Question on cycling GPS systems
- Thread starter CodyDog
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Mr. Coffee
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- A Demented Corner of the North Cascades
I don't use one personally. But when I talk to other cyclists the consensus is generally that the inexpensive ones have connectivity and battery life issues. The more expensive ones sometimes don't have those issues.
If you just want a tracker they are generally pretty simple to operate.
If you just want a tracker they are generally pretty simple to operate.
Do you want a device that can load and display maps? Do you want to track elevation changes as well as distance, speed, etc.?
I have two old handheld hiking devices: a Garmin Oregon 550 and a Lowrance Endura Sierra. They both have mapping and barometric altimiters. I have used them both to track bike rides and they both do a good job, although in general, I prefer the Garmin. Both devices produce GPX track log files which can be imported into Garmin's free BaseCamp software and many other software products, online maps, etc. You can sometimes pick up these old used handheld devices pretty cheap. I paid $75 for the Sierra (used on eBay) and $250 for the Oregon (refurbished). I have been able to find decent handlebar mounts for both of these devices. They both use standard AA batteries (alkaline, lithium or NIMH rechargeable) and will go several hours between recharge or battery replacement.
Sometimes I have the map displayed when riding, but usually, I use the "Trip Log" display which allows you to configure several data fields. I usually show speed, distance, elevation, heading, and sometimes values like elapsed time, clock, average moving speed, etc.
For tracking elevation changes, it is important to calibrate the altimeter before starting a ride, and that requires doing the calibration at a known elevation. I usually set it before leaving home because I know the elevation at my street level from topo maps. Even with that, weather changes during the ride can significantly alter the accuracy of the tracked elevation. However, in general, it gives more accurate elevation tracking than using the elevation given by GPS satellites.
I have considered getting a true biking GPS like a Garmin Edge, but they tend to be pretty expensive and even used Edge devices seem to hold their value. So for me the old cheaper handhelds I have do an adequate job.
Here are some BaseCamp screenshots of a ride I tracked recently using the Lowrance Sierra:
I have two old handheld hiking devices: a Garmin Oregon 550 and a Lowrance Endura Sierra. They both have mapping and barometric altimiters. I have used them both to track bike rides and they both do a good job, although in general, I prefer the Garmin. Both devices produce GPX track log files which can be imported into Garmin's free BaseCamp software and many other software products, online maps, etc. You can sometimes pick up these old used handheld devices pretty cheap. I paid $75 for the Sierra (used on eBay) and $250 for the Oregon (refurbished). I have been able to find decent handlebar mounts for both of these devices. They both use standard AA batteries (alkaline, lithium or NIMH rechargeable) and will go several hours between recharge or battery replacement.
Sometimes I have the map displayed when riding, but usually, I use the "Trip Log" display which allows you to configure several data fields. I usually show speed, distance, elevation, heading, and sometimes values like elapsed time, clock, average moving speed, etc.
For tracking elevation changes, it is important to calibrate the altimeter before starting a ride, and that requires doing the calibration at a known elevation. I usually set it before leaving home because I know the elevation at my street level from topo maps. Even with that, weather changes during the ride can significantly alter the accuracy of the tracked elevation. However, in general, it gives more accurate elevation tracking than using the elevation given by GPS satellites.
I have considered getting a true biking GPS like a Garmin Edge, but they tend to be pretty expensive and even used Edge devices seem to hold their value. So for me the old cheaper handhelds I have do an adequate job.
Here are some BaseCamp screenshots of a ride I tracked recently using the Lowrance Sierra:
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DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
I just use Strava on my smartphone. Works great on your handlebar, or in your shirt pocket.
And syncs to cloud so you can see on computer as well.
And syncs to cloud so you can see on computer as well.
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6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
Good information in AlanDB's post above.
If you can afford one, I recommend a higher end handheld GPS like Garmin's Montana or Oregon series. New, these devices are in the $500 range but bargains can be found on eBay. As Alan mentioned, you can also save a few $$ by shopping out a refurbished unit. If you go that route, make sure you get a factory refurbished model with warranty.
I've owned dozens of handheld GPS devices over the years and as is the case with many other products, you get what you pay for. The cheaper GPS models I've tried always seem to lack features I wish it had. Garmin has a great web page that lets you compare the features of various models : https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/c12521-p0.html
In my case, I use both a Garmin Montana 650T and an Oregon 650. My aging eyes like the Montana's 4 inch glove friendly touch screen which can be set to display larger numerals. I use the Oregon as a second unit to display a topo map. This eliminates the need to constantly switch screens while riding. I also use a smartphone on occasion and it works well as a second unit but can be troublesome to operate while riding due to icon sizes and screen sensitivity.
Of course it all depends on what level of detail you want to see on the screen and record for your rides. An entry level GPS or smartphone may suit your needs if all you want are basic parameters such as time, distance, elevation, track etc. A higher end unit will provide things like a larger screen, the ability to display many stats in any order, the ability to receive data from remote sensors like temperature, heart rate, and many others.
Whatever unit you choose, I recommend one that uses field replaceable AA batteries. GPS units are notorious power hogs and unless you install fresh ones before every ride, seem to die on you when you least expect it. I use Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries in all my handhelds and carry spares in my pocket.
GPS apps on a smartphone can exhaust its battery fairly quickly. If you go that route, be mindful of the charge level. A dead battery in a GPS during a ride is annoying but a dead smartphone could be life threatening if injured or during a medical emergency. Carrying a cable which will charge your phone from the ebike battery is a good idea.
