Need something for peak district etc. etc.. And only need good bike gps for trails.. Training feature not necessary really,
I'm looking at this choice at the moment, reading reviews seems to suggest the only drawback of the Etrex(if you don't need the training stuff) is the lack of dedicated, effective bike mounts...
For the price difference, i think i can live with lack of dedicated effective bike mounts..(but im sure i have seen somewhere ❓ )
I love my Etrex 3.0 (I think I found one for under £200). It's great on the bike and great for walking and Geocaching and has full route finding capabilities and much more.
I've got a bike mount for it and I think that there are a few variations about.
My main complaint with the ETrex 3.0 is that, absurdly, it's still fitted with a USB 1 port; 800MB of maps can take 10 minutes to transfer!
PJay.. Does it come with map that is needed (i have no clue about map garmin use)
There's just a world base map and the Garmin maps are very expensive and restrictive, but [url= http://talkytoaster.info/ukmaps.htm ]Talky Toster[/url] has free, Garmin ready, Open Street Maps, for download, which is what I use.
I got an etrex 20 and it works really well on the bike. The garmin mount has been fine for me so far. I use the talkytoaster and the openmtbmap for maps. Both are great for what I need. The page layout of the etrex is not the best for bikes out of the box but can be adjusted to work better. Google 'taming the garmin etrex' and you should find the tips on how to improve the layout. Battery life is good and the gps works well.
Do like my etrex 20 although admittedly I mostly just throw it in my pack to record my ride for Strava. It has helped on a few occasions though when I've managed to get lost...handy having 1:50k OS maps to hand. My only grumble is that when browsing on the map screen the lag when loading the next bit of map is very long
Have they sorted out the problems with the eTrex whereby they randomly cut out when on the trails ? There used to be a press fit electrical connection between the batteries and the unit which vibrates open circuit when the unit gets a bit worn (a couple of years of use). I've had two eTrex units with this problem. No problems when hiking, but a PITA when riding.
My 800 has been perfect, however.
800 is perfect, maps training rugged mines been going strong for years. When I up grade going for the new 1000 as I use maps a lot
I have an etrex 20 and I agree that is sufficient for all my needs at a decent price point
Full UK mapping of OS and AA road maps can be purchased here for circa £20
http://www.ioffer.com/search/items/garmin+map+1%253A25
the link mentioned above is [ taming etrex]
http://www.aukadia.net/gps/lw3_0.htm
Have they sorted out the problems with the eTrex whereby they randomly cut out when on the trails ?
Maybe the previous generation of etrex? Never heard of an issue with the 10, 20 or 30 etrexs or experienced the issue with my 20
[url= http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=26910 ]ETrex shutting off[/url]
I have an Etrex 30 with full OS mapping.
Genuine Garmin bike mount is rock solid - but I have a lanyard on it just in case.
I use Sanyo Eneloop batteries, which give around 24 hours+ constant use.
It seems to be like most Garmin products - good hardware and a 'could do better' award for the software. Biggest bugbear for me is the time it seems to take to load the next section of the OS map if you out pace it.
And don't get me started on Garmin's 'Base Camp' software. A complete joke. Don't let that put you off though, as never need to use it.
Hth
Marko
flap_jack - Member
ETrex shutting off
So yes, based on that link, the old etrexs and not the newer 10, 20 & 30 models
Junkyard, yip that is the link. the set up makes the etrex much better on the bike. I have had no problem with mine cutting out. I remember reading that they made changes to the new gen etrex to stop that. Like Marko, I think the bike mount is very solid, and it is quite difficult to get the garmin out of the mount.
never used it/knew of it to be clear and i just followed your google advice.
Just had a play , useful and cheers for the link
Mine's a previous generation eTrex, and had another of the generation before that. Never had the power shut off issue.
Transfer maps and gpx files to/from mine by popping the SD card out and sticking it in the pooter (SD-microSD adapter lives in the laptop). Very easy with the previous generation. Not sure where SD is located on the new 10/20/30 models?
I just grab a premade GMAPSUPP.IMG from wherever, or generate a custom one at garmin.openstreetmap.nl and copy on to card.
Never used Basecamp ever.
Mine just gets switched on, and left in the backpack or back pocket, depending on how likely I am to need the navigation/map features.
ever had the power shut off issue.
left in the backpack or back pocket
Caused by vibration on bike mounts. Never had one shut off in a backpack either.
Glad they've sorted it now.