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GPS navigators

2016/7/16 9:29:50


Question
I am looking to get a GPS navigator to use while cycling.  Ideally I would like it for both navigating, and for tracking where I have been, as one of my favorite things to do is to pick a new location and basically "get lost" for an hour or so before finding my way back.  I would love to be able to plug it into my computer afterwards and view where I had been, but most of the GPS systems that I have seen that allow this are the kind without the touch screens to also allow it to be used for navigating.  Do you know of any in the $150-200 range that have both functins, and if so, what would you recommend.

Answer
Interesting combination of factors you are seeking.  My familiarity is mostly with the athletic type of GPS as I have a Garmin Forerunner 105, 305 and Edge 305 (a bike computer version of the Forerunner 305).  I also have a simple hiking GPS that I barely know how to use and a couple of StreetPilots for my cars.  I use the little Garmins just about every day, so I can speak about them more intelligently than about conventional GPS units.

The Forerunners can do a lot of great things.  Not only do they give you real-time pace and distance, but they show a tiny map of your course, record where you have been and allow for downloading to "Training Center" software which automatically loads up maps on your computer and overlays your travels on them.  In addition to that is my favorite feature for mountain biking on strange mountains: the show-me-how-to-get-home feature, which can accurately backtrack you to your starting point.  

What these can't do is navigate by coordinates like a handheld GPS unit.  All they can do is record where you have gone and get you back.

To answer your question, then, I think you might enjoy the Forerunner 305, which I saw recently on sale at REI for around $200, and which has the following features:
Tracks where you have been: Yes
Finds your way back: Yes
Plugs into computer to download travels: Yes
Touch screen: No
Use for navigating: No
$150 to $200: Yes, if on sale

If you really want to save, try the Garmin Forerunner 105.  It's an older model with most of the same navigational features.  The only downside is that it is not quite as small and has a less sensitive antenna.  

I hope this helps,

Graeme
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