Best Garmin for touring?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Tichborne, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 324
Bikes: Trek 5200, Giant Rainier, Devinci Destination,Motobecane CF, Bike Friday family tandem, Bike Friday NWT
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I purchased the new Garmin Edge Explore to replace an Etrex 20. Pleased so far. The only weakness is elevation is shown as gain or loss. Still working out how to put European maps on but there is advice on this from DCRAINMAKER. (youtube and google.)
#3
Banned
Sailing or biking I'd still bring a map
(or navigational chart Essential in a sailboat so you don'r run hard aground )
I now have a very nice map collection from my several tours in Europe
before the internet got rolling.. cell phones ,, and all that...
Happy shopping .. then you will have more batteries to keep charged.....
...
(or navigational chart Essential in a sailboat so you don'r run hard aground )
I now have a very nice map collection from my several tours in Europe
before the internet got rolling.. cell phones ,, and all that...
Happy shopping .. then you will have more batteries to keep charged.....
...
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-27-19 at 10:58 AM.
#4
Full Member
Specifically, things like
When, where and how will you plot routes? Do you expect to be able to create routes on the road? If so, on the unit or on phone/tablet/laptop?
Do you want to track & save your ride? Share it with, for example, Strava or share location with family/friends?
Do you need detailed maps and POIs on the unit?
Do you need turn by turn navigation or is a breadcrumb trail sufficient?
How will you charge it, or do you want to use batteries?
Do you want cadence/heart rate and other monitoring data?
When you say Garmin do you mean specifically Garmin or do you mean it generically? There are other brands.
Have you searched here and in the electronics forum? Lots of good info to be found.
Remember with GPS units there are two parts to using one successfully - The first part is the route planning, the second the following of that route. It makes little difference how good or bad the unit is if the route planning is bad.
As for your question?
The best Garmin for touring is the heaviest one - it will hold your map down in the wind!
I tried a Garmin touring unit. It was totally unsuited to Touring. And customer service was poor.
I use a Wahoo Elemnt. Very happy with it because it does what I want it to do.
#6
Every day a winding road
I have the GPSMap 76. Had it for years. What I like about it is a nice large display and it uses AA batteries. IMHO, the edge is way too small to be useful. Even the GPSMap is a bit on the smalll side and it is huge by comparison.
You might be better off with a cell phone or tablet. But then you need to worry about charging.
Believe it or not, I just got a smart phone. On the next tour I might try using it as a hotspot for the tablet. and use Google maps on the tablet.
You might be better off with a cell phone or tablet. But then you need to worry about charging.
Believe it or not, I just got a smart phone. On the next tour I might try using it as a hotspot for the tablet. and use Google maps on the tablet.
#7
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 451
Bikes: Co-Motion Americano Pinion P18; Co-Motion Americano Rohloff; Thorn Nomad MkII, Robert Beckman Skakkit (FOR SALE), Santana Tandem, ICE Adventure FS
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 169 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times
in
48 Posts
I have/had multiple units of Garmin. My very favorite is no longer made. It was the original Etrex 20 as was simple to use and the batteries (2 AA) lasted about 35-37 hours before dying. My next favorite is the 64s. It has pretty good battery life (~21 to 25 hours for 2 AA) and has lots of features but is a tad complicated to use with the little buttons. Biggest complaint is the "warning beep" volume is low and not adjustable. I had a new generation Etrex 20 but is was OK but I only used it a couple of times before preferring the 64s. My least favorite is the Montana 300. It is a battery hog, i.e. uses 3 AAA batteries every 8-10 hours. However, it has a big touch screen and tons of features. Due to the battery use, I rarely use it for bike touring.
