GPS for Mountain Biking

[ashfire]

Hi the more i look the more i get confused so ive no choice but to show my noobness and ask all the wrong questions....

As the title says im after a gps device that i can use on my bike.

Ideally i want to be able to follow tracks/waypoints whilst having a visual display of the surrounding topography. That is an ideal based on what i think i want though...
I like the use of memory map to plot these routes so any device would have to be compatable with that.
Price is an issue as i dont have endless funds

i hope ive given enough info


thanks

Jon

[mikealder]

Welcome to the forum, you could consider a PDA with built in GPS or use an external GPS via Bluetooth, put the PDA in an Otter box and secure that to the bike with a suitable RAM mount, or even their own mount.
For the mount see Here and for the case click Here - As for the PDA this will really depend upon your budget, but it is very easy to use Memory Map on a PDA - Mike

[ashfire]

Cheers Mike, i know i shouldnt ask this as budgets and personal choice can affect the answers but can you recommend a PDA or a few PDA's in diff price brackets


thanks again

[xtx]

Hi, I've just got myself a Garmin Edge 605 after going through the same thoughts.

Still not 100% convinced it's right as the in-built base map is 'very' basic.

If I could afford it I would probably look at a Satmap as this uses Ordnance Survey maps, but add on maps in the initial purchase and it's pretty pricey.

The PDA route is cost effective, and OS maps are possible with the right software, just a waterproof issue then of course in Sunny old UK.

Garmin mapping units still don't use OS maps and even with TOPO and City Nav NT added to the basemap the detail still lacks the complete feel of a 1:25,000 Explorer map.
Still experimenting so hopefully will be happy soon.

[ashfire]

the links above have all but convinced me PDA's with gps are the only way to go, certainly with the otters pouch for the wet weather. I suppose the only criteria i have now is the ruggedness of the PDA

[robertn]

I use a PDA for moutain biking and other outdoors stuff. Problems I find are Battery life, and GPS fix quality (It's a Navman Pin, SiRF II based) - make sure you get a SiRF III or equivilent GPS, unless you only bike in wide open paddocks. In use Memory Map software- which is excelent

Ruggedness- I am moderatly careful, and use the standard case and a plastic bag. In wet weather, it stays in the bag (really wet weather I stay home). Otterbox's are worth more than the PDA now, so if I trash it, it gives me the excuse I need to upgrade - that said, it has survived a number of "hard landings" - they are more robust than you would think (Or I am lucky).

I would consider a Bluetooth GPS with Data logging. The PDA can then be turned off and tucked into a nice warm, dry, safe spot while riding. The rugged GPS then logs your ride. Turn on the PDA when you are stopped or lost. Depends on you riding style - I like to ride hard and fast on narrow single track, so I don't read the map when moving.

[mikealder]

There are a few options for external battery packs to enhance duration from a PDA, I can get 14 hours from the ipaq-4700 using my home made pack, but not everyone wants something like that attached to a bike! - I took the following from one or two of my own posts from a couple of years ago:

Well I did used to have a custom battery pack built into my Otter box, until I stupidly charged it up using the wrong charger, the net result was battery parts all over the kitchen the following morning! - I have since built another one though I find the active 10 is a better device out on the fells.

Here is some information from a previous post:

[maultby]

hi
after lots of research i chose nokia 6110 with viewranger and boxit.
am astonished and delighted by its capabilities.
so much that i've written a review:
http://website.lineone.net/~maultby/Nokia%20Navigator%20&%20Viewranger%20Review.htm

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