GPS Cycle Computer?

[JtB]

A friend of mine has a Garmin 205 which looks quite appealing, but there doesn't seem to be much discussion here about GPS cycle computers. Does anyone have any comments on the usefulness of a GPS device for training/navigation. Also, searching the internet, Garmin seems to be the main device to go for, any recommendations?
Thanks,
Shaun.

 

[john59]

I’ve been using a Garmin Edge 705 for the last couple of months and have been quite impressed. Certainly adds a new dimension to my training and touring. Plenty of info can be found here, http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php?board=86.0


John

 

[CopperBrompton]

The Edge range are for those who want fitness info, the eTrex Vista range for those who want navigation, and the 705 for those who want both.

Personally I have the eTrex Vista HCx:
http://www.benlovejoy.com/wheels/cycle/kit/gps/

Ben

 

[HJ]

There is also a long discussion of the Garmin 60Csx in the Touring and Expedition forum. There are several other threads on GPS there and in the Accessories and Clothing forum, which might be worth a look. Hope this of some help.

HJ

 

[Noodley]

A friend of mine has a Garmin 205 which looks quite appealing, but there doesn't seem to be much discussion here about GPS cycle computers. Does anyone have any comments on the usefulness of a GPS device for training/navigation. Also, searching the internet, Garmin seems to be the main device to go for, any recommendations?
Thanks,
Shaun.

If you are looking to buy a 205 get yourself over to the Classifieds section - Hover Fly had one for sale at a very good price a wee while ago.

 

[luplowe]

i have a 705 there great the computer is exellent theres all kind of ttraining stuff vituall partner race against your best time cadence heart monitor loads of stuff . the sat nav side is cool to i use uk ireland road mapping seems fine . it dosent talk it beeps at you then a box flashes up turn left into so n so etc. and another good thing it tracks evry where you go and you can view it on google earth..

 

[Bollo]

I've got a 705 and very good it is, but it definitely has its quirks when it comes to navigation. Don't expect a bike version of a car GPS. The volume of "how do I..." posts knocking around for the 705 should hint that its got a steeper learning curve than a consumer product should have. Get past these and it really is a great tool.

If you decide to buy......

The base maps supplied with the basic 605/705 are pointless, just motorways and A-roads. So budget for extra maps as well. The only semi-universal advice people give is to avoid the SD-cards with built in maps. Instead get the CD based maps, which will allow you to plan routes on your PC using their MapSource program. Also make sure you understand what maps you are buying and what they are capable of. Garmin's site is very coy about all of this. I think it borders on the unethical, but I've always found Garmin telephone support pretty good when I've had the need to ring them.

I'm not a fan of the 705's auto routing for bikes, but I've had this argument before. Use it if it works for you.