Garmin GPS maps or not ?

[Nosaj]

Firstly I apologise but my ignorance on this topic is quite appalling.

I want a decent cycling computer that I would be able to download data and assess all the usual training stuff avg speed, heart rate ascent etc. The 500 appeared to be exactly what I was after.

Then I got swayed by the 800 perhaps adding maps would be good but....

I tend to ride on road in a group most of the time - no need for maps
When I train I stick to a known loop as it is easier to track progress - no need for maps
I do go off road - and I usually get hopelessly lost even locally - a need for maps
If I got separated from the road group on a route I am not familiar with - a need for maps
Very occassionaly I need to get somewhere and I am not entirely sure of the best route - a need for maps.
If I go in a group on a route and I like it it would be nice to log the route so I could ride it again - a need for maps
Once or twice a year I ride outside of my locale - a need for maps.

The price difference between the 500 and 800 is quite steep (i.e. virtually double for the performance & navigation option from wiggle) and I am wondering if it is really worth it for my needs as I have been plugging along fine for the last two years.

So are the base maps that come with the unit good enough to plot a route in advance, log a route I went on with my club ride, find my way back home if I get lost on or off road then perhaps if can go for the performance model only and stick with the base maps I can justify the difference in pricing and have my cake and eat it. If I had to add on umpteen different maps, navigational software and so on which I understand can become expensive then perhaps just the 500 is the one.

Is there anyone out there who can put me out of my misery.

Thanks

 

[PpPete]

I don't know about the different Edge models - but the Garmin base maps are about as much use as a chocolate teapot for any sort of navigation.

That said - you may be able to use non-Garmin (and therefore much cheaper) mapping on an 800.

I use OSM on my Etrex Legend and it does everything I want of it in terms of mapping and navigation, recording tracks/speeds etc. but doesnt include heart rate.

I think the new Etrex 30 may do heart rates ?

 

[ColinJ]

I prefer maps on the PC at home (but you could use online route plotting sites), my routes to be planned in advance and sticking to them when out, therefore I do not need maps on my GPS. If you want flexibility when out, then you'd need the mapping.

If I were going to go offroad, I'd want to be using OS mapping (or the equivalent) at 1:25,000 scale. I:50,000 maps do not show enough detail.

AFAIK - all GPS types will record a tracklog of where you have been which you can upload to your computer later for reference or to pass on to other people.

 

[mchunt]

The included maps are useless but with open cycle maps downloaded I find the mapping and directions very useful when heading out on new routes.

 

[Edwards80]

I use the 800 with OpenCycleMaps - Off road and on. I love it.

I bought the basic model here - http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/3510/garmin-edge-800-

You can purchase a memory card with the UK maps pre loaded to just plug into the 800 and off you go - http://shop.opencyclemap.org/collections/frontpage/products/opencyclemap-gps-uk-ireland - You can legally get the same for free but it requires a little bit of work manipulating the files etc. - by no means difficult though.

The base maps are useless - quite literally.

 

[fossyant]

£14.99 for a free map.
The Open Maps are available all over and you can also get ones with cycle tracks/canals etc which are routable - all for free.

Oh and if you know where to look , you can get the Garmin City Nav (and others) for nowt. I paid for the city nav when I got my 705, but recently 'updated' it with one I 'found', if you know what I mean

 

[Edwards80]

I should have added that the £15 goes towards helping fund the OSM/OCM projects but aye it is free, more of a 'donation' really.

I certainly haven't 'acquired' the citynav stuff to compare it . . prefer the free OCM stuff though!

 

[BigTam]

Just got an Edge 800, not impressed with the Garmin City maps.

 

[Nosaj]

Many thanks for the feedback it has certainly helped