Which cycle computer or GPS unit?

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I'm after mainly a computer that can give me miles done, the cheapo tesco has to go back the hub dynamo or light interferes with it.

This got me thinking, as I'm getting longer and longer rides out. I was planning on just using maps. This was mainly due to the battery life of GPS units not being long enough. My rides of hundred miles can go over 13 hours and as such I tend to stay to routes I know.

This has been a problem on a recent planned ride from st Anne's to Lancaster on a night ride, I chose to just do circuits due to my computer cocking up and not feeling like getting the map out in the dark.

So I need preferably a GPS with replaceable batteries, but a better than a bread crumb trail, I wasn't impressed with it on my garmin 500.

So what are my options? I've tried looking for threads but they're quite old and the garmin site is confusing as it leads to discontinued units.

 

[coffeejo]

Can't help re: the unit but a friend of mine keeps his Garmin 800 charged from the hub dynamo so it never runs out of juice.

 

[StuAff]

Sounds like you want an eTrex 20 (or perhaps the more expensive 30). https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=87771 Takes AAs, 25 hour battery life, mapping...
Lot of useful stuff over on YACF https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=63.0

An Edge 705/800/810 (plus optional external power of some kind for longer runs- USB can both power & charge them) would also work, but more expensive, battery not quickly swappable (they can be replaced, just done my 705, but only with the aid of a screwdriver) and the training stuff you almost certainly don't want or need.

Edit: As coffejo has noted, dynamo with a USB outlet (e-Werk etc) would do the trick. Could also power an eTrex, mind....

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I looked at the etrex 20 and thought it was discontinued for some reason. Cheers.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Found a bargain an etrex 30 for £129 on groupon, I'll order tomorrow.

What is a base map? Is like a car satnav? Ie if I change my mind or get lost can i reroute?

 

[StuAff]

Base map is the one that's hardwired into the unit. If it's anything like the one on the 705, not worth the bother (according to mine Pompey has four or five roads. In total).

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Ah like the training software one, a bit naff.

Does that mean I have to buy additional maps?

 

[StuAff]

Ah like the training software one, a bit naff.

Does that mean I have to buy additional maps?

Open Street Maps work....

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Yeah cheers, I've just been googling cheers. More complicated than a map!

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Etrex 30 ordered with chunky looking golf cart bracket, the cycling one looked flimsy.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Thanks for the help.

 

[Payneys]

Only had Garmin myself - the 310 st wrist watch type and have now got the 800 .
Got to say the 800 with the uk mapping is brilliant use it for road and MTB never been over 8 hrs riding but lasts this period of time easily.

 

[Andy_G]

Had the Garmin 500(loved it), now got the 800(love it more), so easy to use and certainly helps up the training.