Cycling gps



Motosonic

Member
Aug 25, 2016
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Hey folks
So, I've been looking for a cycling computer with GPS (and possibly cadence) that works great and won't break the bank. Right now, I'm using my Phone and I also have a Garmin Vivoactive (watch) with a mount that connects to my handlebars... and I very well may continue to go with just the Garmin setup. But, on some of these 60-100 mile rides I do.. I tend to get lost because there aren't enough signs to direct me and I refuse to use a paper with turn by turn instructions. So, maybe something I can input the course into that'll help me not get lost.
I need something capable of capturing my ride information and will allow me to upload into Strava, mapMyRide, etc.
Thanks!
 
I'm using the Garmin Edge 520. I think it was around $300 on sale for the bundle w/sensors & Premium Heart Rate Strap.

I deleted the OEM 'Base Map' and uploaded 4 tiles of my corner of Ohio from: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/

A fantastic description and review of the 520 is here on DC Rainmaker's website...as well as reviews and comparisons of EVERY device out there: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/07/garmin-edge-520.html

Instructions to install openstreemaps onto Garmin devices here: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/05/download-garmin-705800810.html

If you are the tourist type you might want to upgrade to the Edge 820 or Edge 1000 series Garmins...more memory and larger displays.

The 520 has been a mainstay in the pro peloton, but last year I noticed several were using the 820 and yesterday Thibault Pinot won stage 2 of the Ruta del Sol with a Garmin 1000 hanging off the front of his LaPierre's handlebars. His epic stage victory ride is on STRAVA if you want to look at a pro's data. 24 MPH avg. speed with a gazillion feet of climbing!!!

You can go cheaper and get one of the Euro GPS computers...Polar, Sigma, Rox, Lezyne, Suunto or the Cateye Stealth series. I have a Cateye Stealth. It's a good 'basic' GPS computer, but no map capability. As glitchy as Garmins are, they are the go to devil that we all seem to use.

My best advice is to spend two or three evenings cruising through DC Rainmaker's data. No one lays out the facts, figures and features like his website does. Be sure and use the comparison tool to see which devices meet your requirements. Ray also offers a discount coupon code to use on one of his site sponsor's online GPS reselling site, but be sure to check out all of the English online bike shops. They run some Hellova good sales. Western Bikeworks also cuts some decent deals on Garmins.
 
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Thanks for the info, Bob. The 520 was actually on my list and in fact I have been browsing DC Rainmaker's site. Perhaps the 520 is the way to go.