Newb asking for some GPS advice. Please

[SavageSam]

Hello everyone, I'm new here.  I don't own a GPS unit for my bike. I'm thinking about this one. http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/CC-GL50/ Or a Garmin equivalent. I know enough to know I don't know enough to make an informed purchase. I want the ability to add a HRM, but I don't know what types of gadgets I might want to add later. Looking for any and all advice or tips to make the right choice, as this is somewhat of a "Big ticket" (I'm poor OR cheap, take your pick) purchase for me. Thank you for reading my post.

[mdxix]

What are you looking for in a GPS unit?

The Cat Eye you refer to is "Designed for the competitive cyclist" that displays riding data such as speed, distance, HR, etc.

Typically for touring and long distance riding, I rely on a unit that has navigation functions to show route, turns, and points of interest, instead of frequently looking at a map or cue sheet.

What will you use the GPS for?

[SavageSam]

If I'm reading between the lines correctly, the Cateye does not operate like a GPS unit in a car. I would want one that I could use as a traditional GPS with mapping abilities. So, sounds like the Cateye is out & I will have to pony up more money right? Suggestions? I don't compete, but I like gadgets that do it all.

[mdxix]

Here are a few Garmin gadgets that do it all (or most).

Note that all these devices take some time to get used to. There is at times a steep learning curve for setting them up for use, creating tracks, managing tracks, and navigating while on the road.

Once you learn how to use them though, they can be one of your best friends on the road. They just need patience, a few phone calls to Garmin support, and trials in your local neighborhood.

Here are the options:

Model	MSRP (you can often find lower prices in retail stores and online)	Map in background	Heart rate (belt purchased separately)	Navigation	Comments
Edge 810	$499	Yes	Yes	Yes: Turn-by-turn navigation with proper map installed. Create new routes or destinations on the unit. Otherwise, navigate without a map similar to Edge 510 below	This is the latest GPS cum bicycle computer cum navigation machine. It should be fantastic when it works. Earlier releases of the firmware on the unit had many defects. The unit was practically not usable. I think they fixed many of the issues by now.
Edge 510	$329	No	Yes	Yes. There are a couple of options: Follow the route as displayed on the screen on blank background, prone to error without street map With advanced options, the route file can contain turn-by-turn navigation options	This is my current favorite. I navigate with it on new routes all the time with no trouble. Very easy to use. Very stable. Many advanced features.
eTrex 30	$299	Yes	Yes	Yes, similar navigation to the Edge 810.	This is one solid GPS, practically indestructible, very long battery life, AA batteries can be replaced easily, very easy and simple to operate.
eTrex 10	$109	No	No	Yes, similar navigation to the Edge 510.	Similar to eTrex 30 with fewer functions and features, but very usable.

[SavageSam]

Thank you very much MdXIX.

[Steve All]

The new Garmin Edge Touring (uses OpenStreetMap for basemap and routing) might be a contender, too.

[mdxix]

The new Garmin Edge Touring (uses OpenStreetMap for basemap and routing) might be a contender, too.

Indeed. It is available for pre-order. The basic unit without heart-rate support is $249. The Plus unit with heart-rate support is $299.

Note that all of the mapping units listed above also use OpenStreetMap for basemap and routing. Instructions and test results are at:

• ACA Forum discussion
• DC Rainmaker instructions

[SavageSam]

Thanks very much. Definately want to be able to add a HRM later.