Altimeters?

[Bobsiii]

My Magnum Metro display shows everything I want to track except altitude. Does anyone have a recommendation for a separate altimeter? A watch type would be good or even just something to carry/strap on bike. NOT looking for super expensive models, don't really need multi function.

 

[AlanDB]

I use an old Garmin Oregon 550 handheld GPS that is mounted on my handlebar. It has a barometric altimeter that is pretty accurate as long as 1) you calibrate it properly before starting your ride and 2) there is not an active weather system with changing pressure during the duration of the ride.

 

[erider_61]

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Sports-Outdoors-Altimeters/zgbs/sporting-goods/219368011

 

[6zfshdb]

There is a good deal on a Garmin Etrex Summit on eBay now for $40

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-eTr...1cfEpH:sc:USPSFirstClass!18431!US!-1&LH_BIN=1



You might be able to find a handlebar mount for it. If not, you could carry in your pocket or pack.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

I like the Suunto watches. Again, you have to calibrate them properly (which is easy to do).

 

[Bobsiii]

There is a good deal on a Garmin Etrex Summit on eBay now for $40

Thanks. Not sure why I didn't think of hike/treking. Sometimes I'm still amazed at just how far into our lives technology has penetrated.

 

[AlanDB]

If you are looking at used handheld GPS models, be sure to carefully check the specifications for the specific model to verify that it has a barometric altimeter. Many of the handhelds just use the satellite signals for elevation and that can vary widely in accuracy depending on the satellite constellation at any given time. I believe the used eTrex Summit model referenced by bzfshdb has the barometric altimeter, but the eTrex Venture of the same vintage does not.

 

[Off road all day]

DO NOT BUY A WATCH! I have had several GPS watches, not accurate! they basically suck. Paid about $350 for the last one.
I now have a Magellan 650 GPS, i tape it to the handlebars, put it my pack, whatever. I downloaded a free program from them and it tells me everything except how yellow my pee was when i took a break.
It really is amazing, i can go through every trip altitude included on a graph. I can set it to show speed, average speed, distance, altitude etc all at once, up to 6 bars, endless info.

https://flic.kr/p/MKiJjA

This actually warns me of a sudden drop in air pressure, in other words a storm on the way

 

[AlanDB]

Here is a screen shot of what I normally display on my Garmin Oregon 550 while riding. It is the "Trip Log" screen in the Oregon's Recreational profile. All the data fields are configurable from a long list of choices.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

DO NOT BUY A WATCH! I have had several GPS watches, not accurate! they basically suck. Paid about $350 for the last one.
I now have a Magellan 650 GPS, i tape it to the handlebars, put it my pack, whatever. I downloaded a free program from them and it tells me everything except how yellow my pee was when i took a break.
It really is amazing, i can go through every trip altitude included on a graph. I can set it to show speed, average speed, distance, altitude etc all at once, up to 6 bars, endless info.

https://flic.kr/p/MKiJjA

This actually warns me of a sudden drop in air pressure, in other words a storm on the way

Barometric altimeter watches have been available and reasonably prices and quite reliable for only the last 25 years. The first Casio one in the early 90's really kind of sucked, but the Avocets were quite reliable, even if you did need to mail it back to Avocet to replace the battery (which you only needed to do once a year).