A couple of related topics. If you are going on longer tour, buy rechargeable batteries, specifically Panasonic PRO Eneloop batteries. They hold a large capacity and more importantly charge to its listed capacity. Alkaline batteries are relatively cheap but you need to buy 16+ to bring the per battery price down. But batteries are heavy. Also, probably not great for the environment to trash them beside the road0Always carry at least 3-4 days of batteries or at minimum enough to get you to the next "bigger" town (has a Walmart). The reason is the batteries that are frequently in a small town convenience store or dollar store may have been there quite awhile and they no longer hold much of a charge. Bring a light duty (light weight) 4'-6' extension cord for you battery charger and a 3-outlet adapter (1 adapter has 3 AC outlets but only plugs into 1 outlet) as sometimes you need to charge multiple things (phone, batteries, etc,) so you need more than one outlet. You could use lithium batteries but they are still a bit pricey but pretty light weight.
Also, I only use RAM Mounts for mounting the devices to the bike. They are absolutely fantastic. They are totally interchangeable, i.e. you can take the cradle for your phone and then switch out for your GPS. Different arm lengths, mounts, cradles, etc. All interchangeable with ease. You can be assured the GPS will not come out or fall off. Try to use the composite parts instead of the aluminum or steel due to weight.
Tailwinds, John
A couple of related topics. If you are going on longer tour, buy rechargeable batteries, specifically Panasonic PRO Eneloop batteries. They hold a large capacity and more importantly charge to its listed capacity. Alkaline batteries are relatively cheap but you need to buy 16+ to bring the per battery price down. But batteries are heavy. Also, probably not great for the environment to trash them beside the road0Always carry at least 3-4 days of batteries or at minimum enough to get you to the next "bigger" town (has a Walmart). The reason is the batteries that are frequently in a small town convenience store or dollar store may have been there quite awhile and they no longer hold much of a charge. Bring a light duty (light weight) 4'-6' extension cord for you battery charger and a 3-outlet adapter (1 adapter has 3 AC outlets but only plugs into 1 outlet) as sometimes you need to charge multiple things (phone, batteries, etc,) so you need more than one outlet. You could use lithium batteries but they are still a bit pricey but pretty light weight.
Also, I only use RAM Mounts for mounting the devices to the bike. They are absolutely fantastic. They are totally interchangeable, i.e. you can take the cradle for your phone and then switch out for your GPS. Different arm lengths, mounts, cradles, etc. All interchangeable with ease. You can be assured the GPS will not come out or fall off. Try to use the composite parts instead of the aluminum or steel due to weight.
Tailwinds, John
#9
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,625
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1668 Post(s)
Liked 1,821 Times
in
1,059 Posts
Thread on the same topic over @ Adventure Cycling:
https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=15026.0
https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=15026.0
#10
Senior Member
I got myself Garmin Edge Explore for Christmas. Didn't do any touring on it but did a few dozen rides with it and it seems to behave very well for navigation. AFAIK as far as navigation features go it is on par with 1030 but it is less than half of its price. Beeps could have been louder but so far this is the only complaint.
#11
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Perth
Posts: 1
Bikes: many including tourers
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Garmin
I say forget Garmin use your I-phone or Android device to navigate and tour. Possibly take backup power source. Garmin is good for ride history.
That's my humble opinion.
That's my humble opinion.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Hsinchu County Taiwan ROC
Posts: 106
Bikes: 2007 Bianchi Volpe
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Been using the Edge 500 for more than 5 years. Data doesn’t require color so battery lasts, a map is better for touring. New 1030 costs $5-600. Doesn’t make sense to me. Not enough improvements to merit the $. Just my .02$.
#13
cyclotourist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: calgary, canada
Posts: 1,470
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Liked 205 Times
in
130 Posts
I use an etrex 30. I've used the etrex products for years, so I am used to them and with a micro SD card you can store lots of maps and routes and tracks. I have a Garmin handlebar mount for cycling. Lithium batteries last about six days for me.
I'm not sure I would get one today, smart phones have a bigger more easily readable screen, and you are probably carrying one anyway. If you can keep your phone dry and keep it charged it will work just as well.
I haven't used any of the bicycle specific gps units to compare.
