GPS For Bikes? Good Value Ones Please

[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....eProduct=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.

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.