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GPS Deals

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GeoffBird View Drop Down
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    Posted: 12 October 2012 at 11:51am
Chain Reaction have offers on Garmin stuff at the moment:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Brands.aspx?BrandID=488&SortBy=PriceDESC&utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ENG-private_sale%20%281%29&utm_content=&_$ja=tsid:41391

In case you're wondering, no, I don't have any connection with Chain Reaction Cycles, apart from buying lots of stuff off them 'cos they're usually the cheapest and deliver fast!

On this subject, can anyone give me advice about GPS's. I want something for cycling (so waterproof - smart phones no good) that I can program a complex route into (not just destination and maybe one stop-off point,  like most car systems). This one looks a good deal:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=76032

But the description is largely gobbledygook to me. So is there a catch? I guess it doesn't come with many maps? I've heard the maps can be expensive. Many thanks!


Edited by GeoffBird - 12 October 2012 at 11:52am
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NickM View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NickM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 October 2012 at 12:39pm
This is what we use:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-eTrex-Legend-Handheld-System/dp/B000UNFLNS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1350041261&sr=1-1

...in conjunction with various PC mapping software, principally Tracklogs, for planning rides. The GPS unit is robust, good at hanging on to satellites and communicates happily with Tracklogs via USB. There is a good handlebar bracket available for it.

We have OSM (open source - free) vector mapping from http://talkytoaster.info/free-uk-maps-faq.htm installed on the GPS, and very good it is too. We use the map display when walking, and make sure that we don't deviate too far from the purple line across the screen. You can zoom in and out, and choose how much detail you want to see displayed.

For cycling I prefer to use the alternative "compass arrow" display which (when programmed via mapping software) bleeps just before a junction and indicates which way you should turn.

We have used this setup very happily for several years, mainly in the UK but also occasionally on the Continent, for which I have used Garmin Mapsource mapping to program it. You can also use web-based route planning sites like "bikely" to create routes in the UK and abroad.

The only shortcoming of Garmin kit is that the manual which comes with the device is rather shallow and doesn't tell you enough to exploit the hardware's considerable abilities. But I have worked out a good modus operandi which I would be happy to pass on.


Edited by NickM - 12 October 2012 at 12:49pm
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NickM View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NickM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 October 2012 at 12:47pm
I should add that the whole world of GPS is afflicted with terminological chaos inconsistency. Terms like "route", "track" and "waypoint" mean different things to different providers, none of whom seem particularly interested in standardisation. This makes it hard to interpret and apply advice except in a very specific hardware/software context (and frequently makes my head hurt).

Having said that, there is lots of useful advice here:  http://www.aukadia.net/gps/

...and lots of GPS-for-cycling expertise to be found here:  http://yacf.co.uk/forum/


Edited by NickM - 12 October 2012 at 12:48pm
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GeoffBird View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GeoffBird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 October 2012 at 1:43pm
Many thanks Nick. I notice that the one on your Amazon link is sold by someone called 'Burrows'. Surely not the electronic technophobe of the same name?! Shocked
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NickM View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NickM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 October 2012 at 3:16pm
Originally posted by GeoffBird GeoffBird wrote:

Many thanks Nick. I notice that the one on your Amazon link is sold by someone called 'Burrows'. Surely not the electronic technophobe of the same name?! Shocked

Shocked indeed! That person would, of course, claim disdain rather than phobia...
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Adrian Setter View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Adrian Setter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 October 2012 at 4:20pm
There's quite a lot of discussion threads on the subject of GPS on the CTC forum.  You can at least view as a non-member.
 
I also use an old Garmin Etrex in conjunction with Tracklogs.  And I generally carry a paper map too, partly because the Etrex doesn't have maps in the GPS unit, and partly in case the batteries run out unexpectedly!
 
I have never used a GPS/Satnav to plan a route for me and - having seen the suggestions that some of the on-line cycle route planners make - it'll be a while before I do.  I always plan my own routes.
Challenge Hurricane - MicWic Delta (Front half) - Burrows Ratracer
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sam knight View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sam knight Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 October 2012 at 7:51pm
I am now using a garmin 800.
 
this is a cycing specific GPS (it will record power, and cadence etc with the correct sensors) it records laps automatically (could be of interest) and came supplied with 1.50000 os maps of the whole country inside it which really blew me away....the unit has a touch screen which works with full finger gloves and crucially for me as I am something of a techno phobe it is really easy to use!
 
But it wasn't cheap....would i buy it again if I broke it or had it stolen absolutely yes....I will have it at hillinden if you want to have a play with it.
 
 
To be happy and not get killed.
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