Bicycle GPS? Garmin etc

[OnHellas]

Just for a change I am thinking and dreaming of adventures to go on.
One for next year could be a cycling trip. The other half has done a bit of cycling on various Camino routes in Spain while I was walking but maybe it’s time I tried a trip with pedal power.

So my question. Has anyone had any experience of bicycle GPS units such as the Garmin Edge in one of its various forms?
I like the idea of something like that rather than have the iPhone on the handlebars.

Route ideas so far are the Eurovelo 1 from Roscoff in France to the Spanish border at Irun…maybe further or Eurovelo 15 following The Rhine from The Hook of Holland towards the source in Switzerland.

Both reachable from home by train and ferry. We’ve got a bike each and enough lightweight camping gear.
A couple of new panniers and other luggage bits and we should be good to go….sounds easy on the sofa, like the GR11 hike did.

 

[Davey B]

I use a Garmin Edge Explore. My problem is that to read the nav screen I need to stop and put some spectacles on...so I don't ever use it as a nav device, simply getting my phone out should that need arise....
Doing one of the well signposted cycle routes should mean you dont often need it as a nav device

 

[OnHellas]

I use a Garmin Edge Explore. My problem is that to read the nav screen I need to stop and put some spectacles on...so I don't ever use it as a nav device, simply getting my phone out should that need arise....
Doing one of the well signposted cycle routes should mean you dont often need it as a nav device

I was hoping that signage would be pretty good and as someone who seems to be heading towards Mr Magoo status with the need for glasses (I’m not that bad yet) you make a good point re being able to read the thing.

A trip to a stockist to have a look has been put on the ‘to do’ list.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[er-minio]

I have an Edge25 that I use sometimes for following longer trails (50/100km). Has no mapping and shows you just the line. Perfect for the little use I do of it. Not suitable for you

I've used an Edge 530 once and it seemed ok and readable to me.
One other thing you can consider (if you have any) is to use a standard handheld.
I have a GPSMap 64s that I use for hiking and greenlaning. Considered putting it on the pushbikes a couple of times when doing longer routes as sometimes I want mapping.
It connects to ANT+ sensors too and syncs with Garmin Connect if you are bothered with that.

 

[Davey B]

I suppose I go out and do a ride, for fitness...get the heart pumping etc. I sometimes take a road I've never taken to somewhere I've never heard of....I don't take specs with me. If I was doing a multi day trip, I'd have no issue stopping and spending a minute or two looking at the route....but yes, I'd suggest going to a decent bike/outsdoor shop and having a play with one

 

[The Other PaulG]

Paul I've used my Garmin eTrex for off road runs and cycling. There are different eTrex models, mine had the screen (one was for sale on here recently).

It worked really well, but the screen is pretty small. Reading it would definitely require a stop!

 

[AdrianS]

I use a couple of Garmins for my cycle rides.
The screen is too small to use as a good satnav unless your eyesight is perfect.
However, the mapping and other functions are really useful and with Garmin Connect on your PC gives you all the stats you need and gives you a map of where you have been.
Downside is that the batteries ( in my experience) don’t last as long as advertised but you can get a battery extender which fits the units.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Based on my Nav V I really don't like Garmin so I plumped for a Bryton on my push bike. Easy to read, easy to programme though I've not used it in anger for a few years now.

 

[Shane]

In my experiences through France and Spain you don't need one, unless your happier with GPS guidance. It will always tell you where you are, maps are more fun unless it's raining. I have a Garmin800 just for tracking my route, we found the routes well marked in France less so in Spain unless your on one of the Caminos.
Grab some guide books for winter planning. Cycle touring and camping in Spain this year through the picos to Sameido and spotted three bears, which was a treat.

 

[OnHellas]

Thanks for all the input.
I think, on reflection, we will probably go for routes downloaded on to our phones and stop and check them if signage is lacking.
After all, what’s the rush!? 1300km in 3 weeks plus ish….it’ll be fine.

I think that we need to get the ferry booked in the next few weeks to get the trip ‘locked’ in. June seems to be the chosen month.

I’ve got unfinished GR11 hiking business to get back to next summer as well.

 

[DC]

im a very keen cyclist, I use the Garmin 1030 , I think its just been preceded by a 1040. the processor is very fast, so if you make a wrong turn off route, it notifies you within a few yards, not a mile down the road. the battery life is superb, well over 20/24 hours while being used. I suppose it doesn't really mater what GPS unit you use, but it will matter how you map your routes. If you just use goole maps on your phone it will more than likely just take you along main busy roads. Should you want to ride dedicated cycle routes, Strava mapping or Ride by GPS are very good. design your route if the software and upload to the GPS unit.
I find the Garmin units also attach to the bars of the bikes easy using there holders ,either "out front " or the one that just sits on the handle bars

 

[mw3230]

I appreciate that the OP has indicated a preference for not using a phone but I suggest a reconsideration of this decision.

I’ve used Garmin devices over the years on numerous cycling tours but now I use my IPhone and the Komoot app. This allows simple and straightforward route planning and navigation with easy to read and follow turn by turn instructions. Although I now connect my phone to my e-bike to keep the battery (phone) charged, in the past I have carried a small power bank and either connected my phone when riding, or topped up the phone battery during stops. The larger, clearer display on the phone allows mapping and directions to be read at a glance whereas on the Garmin I found it necessary to zoom in to see road details, especially in urban areas

As with motorbiking there is always the risk of an accident damaging your phone but so far so good and I’ve not suffered any phone mishaps

 

[ossa eck]

I use a garmin montana 600 for cycling and off road trail riding.
Use OS maps in uk and open source maps for europe ,works perfectly.

 

[Ron Gibson]

For those who require a bit of help in the eyesight department, why not try wraparound safety glasses with reader bifocals, available in clear, tint,yellow and mirrored. I use them all the time when cycling to see the route etc on my phone. Just a thought.