GPS For Bikes? Good Value Ones Please

[Velocivixen]

I don't own anything with GPS as I keep waiting for prices to drop (yeah right!). I see a lot of clearance bike oriented GPS units like the Garmin Edge 500, etc. For around $250. I don't need heart rate/calories because I use my Polar FT40 for that. Interested in distance, elevation, the route I took, etc. What ones would be a good value for the $$?

Thanks. Oh, hopefully it would play nicely with my Mac. :)

[OakLeaf]

If elevation is important to you, make sure you get one with a barometric altimeter. Of current Garmin fitness computer models, only the 500 and the 800 offer barometric.

Do you want street mapping capability? It'll cost you, but IMO it's totally worth it. Not so important off the bike nowadays, when phones navigate faster and with voice prompts, but if for whatever reason you need to conserve your phone battery, you can use your bike GPS in the car. On bike, besides the triple/quadruple battery life you get from a dedicated computer vs. a phone, the main difference in navigation is that I'm not aware of any phone app that lets you navigate a pre-set route.

You might be able to find a deal on a superseded Garmin model like a 605 or 705, if you look around.

I really think that if you're interested in elevation, you are going to want to integrate your fitness data (cadence, HR) with that - and while there are probably software solutions to get data from two computers into the same track, it's got to be a royal PITA to do that every ride. That said, if you're really willing to dispense with fitness data, an orienteering computer like a Garmin eTrex series might be your best bargain.

I know zilch about other brands ... we're a Garmin family. :p

[Velocivixen]

Oh thanks for the quick response. So to clarify, I do not need the fitness data, just want , well I'm not sure what I want. I have a Cateye Strada Wireless that tells distance, average/max speed and that sort of thing. Basically I'm a tech geek on a budget! I don't really care about cadence, although I know having an efficient cadence gives you ore stamina, etc. I think, as you said, navigation could be nice but may be $$$$. I usually already have my route planned by google maps and/or use of my local bike oriented maps. I really just want to geek out with my bike. I like Garmin too. I took a GPS class at REI then went and drooled over GPS units. ;)

[zoom-zoom]

I LOVE my Garmin Forerunner 305. For $140 I have GPS and a wireless HRM monitor, as well as the ability to pair it with a cadence/speed/distance sensor that even works indoors with the trainer (with the GPS turned-off). I had one before I started biking, as I used it for running. It makes an ideal cycling computer for my needs, as well.

[Rchan]

Love my garmin 800, but it was not cheap. Great on data for the ride, plus can also download rides from others, store, and get a cute little beep when a turn is coming up.

[Velocivixen]

Okay, thanks all. I forgot to mention that I do not have a smartphone at this point. I'm researching the Garmins as we speak. It kills me though that the prices for these devices have not dropped over the years.

[azfiddle]

I have the Garmin 305 and it has many great features, including altitude but does not give you maps while you ride. I usually take the same routes, which I'm familiar with, so it hasn't been an issue, and I [I]just[I] got an Iphone so that means I will have maps now most of the time.

[OakLeaf]

Comparo of some of Garmin's lower priced orienteering computers:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=143&compareProduct=30026&compareProduct=87774&compareProduct=30122

Handlebar mounts are available for all of them.

[Velocivixen]

Thanks everyone. I am considering the "non bike" specific ones also.

[CyborgQueen]

Garmin Edge 500. You'll love it. It does not have a "MAP" like Edge 800, BUT...you can go on MapMyRide.com, map it out, export the route, and put it in Edge 500 (also for FR 305), and then it will show up as a crude map, and you follow it like breadcrumbs.

Like this picture. (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MJtyCY8ffEA/TD8z4RwHcHI/AAAAAAAAAGs/CgpSgRgqpas/s1600/Garmin-Edge-500-Course-Map.jpg)

As you improve, you can add on more features, such as HRM, cadence/speed sensor (more reliable especially in woodsy areas). If you decide to get a bike, you can get Madone with DuoTrap built in the frame. Garmin Edge 500 is ANT+ capable, FR 305 is not.

Good luck! :-)

I have FR 305 because I also run, fwiw.

[Titania]

If you have a smartphone, there are apps available that do all of the things you're looking for. One of those might be a good bridge you can use until you can get a stand-alone unit. I use an iPhone app called B.iCycle. It tracks: Routes on map, distance, elevation, time, average spped, max speed and calories. You can email each trip to yourself or post via several avenues. IIRC, it was $10.

