GPS--What should I use on my bike?

[jessica47201]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience using GPS while riding. I'm looking to start commuting to work, since the main road is actually a US highway and not wanting to ride that route, I was thinking about GPS. I have a route mapped out but a GPS would make it so much easier. Any suggestions, that won't break the bank?

[7rider]

I'd recommend using Google maps or a similar program on your computer at home. Plot out a route - print the directions if you'd like - and ride the route on the weekend, when you aren't going to work, you aren't rushed, and traffic is likely to be lighter.

[zoom-zoom]

I have a Garmin Forerunner that I use for running and biking...LOVE it as a bike computer, but I don't plot routes out in advance and follow them on the Garmin. I think it's possible, but I haven't really looked into that capability. If you don't run I think the Edge might be a better solution...but it's not cheap. I agree with the recommendation to print out a Google Map. That's about the cheapest available solution.

[OakLeaf]

"GPS bike computer with mapping capability" and "not breaking the bank" don't really go in the same sentence (depending on how big your bank is :p).

If you don't care about bike computer features and don't plan to ride in wet weather, you might look at a Garmin Nüvi. Those are entry-level automotive units with no weatherproofing. I'm pretty sure you can get handlebar mounts for them.

But yeah - printing out a cue sheet and a map would be the simplest way to go -

[jessica47201]

I already did a que sheet off of Google and I did one on mapmyride.com, I was just thinking about actually GPS, saw prices and thought I would see if anyone had any ideas. Yeah, my bank is pretty small, and paper is cheaper!!

[OakLeaf]

In case anyone's keeping score, I checked and it turns out I misspoke, two of the Nüvi units are actually waterproof. They're both $300. The cheaper ones (starting at $119) are not.

[wavedancer]

I have been using a Garmin 305 for the past 3 years and really like it as a bike computer as well as a navigating device. It doesn't have actual mapping capabilities like the fancier 705, but you can upload a route and it will give you a bread-crumb trail to follow and turn-by-turn directions. You can get a refurbished one with one year warranty for about $180, new with cadence and heart monitor for aobut $250.

[KnottedYet]

If this is going to be your commute, you will have it memorized in 2 or maybe 3 days.

Ride, not GPS!