I'm not sure I would get one today, smart phones have a bigger more easily readable screen, and you are probably carrying one anyway. If you can keep your phone dry and keep it charged it will work just as well.
I haven't used any of the bicycle specific gps units to compare.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Posts: 108
Bikes: 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper Monstercross Touring Rig, and a couple of others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I own a 510, 520plus, and a Fenix5x wearable.
The 510 was fine till I broke it against some rocks riding MTB. That one was good for 20 hours of riding time, but the maps were of questionable utility. I'd still use it but the screen is compromised and it gets weird in high humidity conditions.
The maps in the 5x and the 520 are FANTASTIC, but I never use them for turn by turn. Occasionally I will when I get lost, which usually means I'm bonked, which is how I got lost in the first place. I've had (new to me device) user problems with the 520 and know I can pop on the 5x as a stand in with two button clicks.
For doing training rides or whatever, I love to see the display on the 520, but if I'm touring, I don't want the distraction, and I'm inclined to take the Fenix and nothing more. Assuming I don't need the visibility of the display while I am riding. It also charges in about 20 minutes.
All my bikes have a power meter on them (except the touring bike), and I started using the "kilojoules used" screen to remind myself to eat (it seems stupid, but I don't have a good physical sense of exertion or hunger, so it helps me) . I'd add a power meter to the touring bike for that reason, but even at a bargain of $500 it would be double what I have into the rest of the bike combined and that defeats the purpose.
The 510 was fine till I broke it against some rocks riding MTB. That one was good for 20 hours of riding time, but the maps were of questionable utility. I'd still use it but the screen is compromised and it gets weird in high humidity conditions.
The maps in the 5x and the 520 are FANTASTIC, but I never use them for turn by turn. Occasionally I will when I get lost, which usually means I'm bonked, which is how I got lost in the first place. I've had (new to me device) user problems with the 520 and know I can pop on the 5x as a stand in with two button clicks.
For doing training rides or whatever, I love to see the display on the 520, but if I'm touring, I don't want the distraction, and I'm inclined to take the Fenix and nothing more. Assuming I don't need the visibility of the display while I am riding. It also charges in about 20 minutes.
All my bikes have a power meter on them (except the touring bike), and I started using the "kilojoules used" screen to remind myself to eat (it seems stupid, but I don't have a good physical sense of exertion or hunger, so it helps me) . I'd add a power meter to the touring bike for that reason, but even at a bargain of $500 it would be double what I have into the rest of the bike combined and that defeats the purpose.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: QC Canada
Posts: 1,971
Bikes: Custom built LHT & Troll
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 846 Post(s)
Liked 149 Times
in
106 Posts
Garmin's answer to your question is the Edge Touring. Now, it probably depends on what kind of touring you have in mind. My personal take is that the one (and only?) thing that the Edge has going is its ruggedness. I've tried it and now use it as a dust gathering device in the bin I reserve for that purpose in a corner of my home office. (explanations on request).
As others have indicated, a smartphone has its merits. Downside would be that it will not work well (if at all) in downpours. Energy consumption is on par with an Edge. After being sold to smartphone navigation, I am now more likely to use a smartphone only when navigating cities (many turns, breadcrumbs navigation isn't sufficient) and a smartwatch (a repurposed Garmin Forerunner 910) on open roads. Major benefit of a smartwatch is that it requires very little energy. Recent models (ex: Forerunner 935) could go on for a week (50hrs) between recharges -- Suunto 9 claims 120 hrs. Side benefit it that it is meant to pair with ANT+ sensors. (speed, cadence, power, temperature, hear rate and what not). AND a smartwatch has a smaller footprint than a smartphone and will therefore reduce air drag (kidding )
As others have indicated, a smartphone has its merits. Downside would be that it will not work well (if at all) in downpours. Energy consumption is on par with an Edge. After being sold to smartphone navigation, I am now more likely to use a smartphone only when navigating cities (many turns, breadcrumbs navigation isn't sufficient) and a smartwatch (a repurposed Garmin Forerunner 910) on open roads. Major benefit of a smartwatch is that it requires very little energy. Recent models (ex: Forerunner 935) could go on for a week (50hrs) between recharges -- Suunto 9 claims 120 hrs. Side benefit it that it is meant to pair with ANT+ sensors. (speed, cadence, power, temperature, hear rate and what not). AND a smartwatch has a smaller footprint than a smartphone and will therefore reduce air drag (kidding )
Last edited by gauvins; 03-27-19 at 01:37 PM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Posts: 108
Bikes: 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper Monstercross Touring Rig, and a couple of others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I tried using the Garmin navigation today (in an area where I knew where I was). I won't do it again.
