Garmin GPS advice

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Permalink Reply by knowbody on May 16, 2011 at 12:49pm

looks like a pretty cool device you got there. don't have this particular one but do happen to use a combination of other garmin products for both terrestrial and aquatic navigation. will respond more on some of the "softwhere" later when i get home because none of it is loaded on my work systems.

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on May 16, 2011 at 1:29pm

I have had the 800 since it was released, and previously the 750

 

I purchased the large bundle with the heart rate strap, the speed/cadence sensor and the US maps on a micro sd card

The speed cadence sensor is only needed if you either train indoors or want the cadence reading while outdoors

heart rate strap is your choice, I like having that info while training

As far as the maps go the US maps on a micro sd card is around 100 bucks, the maps can be "found" on the internet if your into that kind of thing.

 

The internal storage will fill up quick with area maps and the birdseye view data

 

For making courses and routes I use garmin base camp, it is a free download and makes maps in the tcx or gpx format

 

Lastly I use a quarg power meter crank set to send my power and cadence info to the garmin

 

It is a great device with more capabilities then most people will use

 

Take advantage of garmin connect to upload your rides , it saves them in the "cloud" so you can access from any computer

 

here is a sample from my last ride

 

http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard?cid=1356652

 

you can friend me to ask me any specific questions

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Permalink Reply by JeffB on May 17, 2011 at 9:56am

Thanks for the replies.  I didn't realize there was a Garmin store on Mich Ave until yesterday.  I stopped in and got some advice and accessories.  I got the City Navigator DVD for N America and a speed/cadence sensor.  I may get the topographic maps, but they seem to be geared more towards hiking than biking, but I noticed that they have Rails-to-Trails Conservancy maps available for download at the website.  Also, you can sign up for an hour long class on using the GPS at the store.  Its free if you bought the device there, but $15 otherwise.  I picked up a 16GB microSD card elsewhere.  The Edge 800 itself only has about 100MB of space available

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Permalink Reply by Elwood Gruschow on May 17, 2011 at 7:08pm

Jeff, 

  I have been using a GPS for bikes, kayaks and environmental surveys for over ten years.  Your system is more advanced than any of mine.  I think you made a good purchase with City Navigator because the stock maps on system do not have the less traveled roads I like to bike on.  

  If you get into building your routes at home and following then on the bike; the Rails-to-Trails might be a great help.  For example: I cannot tell my GPS ( Garmin Etrex ) to follow the Burnham  Greenway because it only routes to roads and streets.  I would have to do it manually  setting points.   If you do not aim for bike trails then you will not need it. 

  The class sounds like a great idea.  You likely will not master all the  functions after the one hour class, but you should see most of the things your system can do.  Just knowing what your system can do is a great help in learning how to do it later.  

 

  With all those cool functions, mapping in color , tracking,routing, cadence, ETA, Heart Rate, barometric altimeter... do not forget to pedal :)

 

stay connected,

Elwood

 

 

 

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