Garmin Bike Computer

bucknejo

bucknejo

Well-Known Member
Any recommendations for a bike computer?

I suppose the problem trying to be solved is mapping & directions (not getting lost in the woods). It would be great to also upload / design a predefined route.

I think I’m over pulling out my phone every time I’m riding a new section and just want something sitting on the bars (always on or reliable touch screen on) that will tell me where I am and where to go.

Any thoughts on this one or are there better options? There is no budget, but not looking for all sorts of analytical features so top end devices are probably not necessary.

www.garmin.com

Edge® 830

Device Only
www.garmin.com www.garmin.com

This one I’m sure is overkill, but maybe not? I just don’t know the market and not sure what I’ll really need or want when I finally get the thing out there.

My rides are never more than a few hours so battery life is not a priority I don’t think.
 
shrpshtr325 said:
your HILARIOUS!!!!!!!! 🤣 🤣 🤣



hey its not my fault wahoo cant figure out standalone nav (last time i looked into their units a phone connection was required for it. big fail right there)

p.s. i think we still need to link up for that chain saw sharpener thing.
Click to expand...

connection to the phone, not connection to the internet.
and the maps are on the head unit.

yes - i do need to get that to you.....
 
I have the Garmin Edge 830. I wish it worked. It is fine for capturing activity. It is unreliable for guiding a predefined, loaded route. It acts like it will do that, I can preview the route, it even knows when I go off-route. It just won't reliably direct the turn by turns, and takes miles to recover from a detour.
My buddy rides with the Wahoo Element Bolt and experiences none of these failures.
 
I use a 530 because I don’t like the touch screen and use it literally 40-50 times a year to follow routes and have never once had an issue. For the OP: I often travel for work and ride parks blind and this works perfectly well for me.
 
FWIW I have the Garmin 830 and have nothing but good things to say about the computer itself. It's easy to pull routes from Strava and Garmin has their own (user-generated) routes as well. I've used the online Garmin Connect software to make gravel routes but not a MTB route. I have found that the trail on the ground doesn't match the trail on the map so I constantly get off-course notifications especially with Strava routes.
20221125_204206.jpg

Blue line with arrows is true GPS motion, dotted line is "trail"
 
zmartene said:
FWIW I have the Garmin 830 and have nothing but good things to say about the computer itself. It's easy to pull routes from Strava and Garmin has their own (user-generated) routes as well. I've used the online Garmin Connect software to make gravel routes but not a MTB route. I have found that the trail on the ground doesn't match the trail on the map so I constantly get off-course notifications especially with Strava routes.
View attachment 201017
Blue line with arrows is true GPS motion, dotted line is "trail"
Click to expand...
I see the problem. When you upload a Strava route it changes the tree to mushroom ratio on the screen and that's why you're getting so many off routes. Turn down the mushrooms a little and it'll work fine.
 
I gave up waiting for Wahoo connect to my phone and load up.

Im eventually going to get a higher end Garmin at some point. I have been in a situation highlighted by @Fire Lord Jim when you go off route. I also notice my Garmin is too smart either. At a four way for example if the route crosses it more than once and you make the wrong turn, it wont put you back on track. Instead you lose those miles
 
The 1st gen Wahoo Roam is on sale at REI for $199. I've always used Wahoo computers, haven't had an issue with them since way early on (software integration). I have both this Roam for the road side, as well as a Bolt for the MTB.

www.rei.com

Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT ROAM GPS Cycling Computer - 2021 | REI Co-op

Stay on course longer and explore farther with the powerful Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT ROAM GPS cycling computer. It combines smart navigation with a high-contrast color display and long-lasting battery.
www.rei.com www.rei.com
 
bucknejo said:
Any recommendations for a bike computer?

I suppose the problem trying to be solved is mapping & directions (not getting lost in the woods). It would be great to also upload / design a predefined route.

I think I’m over pulling out my phone every time I’m riding a new section and just want something sitting on the bars (always on or reliable touch screen on) that will tell me where I am and where to go.

Any thoughts on this one or are there better options? There is no budget, but not looking for all sorts of analytical features so top end devices are probably not necessary.

www.garmin.com

Edge® 830

Device Only
www.garmin.com www.garmin.com

This one I’m sure is overkill, but maybe not? I just don’t know the market and not sure what I’ll really need or want when I finally get the thing out there.

My rides are never more than a few hours so battery life is not a priority I don’t think.
Click to expand...
I have the 830.
The navigation works well on more spread out trail systems. Dense trail systems can get a little confusing to follow.
There can also be issues when using routes created by other people because sometimes THEY made a U-turn on their ride and now the nav is telling you you're going the wrong way when it seems like you're heading the right direction.

Anyway, the Jump Tracking feature is my favorite part of the 830.
 
JPark said:
Dense trail systems can get a little confusing to follow.
There can also be issues when using routes created by other people because sometimes THEY made a U-turn on their ride and now the nav is telling you you're going the wrong way when it seems like you're heading the right direction.
Click to expand...

Yeah, this is true but these are all problems with all forms of navigation, going back to maps & the Silk Road. Ain't no GPS that can handle Allaire.
 
Norm said:
Yeah, this is true but these are all problems with all forms of navigation, going back to maps & the Silk Road. Ain't no GPS that can handle Allaire.
Click to expand...

This was gonna be my only comment.

All of them work great for blind following spread-out shit like Sterling/Wharton, but if there are stacked loops/tons of short trails/intersections, you still need to do your homework.
 
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