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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?
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.
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.
"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 -
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!!
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.
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.
If this is going to be your commute, you will have it memorized in 2 or maybe 3 days.
Ride, not GPS!