LegendC or Map 60C for bike riding

Quoted message said:

I cant decide between the LegendC or Map60c for bike
riding.

I like the smaller size of the Legend C..... but the
more memory of the Map 60C

Plus the diff between antennas (patch vs quad helix)
makes me wonder of the LegendC is better for bicycle
riding as the unit will be mounted on the handlebars.

I don't know about the Legend, but my Garman Map 60CS flew out of its
mount when I hit a pothole and bounced off the pavement. I picked it up,
turned it back on because it had shut down, and continued on my way with
the unit functioning well. I had to loosen the spokes and re-round the
wheel. There was a slight scuffing on one of the rubber edges of the
GPS. It has been a couple of months, and it still works fine.

--
Bob Wheeler --- http://www.bobwheeler.com/
ECHIP, Inc. ---
Randomness comes in bunches.

There are a few threads on the best GPS for biking in just the past few
days. Check them out. I'm a very happy Legend C owner.

I've had a Garmin for 10 years during which time it has survived countless
accidents, droppings and drenchings.
However, 2 minutes in the hands of a 4 year old daughter and she'd found the
factory reset option that I didn't even know existed.
Lost 10 years worth of "souvenirs" in the form of waypoints :-(

"Bob Wheeler" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I don't know about the Legend, but my Garman Map 60CS flew out of its
mount when I hit a pothole and bounced off the pavement. I picked it up,
turned it back on because it had shut down, and continued on my way with
the unit functioning well. I had to loosen the spokes and re-round the
wheel. There was a slight scuffing on one of the rubber edges of the GPS.
It has been a couple of months, and it still works fine.

It is disappointing that the new color eTrex models are limited to
24MB. I have an older Vista which also has 24MB and it holds a sizeable
amount of map data (Most of NY and CT) but this is without any
autorouting data. The autorouting feature of the new units consumes a
lot of additional memory space. It has been a while since I downloaded
anything to my Vista but I recall that autorouting would require an
additional 10MB when the memory is maxxed out with 24MB of maps. This
data has no value on the Vista so I don't download it. I'm sure the
autorouting is nice and there are times I wished I had it but you can
make due without it if you want to maximize map coverage.

I believe you can still elect to disable the autorouting data when you
download maps to Garmin's newer models so that you can save memory for
more maps. You can also conserve more memory by using older versions of
the Garmin software which have less detailed but still usable maps. I
believe Metroguide V4 will work with USB devices. I don't know about
Roads & Recreation.

I have the most fun with the mapping on the Vista when riding an
unfamiliar route to a familiar destination. Rather than bother with
planning out a route on the computer I just navigate directly to the
destination. This gives you a rubber band line that you can follow for
general guidance but you can pick and chose the best road as you go
along and throw in any detours than look interesting. This gives you
the ability to explore freely without having to stop and consult a
paper map all the time.

I personally wouldn't want to deal with the added bulk of the 60C on
the handlebars. The protruding antenna is asking to get knocked or
snagged by something. You may have problems mounting a handlebar bag
along with the 60C. The eTrex is easier to stuff into a jersey pocket
when you need to leave the bike unattended.

I do experience reception problems with the Vista, mainly around some
(not all) power lines and dense tree cover. This was only an
inconvenience once when riding through an unfamiliar park with some
nasty interference from poorly maintained power lines that ran parallel
to the road for long stretches. The helical antenna isn't optimal in
the more horizontal position of a bar mount but may still be better
than the patch antenna. I don't think the improved reception should be
that much of a deciding factor.

I recommend you get the LegendC or VistaC since they are the only
mapping units on the market that have the right form factor and a good
bicycle mount.

peter said:

BTW, the pressure sensor of the VistaC
or 60cs are nice for providing an elevation profile of the ride and
data like cumulative climb.

Would you still advise that if living in relatively
flat Missouri?

POHB said:

I've had a Garmin for 10 years during which time it has survived countless
accidents, droppings and drenchings.
However, 2 minutes in the hands of a 4 year old daughter and she'd found the
factory reset option that I didn't even know existed.
Lost 10 years worth of "souvenirs" in the form of waypoints :-(

Funny story!

Thanks for sharing!

Quoted message said:

There are a few threads on the best GPS for biking in just the past few
days. Check them out. I'm a very happy Legend C owner.

So you didn't feel you needed the "sensors" of the
Vista C series?

I know it's not one of the two choices you mentioned, but I use a
Foretrex 101. It came with a handlebar mount, but I just use the wrist
velcro strap around some styrofoam pipe insulation on the handlebar.

Quoted message said:

I cant decide between the LegendC or Map60c for bike
riding.

I like the smaller size of the Legend C..... but the
more memory of the Map 60C

Plus the diff between antennas (patch vs quad helix)
makes me wonder of the LegendC is better for bicycle
riding as the unit will be mounted on the handlebars.

Veggie said:

I know it's not one of the two choices you mentioned, but I use a
Foretrex 101. It came with a handlebar mount, but I just use the wrist
velcro strap around some styrofoam pipe insulation on the handlebar.

Well the reason I haven't considered the FoerRunner or
Geko units is no way to insert any maps into them at
all. Yes?

And Id want a unit that has some maps in it

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I cant decide between the LegendC or Map60c for bike
riding.

I like the smaller size of the Legend C..... but the
more memory of the Map 60C

Plus the diff between antennas (patch vs quad helix)
makes me wonder of the LegendC is better for bicycle
riding as the unit will be mounted on the handlebars.

I cannot comment on Map 60C, but I am fairly happy with my Legend C.
I use it on road bike using standard handlebar mount from Germin. So far no
problem.
The reception is very good, although it occasionally lose satellite in woods
and fogs.
The 24MBytes memory is limiting to about 100-150miles in my area when you
travel straight.
For single day ride, this is not a problem at all, since you are likely to
do a round trip.
This limitation becomes an issue about once a year for me.
Legend C has a GPS based altitude reading. It isn't very accurate, but good
enough for me.
The size is small enough and perfect for hiking and biking.
For car navigation, the screen may be too small to drive safely.
Please keep in mind that the map software is not cheap.

Quoted message said:

Veggie said:

I know it's not one of the two choices you mentioned, but I use a
Foretrex 101. It came with a handlebar mount, but I just use the wrist
velcro strap around some styrofoam pipe insulation on the handlebar.

Well the reason I haven't considered the FoerRunner or
Geko units is no way to insert any maps into them at
all. Yes?

And Id want a unit that has some maps in it

Yes, you're right. All it can do is take waypoints and routes, but no maps.

A little late to the party, but...

I expect you'll be happy with either one. I hear that the new eTrex
models have better reception than the 60CS, which is what I own. If
you want to keep track of elevation gain, even if you live in a place
with only minor hills, I suggest something with a barometric altimeter,
like the 60CS. Elevation data from GPS satellites alone is very poor.

Rich Owings
http://www.MakeYourOwnMaps.com/
http://www.GPStracklog.com/

"We were desert mystics, my friends and I, poring over our maps as
others do their holy books." - Edward Abbey