have you tried the course aspect with the instict and don't like it?
You can save a course from Komoot and follow it on your watch. Just its a line rather than being on a full map.
I have both the Edge Explore and a 530. Yr Edge Explore is much better for navigation because you can easily pan the map to check out where you are going, or you can navigate without a route and just zoom out and look ahead at the map. For me this is extremely useful. You can do it on the 530 but it's a right faff with a tiny non-touch screen.
Have you tried the course aspect with the instict and don’t like it?
Given my arm is usually inside a jersey or jacket I felt this wasn't going to be as viable as a bar/stem mounted option. 'My' weather doesn't allow for short sleeves that much of the time 😂
The edge explore looks like it fits the bill
I have an edge explore and an Instinct like you suggest I do recording on the watch and now pretty much only use the explore for navigation.
For downloaded/plotted routes I learned the best practise is to import to Garmin Basecamp convert to a Route and then transfer to the Explore then you can get turn by turn routing on the device.
It's worth familiarising yourself with Basecamp
would I recommend the edge explore? Nope.
Battery life is not great, I can squeeze 8hrs from it with powersaver mode enabled (screen goes off between turning directions) and anything likely to be longer needs a power bank hooked up to charge on the go...
Shop about for an Edge 530; smaller screen, better battery life comparable navigation....
And the Edge 540 is imminent so 530s should be available at bargain prices