Garmin devices and similar

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geo

Well-Known Member
Location
Liverpool
Can anyone offer me some advice on the subject of Garmins. I am looking to get one (not sure which ) just to make my rides more enjoyable I know apps like Strava will do similar (or at least I think they do ) Does anyone have any opinions on the worth of these things as some are well in excess of £300, if so which do you recommend and why, thanks .
 

martint235

Dog on a bike
Location
Welling
If you want to ride stupidly long distances then I'd go for the Etrex series as you can replace the batteries. They also aren't quite as expensive as the Edge series but they don't allow you to play Strava.
 

marinyork

Resting in suspended Animation
Location
Logopolis
Don't personally see the cult status of the 800 unless you're going to be buying it for hard core training. If you are then fair dos.

I would recommend one of the two Garmin Dakota models (bought from an official dealer that actually offers warranties I would like to stress in particular).

The etrex range has been revamped. What was the etrex series was replaced by 3 models of 'etrex' the 10/20/30 and two dakota models 10/20. All the specs are at the garmin website.
 

Mike!

Guru
Location
Suffolk
I do believe (and i don't have a Garmin) that the Garmin's can upload directly to Strava when plugged into the USB cable in your PC so they are pretty convenient.

The software from my Holux device will create a GPX file which can be uploaded to Strava, it's just an extra step or two over the garmin so not quite as easy but works all the same...
.
 

Andrew_Culture

Internet Marketing bod
I do believe (and i don't have a Garmin) that the Garmin's can upload directly to Strava when plugged into the USB cable in your PC so they are pretty convenient.

The software from my Holux device will create a GPX file which can be uploaded to Strava, it's just an extra step or two over the garmin so not quite as easy but works all the same...
.

Which Holux do you have? I have the very cheapest gpsport245 and am considering upgrading to something with a moving map on it.
 

snorri

Legendary Member
I am a recent convert to the use of gps whilst cycle touring.:smile: It depends what you mean by "more enjoyable" , but the gps did relieve me of a small degree of stress at the end of each day.
I had bought a Garmin Etrex for about £90 online for use with another interest I pursue and decided at the last minute to take it along with me on a recent tour. It proved very useful for routing me back to my tent/hostel/hotel after a day of sightseeing or evening in the pub. I did not want a replay of the previous tour when one night the German police became involved in helping me find my tent . The Garmin got me back to bed with least delay every night. It was also useful when some interesting feature diverted me off my route, after investigating the feature the Garmin got me back on track.
 

Berties

Fast and careful!
As my cadence sensor requires a specific unit,I researched the Bryton range and finished with a bryton ride 40,I love it ! links to a piece of downloaded software called bridge 2 which is great,the ride 40 gives you all the information you could require,you can download workout files to computer and upload to endamondo i use tcx as it seems more accurately imported,I have a hrm,and got it fitted all in for £125 have a look http://corp.brytonsport.com/products/rider40?lang=en-us
 

Mike!

Guru
Location
Suffolk
Which Holux do you have? I have the very cheapest gpsport245 and am considering upgrading to something with a moving map on it.

I have the GPSport 260, never pre programmed a route to follow so couldn't tell you what it's like! I'm actually considering upgrading to get cadence so I can improve my pedalling. If you want to take a look at one I'm in Ipswich
;-)
 

david k

Hi
Location
North West
Are there any that automatically upload to Endomondo or Strava, maybe via WiFi or summit similar?
my edge 800 will upload to endo, just click import, it gives you an option to click garmin devices and it finds it automatically, click it and it uploads in seconds. its not wifi though. you can do several rides on the garmin then upload them all at once
 

2PedalsTez

Über Member
I do believe (and i don't have a Garmin) that the Garmin's can upload directly to Strava when plugged into the USB cable in your PC so they are pretty convenient.
.

Correct. I've got a Garmin Edge 500 and only very recently joined Strava. I plugged my Garmin in as normal, logged into Strava and selected upload. It detected the device and uploaded ALL of my rides (currently stored in the 500). It did take a while for me to read through all my times for so many different stages!

I wouldn't be without my Garmin!
 
Most of the Garmin (and many other) GPS systems will appear on your Computer as a hard drive with the name label.

All you are doing is importing a file.

The problem lies with file formats as there are many. *.CRS *.GPX, *.TCX , *FIT and others.

One tip though is to keep the number of files on the GPS down as it will take longer and longer to upload as the files are searched and matched against those already uploaded
 
OP
OP
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geo

Well-Known Member
Location
Liverpool
Thanks everyone,lots of good advice for me to ponder. Still not sure which to get but at least you have all given me a good starting point,cheers.
 
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