Thinking of getting one. Only really interested in routes as opposed to cadence, heart rates and all the malarkey, so reckon the 200 is for me, or should I be considering other versions?
Do people share routes? For example if someone had all the Enduro Carrick trails is it easy enough to get them onto my Garmin? I'm getting older and my sense of direction is not what out once was.
The 200 is just for strava distance and stuff the map is very basic only to tell u where you have been battery lasts for days it's perfect for me but if you want it as a navigation thingy go for another model !!
There's a "breadcrumb" option on the Edge 500 (not sure about 200) that allows you to follow a very basic "course" that you can create through Garmin connect. Basically... create the course online then upload it into your Garmin. The Garmin will tell you whether your "off course" etc... Now, this all sounds very simple but in reality it's not. I used this function in GC a few times (off road) following other people routes but it was fairly tedious and still left me guessing where to go. If you really want a strong navigation function Id suggest the 800 but for basic GPS, distance etc, go with the 200.
Ive followed routes on the 705 successfully. You can download routes from strava or garmins website to your device. There are also tools to edit the route if you decide to add bits in or join two routes. And because its an older model its dropped in price quite a bit. http://www.handtec.co.uk do them for 179stg including the heart rate monitor. Ive no experience on the other models so cant comment.
Don, there really isn't a whole lot of point buying a Garmin 200/500 for route plotting/following! They are really just tools for recording all the stuff that you say you're not interested in! The screens are tiny and you can't see a map like you would expect on a car sat-nav for example. They will give you very basic "arrow" directions but I've yet to meet anyone who has used them effectively for that purpose! They are however great for HR, distance, speed, elevation and a hundred other measurements that only an anorak like me would have any interest in! They are also perfect for linking to Strava or similar apps for post-ride viewing of your route and stats!
I think you need to go to the 800 in their cycling range to get the functionality you're looking for but you're getting into big money at that stage! And again I've yet to see anyone actually using one to "find their way"! I know Terry McD has an 800 - he'd be worth having a chat with (in fact if you need a laugh he's always worth having a chat with!!)
Yeh the 705 would be a good option but make sure you'v got it tethered to the bike... I think everyone has lost a Garmin that has the older mounting bracket system.
Yeh the 705 would be a good option but make sure you'v got it tethered to the bike... I think everyone has lost a Garmin that has the older mounting bracket system.
Good point Oz - I use a section of old inner tube around the top secured with a zip tie as a safety lanyard. countless times the thing is dangling from it after a tumble.
Hmm, sounds like it may be of limited use and given how often I think it would actually get used I think I'll pass. I've always hated the idea of a feckin computer strapped to a mountain bike anyway!
Thanks for setting me straight and saving me a few bob, nice intervention.
Don
Whats the point in buying a garmin for finding routes - you still need to get out on the bike and it looks like thats your issue
spend the same amount of money buttering up your missus so she'll let you out more...
Rob, my dear wife facilities my biking more than you know. She works and we have 2 kids under 10 who I can't get enough of, it's a miracle I get out at all!
Don - I downgraded to a 500 as it had all I needed - StephenG recently bought one from Alfie and the price was as good as online anywhere! the 500 has plenty of functions - speed/hr/distance etc. the 600 and 700 although excellent had stuff I'd never used and are expensive.
I will sell you my magic 705 for €1,000,000 , its got all the routes in Ireland and even some from far away in another land or two plus even if you lose it, it will find its way back to you .
As for getting out more , if you like I will gladly organise a spin at a time that suits you and other losers like you if you want, once a month maybe ?
Thinking of getting one. Only really interested in routes as opposed to cadence, heart rates and all the malarkey, so reckon the 200 is for me, or should I be considering other versions?
Do people share routes? For example if someone had all the Enduro Carrick trails is it easy enough to get them onto my Garmin? I'm getting older and my sense of direction is not what out once was.
The 200 is just for strava distance and stuff the map is very basic only to tell u where you have been battery lasts for days it's perfect for me but if you want it as a navigation thingy go for another model !!
There's a "breadcrumb" option on the Edge 500 (not sure about 200) that allows you to follow a very basic "course" that you can create through Garmin connect. Basically... create the course online then upload it into your Garmin. The Garmin will tell you whether your "off course" etc... Now, this all sounds very simple but in reality it's not. I used this function in GC a few times (off road) following other people routes but it was fairly tedious and still left me guessing where to go. If you really want a strong navigation function Id suggest the 800 but for basic GPS, distance etc, go with the 200.
Ive followed routes on the 705 successfully. You can download routes from strava or garmins website to your device. There are also tools to edit the route if you decide to add bits in or join two routes. And because its an older model its dropped in price quite a bit. http://www.handtec.co.uk do them for 179stg including the heart rate monitor. Ive no experience on the other models so cant comment.
Don, there really isn't a whole lot of point buying a Garmin 200/500 for route plotting/following! They are really just tools for recording all the stuff that you say you're not interested in! The screens are tiny and you can't see a map like you would expect on a car sat-nav for example. They will give you very basic "arrow" directions but I've yet to meet anyone who has used them effectively for that purpose! They are however great for HR, distance, speed, elevation and a hundred other measurements that only an anorak like me would have any interest in! They are also perfect for linking to Strava or similar apps for post-ride viewing of your route and stats!
I think you need to go to the 800 in their cycling range to get the functionality you're looking for but you're getting into big money at that stage! And again I've yet to see anyone actually using one to "find their way"! I know Terry McD has an 800 - he'd be worth having a chat with (in fact if you need a laugh he's always worth having a chat with!!)
Yeh the 705 would be a good option but make sure you'v got it tethered to the bike... I think everyone has lost a Garmin that has the older mounting bracket system.
Yeh the 705 would be a good option but make sure you'v got it tethered to the bike... I think everyone has lost a Garmin that has the older mounting bracket system.
Good point Oz - I use a section of old inner tube around the top secured with a zip tie as a safety lanyard. countless times the thing is dangling from it after a tumble.
Hmm, sounds like it may be of limited use and given how often I think it would actually get used I think I'll pass. I've always hated the idea of a feckin computer strapped to a mountain bike anyway!
Thanks for setting me straight and saving me a few bob, nice intervention.
Don
Whats the point in buying a garmin for finding routes - you still need to get out on the bike and it looks like thats your issue
spend the same amount of money buttering up your missus so she'll let you out more...
Rob, my dear wife facilities my biking more than you know. She works and we have 2 kids under 10 who I can't get enough of, it's a miracle I get out at all!
Don - I downgraded to a 500 as it had all I needed - StephenG recently bought one from Alfie and the price was as good as online anywhere! the 500 has plenty of functions - speed/hr/distance etc. the 600 and 700 although excellent had stuff I'd never used and are expensive.
I will sell you my magic 705 for €1,000,000 , its got all the routes in Ireland and even some from far away in another land or two plus even if you lose it, it will find its way back to you .
As for getting out more , if you like I will gladly organise a spin at a time that suits you and other losers like you if you want, once a month maybe ?