No, I’m not going to recommend that you get a setup like the one at left. But suffice it to say, I do spend a lot of time biking with various GPS units. And whether you are a road biker or a mountain biker, there’s a GPS that will work well for you, and you only need one on your handlebars! Either type of cyclist will have special needs, so let’s take a look at the options for each:
GPS for road bikers
GPS Cyclometers
The lower level Garmin Edge series is comprised of cyclometer-type GPS receivers. All of them have high-sensitivity chipsets for superior satellite reception in urban canyons and under canopy. While they are excellent cyclometers, they aren’t all that great as navigation devices (more on navigation options below). If you are primarily wanting to track your performance though, they can be an excellent choice.
A new model is the Garmin Edge 200 (seen at right), which is a basic cyclometer, though you don’t have to calibrate wheel size or mess with wires (yay!), plus you can upload your tracks to online maps and see where you’ve been and get some basic stats.
The Edge 500 adds a barometric altimeter and lets you add a heart rate monitor.
Models with turn-by-turn routing
If you want something for navigating the roads you’re riding, you’ll probably want a GPS with turn-by-turn navigation. Several Edges offer this capability. The newest model is the Garmin Edge 800 (shown at left), which brings a touch screen interface and extensive mapping capabilities to the Edge series. The previous generation includes the Garmin Edge 605 and Edge 705, the first models with color screens and mapping capability (maps purchased separately).
GPS for mountain bikers
If you want something that is primarily a training partner, the Edge series (described above) is a great choice. But most mountain bikers getting a GPS will want one that has better backcountry navigation features. Here are my top choices:
- The Garmin GPSMAP 62s (at right) has all the latest features, such as advanced track navigation, and the ability to add Garmin custom maps or BirdsEye aerial imagery. I prefer it to touch screen models such as the Garmin Oregon 450 simply because it’s easier to operate (and change screens) on the fly.
- The DeLorme PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator is a special case. This combo allows you to communicate with the outside world, even where there is no cell signal. If you venture far off the beaten track, or go it alone, this one is hard to pass up.
- Don’t want to spend as much? Consider the new Garmin eTrex 20, which brings a bevy of new features to a low-cost unit.
And no matter which unit you end up with, remember that there are plenty of free topo maps available for Garmin mapping units.
Related posts:
I am looking to purchase my first handheld gps for trail navigation on a mountain bike. Do any of these garmin models give turn by turn navigation for gpx maps of trails?
Thank you
Yes. Your best bet is one of the newer Garmin handhelds. Here’s why…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/navigating-tracks-on-the-new-garmin-handhelds.html
What’s your budget? There are good sales happening right now. Most will go on all weekend but one is today only (the Garmin 62s)…
http://bestgpsdeals.net/gandermountain-com-gps-deals-including-garmin-62s-for-249-friday-only/1392/
I was wondering if you thought any of these were better in the rain? I want to be able to take a long cycling tour, almost entirely on roads, and am sure I will encounter a fair bit of rain.
(BTW, I am leaning towards the Oregon 450, since it seems I could convert that more easily to a hiking GPS than the Edge 800 . . . sound reasonable?).
Not really. I think they are all rated IPX7 in terms of waterproofness. And despite the smaller screen, I prefer the 62s to the Oregon series for biking, since I can switch pages on it without having to look at it.
But yes, a true handheld, Oregon, 62s Montana, are much better than the Edge for hiking.
Hi Rich — I’m look to buy a GPS that mounts on a bike with the primary purpose of making new routes that other bikers can thereafter follow with turn by turn directions (and waypoint). Or downloading to the new GPS device from existing routes that I already made on my Garmin 205 that I had uploaded on Garmin Connect also with turn by turn directions (and waypoints)
You indicate on your GPS for Cyclists page that the Garmin 800 is the best device for this. But why do you not mention Nuvi 500 whose horizonal screen for maps looks terrific, and the 500 or nuvi 550 has a bike mount.
Please weigh in. Thanks. colleen
The nuvi 500 series does not allow you to load tracks, which is a big disadvantage. When I tested it, the compass performed poorly too…
http://gpstracklog.com/2008/09/garmin-nuvi-500-2.html
If you can afford it, you might want to consider this one though…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/08/garmin-montana-600-review.html
Hi Rich, I appreciate your comments about my last question and clarification about Nuvi — that was really helpful.
For my stated needs you recommend the Montana 600. I could possibly afford it but actually I don’t need all the bells and whistles of the best.
I’d like your recommendation for the most simple device that allows me to make new routes or download existing routes from Garmin Connect with turn by turn directions that I can then give the device to friends (or they buy their own) and they can follow my routes. Looking for a decent sized screen too.
I also have a Garmin e-Trex Vista, but i want something simpler. Not as simple as my Edge 205 but less complex than e-trex Vista for the task i mention.
I hope I am not sounding too fussy for you.
colleen
Most Edge and more traditional handheld units will allow you to record a track of where you’ve been or load routes from Garmin Connect. But for turn-by-turn directions, your friends would need a unit with routable maps.
The newer Garmin handhelds have an improved user interface. If you like your Vista but want something simpler, you may want to check out the eTrex 30. As far as Edge units go, the 800 sounds best for you.
do the dakotas have routable maps to enable turn by turn directions?
