| GPS Recommendations. | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 27 2011, 04:42 PM (322 Views) | |
| Tez | Sep 27 2011, 04:42 PM Post #1 |
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Fairly Muddied
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Hi all After Saturday's issues with way marking at the exposure ride, I'm thinking about getting a gps of some description, maybe second hand depending on the cost. Can anyone out there recommend a good one or what to look for? I'm not too great when it comes to technology!! Thanks  Terry. |
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| guy | Sep 28 2011, 08:09 PM Post #2 |
Mudking
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I use a Garmin Edge 705 (after using a Garmin Etrex Summit for a few years) that includes a heart rate monitor. Its a really good gps unit with a lot of good software to track both your riding and fitness. It is a bit pricey (it was a present that I would have not bought for myself) and there are some cheaper units now available. I do Like Garmin kit (we have three GPS units we use for Cycling, Hiking and Geocaching) as its usually well designed and durable, There are a lot of otehr recreationaland Cycle specific GPS units availale too though. There are some new Garmin units that area bit smaller and have better displays now, the 705 has been superseeded by the 800 which has a touchscreen now (very useful) and also runs OS maps (realy really useful) and there is a cheaper 500 but this has less mapping facilities, there is a basic 205 model that is really a more advanced cycle computer but it may be worth looking at if you just want simplicity . The garmin units are also waterproof and can survive a lot of abuse...my original Etrex was dropped about 10m down a cliff and still works ok  info at http://www.garmin.com/uk/edge-series#1You can probably get a second-hand Edge 305 or 705 on ebay now. You can also try using a smartphone (iPhone or Android) running GoogleMaps with an OtterBox to keep things waterproof but you will always have issues with battery life: My Samsung phone can drain its battery in about 2hrs running the GPS... |
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| timmyb | Sep 29 2011, 09:06 AM Post #3 |
Fairly Muddied
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Not sure what you're looking at spending on one Terry but I came across this review on the soon to launch Edge 200 model. Looks like a lot of features have been stripped off the higher end models to keep the cost down, might be a bit too basic? http://bikemagic.com/gear/first-looks/garm...s-computer.html |
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| Mark | Sep 29 2011, 10:05 AM Post #4 |
Muddy@rse'd
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There's no right answer to this as it depends greatly on what you want the GPS to do. For example, do you want OS maps or do you just want to know where you've been, where you are, and a route to follow? The Garmin Edge units are very nice and slim, a few M@ers have these, and they look great on the stem. I have a Garmin eTrex, which is more of a walker's GPS, and it runs on standard AA batteries so no worries about running out of power on long trips away from home. Mine spends most of the time in my CamelBak data logging instead, but I do bar mount it sometimes. Most of the cheaper GPSes will log where you've been, and even let you pre-plan a route (using a PC for example) and then follow it. If you've got a printed map and just want to know where you are to make sure you're where you're supposed to be, they can give you an OS grid ref too which can then be used on the printed map. Garmin do some more expensive GPSes that can take OS maps, but remember that the maps themselves cost too. I've never used them, but the Lowrance GPSes from Mapyx look good VFM, mainly because maps from Mapyx are so cheap - you can even just buy individual 1:25K scale 10km tiles for just over £2 each. If you just want to know exactly where you are, the GPS in most newer mobiles will do the job. They'll log an entire ride too, but that will drain the phone battery. |
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| Tez | Sep 29 2011, 11:04 AM Post #5 |
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Fairly Muddied
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Thanks very much your replies. I'd mainly use it for logging where i've ridden, downloading routes and be able follow them. I'm not too worried about heart rate etc but if it comes with this I'd probably use it. It does sound like garmin is the way to go though. Terry. |
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| EddyDave | Sep 29 2011, 04:28 PM Post #6 |
Bog Monster
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Tez, I don't know if you saw my post about the 15% discount at Blacks/Millets? Because if you go for a Garmin and order it through them (depending on where you are and which store it may even be in stock) you could get the 15% off that! |
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| Rob1963 | Sep 29 2011, 08:16 PM Post #7 |
Collecting Speckles
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I have used a Garmin Edge 205 for years now, if you dont need mapping this is excellent. It has waypoint marking and navigate back to start etc also has a multitude of choices from time of day, altitude, average dist speed , calories training partner etc etc etc............................... |
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| Tez | Sep 30 2011, 11:55 AM Post #8 |
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Fairly Muddied
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Thanks for your replies chaps! I've found a Garmin Edge 800 for £145 on the net, so I'll probably get that. Terry. |
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