I'm trying to decide whether to upgrade my starting to get a bit tired Edge 500. (although it does still do the job more than adequately)
I've been looking at the 810 and 520. The mapping on the 810 is a big draw, but 95% of my riding is offroad.
Has anyone got any experience of how good the mapping is for offroad riding?
Thoughts and experiences between the 520 and 810 would be much appreciated.
Thanks
520 with talkytoaster maps is pretty good.
although you could probably load those onto the 810 as well.
The resolution is shit compared to your smartphone, but it's adequate for following a route.
Not great for navigating on the fly, due to tiny display only showing a little bit of the landscape. I always take a paper map if exploring.
I only ride off road and I have an 800 because I wanted a map on screen. I like the 1:50k OS maps but they cost and the free OSM mapping is clearer to read and pretty comprehensive (though irritating when a detail is missing so I still use the OS maps). If replacing mine now I'd be choosing between the 810 and 1000.
Was just using mine for navigation this evening and that is with crap Oz Maps. Screen size is fine for navigation especially if you load up the route beforehand.
Not great for navigating on the fly
Agreed, that would be hard work. I tend to plan a route on bike route toaster with turn warnings and this would work just as well on a 520. But when there are paths heading in all directions or I need to cut a route short, being able to see the map to work out what to do is what I paid the extra for.
I downloaded free open source maps from the net, they go down to footpath level where I am (some of them are almost goat tracks, except no wild goats round here......)
I have the OS 1:50,000 UK maps installed on my 800 but you really need to download a track to navigate , the screen is pretty tricky to read in bright sunlight. Really need a 3" screen minimum for navigation IMO, I'm looking at getting an Oregon 650 for this purpose, but it still allows me to connect a HRM if needed
As above - why not consider an Oregon 600?
Larger screen
Full mapping
Runs off AAs (rechargeables are fine)
Will link to HR and/or Cadence
FWIW, the 650 has a NIMH battery pack that is just two (relatively low capacity) NIMH AA's wrapped together. There's a wee switch in the battery compartment that the pack triggers so that the NIMH pack can be charged in the unit. Stick a wee bit of plastic over it and it'll charge your (higher capacity/cheaper) NIMHs too.
If you're not worried about the training functionality/sensor attachment, then I'd go for one of the Oregon models mentioned.
I have an 800 and I really like it, but I user it as an all round device, so it suits me well (I even really like the OS maps on it...). If you're just up for following routes/casual exploring on an MTB then I'd go for the bigger option of the Oregon.
I use my 810 with 1:25000 OS maps works nicely for MTBing around here!
800, 1000 and Oregon abuser. Depends on you and your map reading. The 800 is fine, I fire in a track and it gives you enough. Remember single track isn't marked so it's only ever going to be a guide. I've been happy ploughing through Wales off piste with 800 but I'm a good map reader plenty of experience. 1000 is better because of screen size as is 650. 650 will do all the bike stuff and has big screen.
When I go abroad and I'm being self sufficient I take the 650 because you can swap the batteries 2 X AA. If you don't need that why not use the 1000? For long stuff 800 and 650 will allow external battery. 1000 won't because the connection faces downward. Cables likely to fall out at first bump but it's designed for roadies what can I say
I have 1:50k OS perfectly adequate for me
Thanks....assuming that the Os maps are an extra cost?
Yep. But try OSM maps first, some prefer them (and they are free)
Yep. But try OSM maps first, some prefer them (and they are free)
Problem is the best price on OS maps from Garmin is as a bundle when you buy it normally.
Yes. One word answer to the OP question IMO. Chuck the OS maps in as well.
It's a brilliant bit of kit off road as much as on, I've used the osm maps in Europe and they're great for free but I'd pay the extra for the bundle as IIRC it was under £100. I think it's £160 if bought separately so expensive to buy after. Primarily useful for exploring new areas, also I like some of the facilities it adds for safety like bail out options when it goes pear shaped and the live track for dodgy solo rides as long as you have the right phone and service. Navigating on the fly is fine, OS is good but some of my OSM maps change a bit as you adjust the zoom which can be annoying.
I enjoy a day with an OS map but when you just want to plan a route and go it does save faff.
If you want mapping forget the 520, it's not big enough to store a decent amount of maps on. You'll get the local few hundred miles on but if you want to go further afield you'll have to bugger about with the map tiles each time to get where you want to go on and you can't just swap sd cards.
as an aside I got the local maps bundled as they were cheap in the price. I use OSM for other countries I visit just DL to a mem card and swap them over.
I'll be selling an Edge 800 in the next week or so if you don't mind an older model