No, you would need to add that.
what does that mean, what exactly would you add and how?
I was wondering if you had any suggestions for live GPS tracking? I’d like family and friends to be able to track my progress via a web site on some of my extended rides. I know there are things like MapMyTracks and Instamapper but I haven’t found anything compatible yet with an ipod touch that is gps enabled with the Magellan Toughcase.
Well, there’s the Spot Connect…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/05/spot-connect-review.html
Or you could just use an independent GPS tracker like the GTU 10…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/06/garmin-gtu-10-gps-tracker-review.html
@John Walther – You would need to buy a City Navigator package such as this…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=28765
There are some free alternatives, but the quality and releiability aren’t as good.
Ahhh, got it. So what you’re saying is that some gps devices come preloaded with maps, but the Dakota doesn’t, right? That City Navigator deal looks pretty reasonable; I was always curious about the free alternatives, so you’ve answered that question as well – thanks!!
Right. The free topos are great BTW, but for turn-by-turn road guidance, you may be better off buying.
which do you think would work better (city navigator vs topo) for navigating things like rail trail bike paths? I’ve gotten lost on the DC area trails before because there are several that interconnect (it’s not just out and back).
Neither, because I’ be surprised if the coverage was very good. I would load a free topo from http://gpsfiledepot.com and then add one of the following:
- Garmin’s Rails to Trails maps (link) – but they only work on the device; desktop planning is not possible
- Tracks downloaded from online (link)
I want to be able to send and receive text messages in the wilderness outside of cell range. To do this I believe I have only one option the delorme inreach, however I’m not sold on the accompanied pn-60w.
I’m thinking of either buying an android phone or the samsung galaxy player 4″ and using Gala app. Am I overlooking something or will this work? I mostly want topo maps with my location and waypoints don’t need all the functions of highend gps’s.
Do all tablets/phones with gps work relatively the same in the backcountry?
I think there are other options, but the inReach is probably the cheapest.
You would need an app with onboard maps. Not sure if Gaia is onboard (stored locally on the device) or offboard (delivered OTA).
No, not all phones work the same in the backcountry. Some really struggle with GPS reception without getting an A-GPS boost from a cell tower.
Great reviews. I was curious what would fit my needs best. I am very new to GPS and have never had a need for routes or maps. However i now live in China and planning a touring trip with a few friends and want to know what can accomplish this without getting me totally lost. I am looking for something to replace my old cycling computer and add some turn by turn features and maps. I dont know if maps are as accurate from asia so think i want to set a course via google earth or something similar. Given this what would you recommend as the best option to make this trip as easy as possible?
You could try something like Garmin’s City Navigator China, but I don’t know how good the coverage is…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=30217
You would need to have a map like that loaded, which supports turn-by-turn directions. Alternatively, you could load some waypoints and construct a route from them, giving you notice when you reach a turn. This series might help clarify that…
http://gpstracklog.com/category/handheld-sport-gps/handheld-gps-101
Thanks, What device would you suggest that would be able to accommodate that program without spending too much?
Hmm, it looks like Garmin doesn’t consider their handheld devices to be compatible with this map. Which may eliminate the option of using it, as there is no waterproof device that supports it. It probably isn’t compatible in terms of language display. Otherwise, I’d be recommending the GPSMAP 62s or eTrex 20/30, but you may have to go another route (pun intended).
Hi,
I am planning to do the great divide in june. i would like to download the ACA’s route maps onto a gps. i was wondering which one would be best for this and also which is the most straight foward as i have never used a GPS before and have a very limited ability with computers. Please could you offer some advice?
many thanks
First of all, please understand that handheld GPS by their very nature are complex beasts with quite the learning curve. If you go with a GPS, be prepared to spend quite a bit of time with it, out riding and at home, before the Great Divide. Our handheld GPS 101 and 201 sections are here to help though… http://gpstracklog.com/category/handheld-sport-gps/handheld-gps-101
Also, be aware that the GPS file posted at http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/greatdivide.cfm only shows turns, and not the actual trail. You can probably add that, but it will be more complicated.
Have you thought about battery usage? That could be an issue. You can expect a 10-20 hour life, depending upon model. For the easiest to use, I’d suggest the Garmin GPSMAP 62s. For better battery life, the eTrex 20 or 30.
Hi, what kind of map comes preloaded on the edge 800? I’m wondering if I really need the micro SD. Card.
Nothing but a very basic base map unless you buy one bundled with City Navigator or topos. The basemap is pretty much useless.
Hi Rich
First I thank you for all this expert valuable information you provide.
I’m planning a coast to coast trip on a Recumbent Bicycle and would love to have your opinion
on which Garmin to take with me. Obviously weight and size is an issue. The unit will be mounted on the handlebars and be exposed to UV and Rain and whatever else nature may throw in. I will be stopping at motels so recharging would not be an issue. The most readable in sunlight and also backlighting would be an issue as well.
Thank you in advance for your time and info.
Steve
Please only post your comment on one page; duplicates are deleted.
The 62s is the largest non-touch screen unit. Touch screen models have visibility issues, although the Montana series is better than the Oregon, so you may want to consider it. So it comes down to the Garmin GPSMAP 62s or the Montana 600, IMHO.
You will probably want City Navigator maps as well.
Thank you Rich for your prompt reply
You’re welcome.