[nscrbug]

I have a Garmin Edge 500...picked mine up last March from Pro Bike Kit (a UK outfit) during a sale. I paid $266 for the bundle with cadence sensor & HRM and it's the "neutral" colored one (black/silver) not the original blue one (which would not have gone well with my bike color). I really like "seeing" the route I've ridden on Google Maps when you upload to Garmin Connect...very neat feature. And it works just fine with a Mac (we got one too).

Linda

[ScaldedCat]

A smartphone/iPhone and Runkeeper work well for me. Runkeeper is great.

[kimikaw]

I LOVE my Garmin Forerunner 305. For $140 I have GPS and a wireless HRM monitor, as well as the ability to pair it with a cadence/speed/distance sensor that even works indoors with the trainer (with the GPS turned-off). I had one before I started biking, as I used it for running. It makes an ideal cycling computer for my needs, as well.

+1 on affordability and usefulness of the 305. I also like the ease of sync w/ a variety of on line training trackers ( daily mile, mapmyride, etc). I know all Garmins do this, but being able to also use for runs, hikes, etc is really nice.

And my phone works if I need to map my way out of anywhere. ( and endomondo on my phone is another backup gps workout tracking app)

[bellissima]

Garmin's new Edge 200 is going to sell for $150 brand new. If all you want is a GPS based computer, but will also upload to Training Center and Garmin Connect. That way you can still see your ride on a map in your PC.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=90675

[Velocivixen]

Those are some great ideas. Unfortunately we use Sprint as our cellular phone carrier and are waiting for them to offer iPhones. So currently my phone is not a "smart phone". :(

I saw that bikeradar has a new review on the Edge 200. I looked at the 305 also. Thanks a lot. I think between my Cateye Strada (distance, average/max speed, time) and my Polar FT40 HRM, I really just need something to plot my routes (the routes I have traveled to upload when I get home AND to give me route directions when I'm out riding). In reality, if I'm riding a new route I typically map it on google maps, print it out and stick it in my pocket and stop periodically to see where I turn, etc. I think the one I would really want would be the Edge 800 and I can't afford that now.

[zoom-zoom]

Garmin's new Edge 200 is going to sell for $150 brand new. If all you want is a GPS based computer, but will also upload to Training Center and Garmin Connect. That way you can still see your ride on a map in your PC.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=90675

Sure does offer a lot fewer features than the Forerunner 305, but for $10 more. The screen set-up isn't even customizable. I don't think I'd even look at that for more than $100.

[TsPoet]

Sure does offer a lot fewer features than the Forerunner 305, but for $10 more. The screen set-up isn't even customizable. I don't think I'd even look at that for more than $100.

It'll be on sale soon for a lower price, I hope.
I'm thinking of for my mom, who can't get the magnets on her wheels to work :rolleyes:, so she wants a GPS.

bump for this thread - other suggestions on what to get a woman who can't use a bike computer because she can't keep the magnets lined up? simple simple simple. She won't wear a HR strap, and doesn't know what cadence is.
(she actually puts a lot of miles on her recumbent trike and really enjoys it, she just is a completely hopeless with anything remotely technological)

[zoom-zoom]

It'll be on sale soon for a lower price, I hope.
I'm thinking of for my mom, who can't get the magnets on her wheels to work :rolleyes:, so she wants a GPS.

bump for this thread - other suggestions on what to get a woman who can't use a bike computer because she can't keep the magnets lined up? simple simple simple. She won't wear a HR strap, and doesn't know what cadence is.
(she actually puts a lot of miles on her recumbent trike and really enjoys it, she just is a completely hopeless with anything remotely technological)

The Forerunner 205 is cheaper than the 305. Only difference is that it lacks the wireless capabilities to use HRM or cadence-sensor. Sounds perfect for her needs.

[ny biker]

What does she want the GPS for? If it's to tell her when to turn, I don't know if anything other than the Edge 800 would help. The others just have the breadcrumbs, right?

[TsPoet]

The Forerunner 205 is cheaper than the 305. Only difference is that it lacks the wireless capabilities to use HRM or cadence-sensor. Sounds perfect for her needs.

That looks great, too, and she could use it for all of the walking she does, too.


What does she want the GPS for? If it's to tell her when to turn, I don't know if anything other than the Edge 800 would help. The others just have the breadcrumbs, right?

The 500, which I have, actually does a nice job of breadcrumbs. I think that mapping is probably beyond her technological abilities!

I think I'll give her a choice of the Forerunner with a bike mount, or the edge 200.
thanks