The maps, OTOH, are fantastic.
The maps, OTOH, are fantastic.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,883
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3240 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
Curious as I’ve used the Course created on Garmin Connect for a lot of routes and had have been very happy with the results. As good as RWGPS as far as I’m concerned.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Posts: 108
Bikes: 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper Monstercross Touring Rig, and a couple of others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I've not tried the course tool you are speaking of, and I will. Thanks for the tip.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,883
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3240 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
With no cell data for the device to use the database, the devices are just not up to the need to choose suitable and bike friendly roads. Someday maybe.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Posts: 108
Bikes: 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper Monstercross Touring Rig, and a couple of others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Vaguely OT:
Santa Barbara county (and SLO county, for that matter) have done a fantastic job abandoning public easements in a fashion that I'm not convinced was legal. Which is, IMO, why they are still on the map.
A great example is https://lpfw.org/national-forest-acc...n-huasna-road/, which incidentally is about five miles from where I am complaining about getting rerouted.
Santa Barbara county (and SLO county, for that matter) have done a fantastic job abandoning public easements in a fashion that I'm not convinced was legal. Which is, IMO, why they are still on the map.
A great example is https://lpfw.org/national-forest-acc...n-huasna-road/, which incidentally is about five miles from where I am complaining about getting rerouted.
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 8
Bikes: 2012 Blue Competition AC1SL, 1987 Basso Loto
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'll never go back to using a dedicated navigation unit only.
Cheers
#22
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6219 Post(s)
Liked 4,218 Times
in
2,365 Posts
The Garmin Edge’s biggest limitation is the battery. It lasts exactly 8 hours (well, 7:59:59). There are days when you are out for longer than 8 hours and I’m not all that enthusiastic about turning on and off all the time to conserve batteries. There’s nothing worse than having the stupid Edge die and you have no idea how far it is to where you are going to stop.I don’t, by the way, use the mapping features of the Edge. It’s not worth it.
I actually like the size.
I’ve used a GPS tracking app but it does eat a lot of power. I carry external batteries as back up but that’s just one more battery that needs charging. I do use the smart phone for routing information but that takes less power.
I’m currently looking at the Lezyne Mega XL because it has a 40 hour + battery life. Not thrilled about the size however.
I actually like the size.
You might be better off with a cell phone or tablet. But then you need to worry about charging.
I’m currently looking at the Lezyne Mega XL because it has a 40 hour + battery life. Not thrilled about the size however.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Posts: 108
Bikes: 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper Monstercross Touring Rig, and a couple of others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The Garmin Edge’s biggest limitation is the battery. It lasts exactly 8 hours (well, 7:59:59). There are days when you are out for longer than 8 hours and I’m not all that enthusiastic about turning on and off all the time to conserve batteries. There’s nothing worse than having the stupid Edge die and you have no idea how far it is to where you are going to stop.I don’t, by the way, use the mapping features of the Edge. It’s not worth it.
I'll try and figure out how we did it and post back.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,883
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3240 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
My 3 year old Edge 1000 goes 12 hrs, without navigating and it's only rated to 15. I'm using Live Track and a speed sensor typically.