RAM makes a line of quality handlebar mounts and cradles for many smartphones and GPS units. https://www.rammount.com/activity/bike-mounts . I use the U bolt style which solidly holds devices weighing up to 5 pounds.
There are a lot of products out there. The trick is to find those that suit your needs without breaking the bank.
Good luck!
If you can afford one, I recommend a higher end handheld GPS like Garmin's Montana or Oregon series. New, these devices are in the $500 range but bargains can be found on eBay. As Alan mentioned, you can also save a few $$ by shopping out a refurbished unit. If you go that route, make sure you get a factory refurbished model with warranty.
I've owned dozens of handheld GPS devices over the years and as is the case with many other products, you get what you pay for. The cheaper GPS models I've tried always seem to lack features I wish it had. Garmin has a great web page that lets you compare the features of various models : https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/c12521-p0.html
In my case, I use both a Garmin Montana 650T and an Oregon 650. My aging eyes like the Montana's 4 inch glove friendly touch screen which can be set to display larger numerals. I use the Oregon as a second unit to display a topo map. This eliminates the need to constantly switch screens while riding. I also use a smartphone on occasion and it works well as a second unit but can be troublesome to operate while riding due to icon sizes and screen sensitivity.
Of course it all depends on what level of detail you want to see on the screen and record for your rides. An entry level GPS or smartphone may suit your needs if all you want are basic parameters such as time, distance, elevation, track etc. A higher end unit will provide things like a larger screen, the ability to display many stats in any order, the ability to receive data from remote sensors like temperature, heart rate, and many others.
Whatever unit you choose, I recommend one that uses field replaceable AA batteries. GPS units are notorious power hogs and unless you install fresh ones before every ride, seem to die on you when you least expect it. I use Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries in all my handhelds and carry spares in my pocket.
GPS apps on a smartphone can exhaust its battery fairly quickly. If you go that route, be mindful of the charge level. A dead battery in a GPS during a ride is annoying but a dead smartphone could be life threatening if injured or during a medical emergency. Carrying a cable which will charge your phone from the ebike battery is a good idea.
RAM makes a line of quality handlebar mounts and cradles for many smartphones and GPS units. https://www.rammount.com/activity/bike-mounts . I use the U bolt style which solidly holds devices weighing up to 5 pounds.
There are a lot of products out there. The trick is to find those that suit your needs without breaking the bank.
Good luck!
marcellanz
Member
I throw in the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT here as I also wanted to buy a GPS / Navigation bike computer a few weeks ago. I was kind of Garmin-Guy before, but never had any of the Garmin Bike computers, so my first reaction to the task to get such a bike computer was to visit garmins website. I found then soon some issues with Garmins Bikes GPS to have, as some have written and shown in review videos, "slow" / sluggish UI and/or low running battery life with some models. I also saw some not so encouraging and slow touchscreen interactions.
Soon I came by the ELEMNT Bolt by wahoo and its quite interesting concept of a bike computer. The thing here is to not have a touchscreen and not even a color-screen and let your smartphone (Android/iOS) configure your bike computer. The Bolt has a greyscale high contrast screen with backlight and ~12-15h battery life.
I am very happy with my Bolt and the price is way lower (~250$) than a comparing Garmin model. The Companion App and usage with a GPS / Track / Planning Service like RideWithGPS/Strava/Komoot is well integrated and I am nothing than happy with the device.
vincent
Well-Known Member
Sure it depends on what you want out of the GPS
70% of my riding is on Forest Roads by myself, more than 50% of the time I have no cell service so take a Garman inreach with me everywhere for emergencies
This is usually in my backpack or located on me somewhere
On my handlbars have a garmin montana and i love it, my old eyes can read it without glasses
You can download a lot of maps to it
It is rugged and waterproof
Love the ram mounts for the montana
70% of my riding is on Forest Roads by myself, more than 50% of the time I have no cell service so take a Garman inreach with me everywhere for emergencies
This is usually in my backpack or located on me somewhere
On my handlbars have a garmin montana and i love it, my old eyes can read it without glasses
You can download a lot of maps to it
It is rugged and waterproof
Love the ram mounts for the montana
D
Deleted member 18083
Guest
Cody Dog ...
Your three requirements do not include displaying information whilst you ride; therefore, don't buy a bike computer for the obvious reason that it is going to be less affordable than a free smartphone app!
My recommendation is Ride with GPS:
- Affordable: Ride with GPS is available as a smartphone app and a web-based service. Both are free.
- Track my ride: Open the app on your smartphone and click "Go Ride" and at the end of the ride click the "Pause" and "Save" icons.
- Download to my laptop: Go to ridewithgps.com on your laptop's web browser and click "Log In". The record of your ride (data and map) will be there - no need for any downloading or uploading by you!
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vincent
Well-Known Member
Sorry Cody I did not notice that the post said affordable GPS, the ones I have are definitely on the pricey side
Sure there are lots of great apps to use on your phone
I haven’t paid a lot of attention to all the parameters my Apple Watch tracks through the work out app, I just have mine set to display time riding, Miles and heart rate but I think you can put other stuff on there
It does ask me if I want to save it at the end of the ride - so guessing that is somewhere on my MacBook and my iPad to look at
Sure there are lots of great apps to use on your phone
I haven’t paid a lot of attention to all the parameters my Apple Watch tracks through the work out app, I just have mine set to display time riding, Miles and heart rate but I think you can put other stuff on there
It does ask me if I want to save it at the end of the ride - so guessing that is somewhere on my MacBook and my iPad to look at
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
Strava also has an ebike option as a choice.
CodyDog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Colorado
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