Best GPS device for cycling

[cyclone]

Hey folks

I am soon to go on a big big ride around of northern Ireland. Along side trying to find a decent mountain bike I am also considering buying a GPS device for my bike, never had one before and I like the idea of it. I have done light research and already I am over whelmed by all the devices on the market!! there are lots! It's seems obv that different devices have different features... like tracking speed, and distances, has bluetooth and some have touchscreens like smart phones....some even can tell you if you have an incoming call/txt from your smart phone...  which seem handy...thats just to name a few... I see there are brands such as Garmin, Wahoo , polar and Magellan , sure there are doezen more! I am happy to pay a good price if it means I can keep it for a while. I want something not too big...

I found a pic out of 100's! but this for me seems like an ideal size... could go abit bigger...no smaller...



any suggestions would be much appreciated!

thanks in advance

[Pat Lamb]

What do you want to do with a GPS?  Track heart rate, power, routes, get directions, look at maps, play with buttons and flashing lights?  The answer to this "simple" question will certainly reduce your options (except for buttons and lights!).

[mdxix]

I am happy to pay a good price if it means I can keep it for a while. I want something not too big...

Buy the Garmin Edge 820, which was just announced two days ago, if you can wait until it is in the market, which will be in a few weeks. It is not too big. It has full features ready for fitness rides & extended touring.

If you cannot wait, buy the Edge 1000.

For other Garmin choices, read earlier discussion & somewhat outdated comparison chart.

Other devices that you see from other brands such as Wahoo Elemnt, Polar V650, & Magellan Cycle 505 are amazing products for fitness. They are not as suitable for extended touring rides.

[Pat Lamb]

Given Garmin's history, it'd probably be a good idea to wait 6-9 months before buying the 520.  That'll give them time to fix the few problems they'll bother with through a new software update, and then time to fix the updated software that crashes with great regularity.

Just MHO, unless you need the latest bling, buy a new Garmin (not refurb) that's about to be outdated.  It'll last as long as the new model, and they'll have a supply of parts to see your unit through the warranty period.

[aggie]

I just bought a Garmin Explore 1000 to replace my Garmin 800 and love it.  I didn't need all the racing stuff and this one has tracking built in (through your smartphone).   You can go to garmin.com and compare the features of their various models.

[cyclone]

What do you want to do with a GPS?  Track heart rate, power, routes, get directions, look at maps, play with buttons and flashing lights?  The answer to this "simple" question will certainly reduce your options (except for buttons and lights!).

Yeah ... power...routes, directions and maps for sure...

[Steve_Sr]

Got a smart phone? Use it! Just did this with my Galaxy S4 on a 5 week 1400 mile tour.

Check out:
http://www.opencyclemap.org/
http://www.openandromaps.org/
http://www.oruxmaps.com/

Much bigger & better display than any stand-alone GPS. The gravy is that most if not all local cycle routes are already part of the base maps! And, yes, these work off line without a cell signal. Buy these guys at least a cappuccino!


Steve