Garmin or fancy android phone

[blue_angel]

I have both a fancy Android phone and a Garmin Forerunner 305. The Garmin has the added benefit of being easily mounted onto your bike and working with a cadence sensor. No Android app lets you do that. To be honest, I never use the GPS function on the Garmin, except for when I download my workouts into the software, so I can't speak to that particular aspect, which might be what you care about more than mounting and cadence.

Either way, you'll get something great. And congrats on your milestone birthday!

[TrekTheKaty]

I recommend a garmin. I use the heart rate, cadence, speed and mileage features, along with downloading info to mapmyride (iphone, if we think we're lost). I have a garmin 305 (left over from running days) that DH just confiscated for Strava. Lately, I've been using mapmyride on my iphone. The ant+ handlebar mount is another $100, so i can't see my info while riding (jersey pocket). I also worry about battery life on long rides, so I'll be buying a Garmin 500(?) soon.

[tprevost]

definitely the Garmin! We splurged on new Garmins a few months ago (had the 305's before that) and the new ones are fabulous!!! Wish we had made that purchase a while ago!!!

[Owlie]

I have neither, and I know someone mentioned this up-thread, but I'd be concerned about those apps eating your phone's battery life and not having the phone in an emergency.

[Dogmama]

I LOVE my Garmin. I'd be concerned that a smart, high powered phone couldn't take the jostling on a bike (in addition to everything else about battery life, etc.) If I'm doing a new ride with tricky turns, I just print it out on my computer & carry the map with me in case I get lost. Believe me - I get lost coming out of public restrooms because I have no sense of direction. My legally blind friend guides me around downtown - no kidding.

My phone has a mapping function that will show me where I'm at & how to get out. The problem is, it doesn't show the road conditions. So that "shortcut" could be dirt road.

Are you telling what your milestone is?

[KnottedYet]

to heck with Garmin...

Nothing says "milestone" like a new bike!

[rubysoho]

I was all excited to use mapmyride on my droid2. I haven't been able to get "accurate gps" signal in any of my rides and so it cannot track my mileage. I am just outside D.C. So it isn't like there is an excuse for no signal. Go with the garmin! I wish I had one.