Spec me a GPS

manic111

manic111

manic111

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Hi everyone! I'm currently using my phone to navigate and record my rides etc, but as they're getting longer battery is becoming a problem. I'd like to pick up a bike computer, probably a Garmin as it's what most of my cycle buddies have so we can do group rides etc.

I'm primarily focused on maps and routing rather than training and metrics. I'd like something which holds maps on the system to allow for easy rerouting etc, rather than just breadcrumb navigation. Performance metrics would be nice, and at some point I may pick up a turbo trainer so it would be good to have interaction with that, but that's secondary.

Ideally, I don't want to spend much more than £200-250, but can do if you tell me it's really worthwhile.

It looks like my options are:

- the Edge Explore - good navigation features but no altimeter or power monitoring. There are also some reports online that routing is very slow on this, does anyone have any experience?
- the Edge 530 - much better for metrics, so presumably better if I get a turbo trainer (is this right?) but buttons and a smaller screen so maybe harder for navigation, and a bit more pricey
- the Edge 520 plus - all of the drawbacks of the 530, plus a worse processor so apparently very slow, but relatively cheap


If anyone has any thoughts, they'd be very much appreciated. Thanks!
 
Generally Garmin software is woeful. The newer stuff might be a little better but I'm cautious.

Wahoo is generally reknowned to be more reliable and better. They're relatively new and the first real challenger to Garmin in many years. Personally, I'm looking at replacing my Garmin Edge 810 with something. I like the sound of the Hammerhead Karoo 2 but it's pretty expensive and relatively unknown.

manic111 said:
- the Edge 530 - much better for metrics, so presumably better if I get a turbo trainer (is this right?) but buttons and a smaller screen so maybe harder for navigation, and a bit more pricey
Click to expand...

Honestly, you're not going to be doing any intense navigation on the device itself. You'll mostly plan a route beforehand and then follow it. If you get lost you'll whack out your phone and use Google Maps/similar as it's much quicker. I wouldn't be too concerned at more limited navigation features as long as it can follow a set course.
 
As above, if I get lost etc I'll use my phone. But it is very easy to use the software to navigate home and send it to the device.

Most of the time I'll use komoot to create a route home, and then it sends straight to the device.

I have a element bolt. But if I was buying now, I'd probably look at the roam or similar.
 
I bought the Wahoo Roam (moved away from Garmin) primarily because of the better maps/routing.

It's super easy to create, which is the big plus for me. Just create a route, I often use Strava (or create one from someone else's ride), and it auto syncs to the headunit. Never had an issue with loading or following a route at all. Easy to see/understand, and the auto re-route is pretty neat. Had to use that a few times if there was a road closure, diversion etc.

Can't fault it really.
 
Well, I'm afraid I ignored you all - I found a Garmin Edge Explore for £125. As the main thing I wanted was decent on device mapping for touring, it was really between this device and the Roam, which was over twice the price.

You're all correct, the phone app is abysmal, but the mapping on the device works more than well enough and that's all I really need, so for the price I'm happy. If I'd paid £200 it would probably be going back and I'd stump up the extra for the Roam, though.
 
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