Cycling and bicycle racing discussion forums.   View New Forum Topics
Today's Forum Topics

Set as homepage


Go Back   Cycling Forums > Regional Cycling Forums > UK and Europe > England, Wales and Scotland
User Name
Password
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Welcome to CyclingForums.com

You are currently viewing our website as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions. You will have to register before you can post to this thread.

By joining our free online community you will have access to post new topics, communicate privately with other cyclingforums.com members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos and access other special features like product reviews and classifieds.


Help with GPS advice

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 24-07.-2005, 07:15 PM   #1
beltabout
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 36
Default Help with GPS advice

Does anyone have any experience using GPS systems on their bikes?

I have been looking at some of the systems available but am not sure if they are worth the bother, I can read a map and use a compass, but I am a man and would prefer not too so inevitably I get lost, well more topographically challenge than lost. You know should have stopped 20 minutes ago and checked but instinct knew better and I followed my instinct and now on the bank of the gorge should I turn left or right for the nearest bridge?

I guess you get the picture!



So will a Garmin help me?



Are they worth the hassle?



As I am in the UK should I buy a cheep one from the US or should I spend more money and get a European one?



Any help gratefully appreciated.



Nick
beltabout is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 27-07.-2005, 11:08 PM   #2
stokell
Registered User
 
stokell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 86
Default Re: Help with GPS advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by beltabout
Does anyone have any experience using GPS systems on their bikes?

I have been looking at some of the systems available but am not sure if they are worth the bother, I can read a map and use a compass, but I am a man and would prefer not too so inevitably I get lost, well more topographically challenge than lost. You know should have stopped 20 minutes ago and checked but instinct knew better and I followed my instinct and now on the bank of the gorge should I turn left or right for the nearest bridge?

I guess you get the picture!



So will a Garmin help me?



Are they worth the hassle?



As I am in the UK should I buy a cheep one from the US or should I spend more money and get a European one?



Any help gratefully appreciated.



Nick
I'm no expert, but here is my experience from this side of the pond. : Many people use GPSs. The cheap ones just give you long and lats, so they are of limited use to bikers.

The more expensive ones, used by motorists and sailors show a map, as well as your position on the map. You can plot weighpoints or just let the machine choose a route. The also can tell your speed, but just 'as the bird flies' as they don't recognise hills and valleys.

The latter is of limited use for most touring cyclists unless you wish to take the most direct route and that might include what we call superhighways. You might call them dual carriageways or M highways.

My dream for touring would be to buy one of those GPSs and then load OS or similar detailed maps from Sustrans, then plot my own route. It still might be rather time consuming.

Bottom line: I'd wait and see if a specialty product for bikes breaks through the gap.
__________________
Allan Stokell
one less car
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/stokell
stokell is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 27-07.-2005, 11:42 PM   #3
beltabout
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 36
Default Re: Help with GPS advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by stokell
My dream for touring would be to buy one of those GPSs and then load OS or similar detailed maps from Sustrans, then plot my own route. It still might be rather time consuming.


Thanks for that we have the system of your dreams here, a GPS enabled palm computer with the system called memory map works on our 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 map systems.

It would work for me too only I'm tight (from Yorkshire) and I wanted a cheap short cut that will find the car when I am beyond the point of enjoyment, and the pub when dying of thirst.

Cheers

Nick
beltabout is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 28-07.-2005, 06:03 AM   #4
stokell
Registered User
 
stokell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 86
Default Re: Help with GPS advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by beltabout

It would work for me too only I'm tight (from Yorkshire) and I wanted a cheap short cut that will find the car when I am beyond the point of enjoyment, and the pub when dying of thirst.

Cheers

Nick

I was born in Scarborough so I know what you mean. If this dream machine takes OS charts, it will help you find a pub as they are marked on the Landranger series. It doesn't tell you however if the Real Ale is up to nick or whether the place is tight with lager louts.

I live in hope.
__________________
Allan Stokell
one less car
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/stokell
stokell is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 29-07.-2005, 09:59 PM   #5
beltabout
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 36
Default Re: Help with GPS advice

OS map the works, I bet if i asked some old real ale drinker has added loads of points of interest, beware Morris men with bells.


Nick
beltabout is offline  
Reply With Quote

Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump



All times are GMT +10. The time now is 12:09 PM.


Powered by: vBulletin Copyright © 2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2001 - 2006 cyclingforums.com

Links to websites we like:
Pezcyclingnews | Cyclingnews.com | Wine Zone | iinet