Not getting lost

[Shane]

Hi All,
I'll be doing several long gravel grinders and singeltrack endurance
routes this year and a GPS is in the wish/want/need list. I have an
EDGE 500, which is fine as a computer, but does nothing for maps.
Right now when I come to a diversion and need to reroute I have to
whip out the phone, which is fine if I'm not in a remote location and
I remembered to pre-load the maps. I can kinda load a route to the
Edge 500 and really does save me time, but for some reason the damn
thing crashes pretty often.

So here's the deal - I'm looking at the Edge 800 and wondering if
anyone has experience using this for SWES events. I've seen very mixed
reviews. The only other real option seems to be the 705, but it has
plenty of drawbacks of its own.

Any experienced advice/opinion is appreciated.

Cheers
Shane

gravelquest.blogspot.com

[Trent Cooper]

Hi Shane, I have yet to do any SWES events (hopefully this year will be my first successful completion of one of the events!), so I can't comment on their applicability there, but have owned both the 705 and 800.  I can say with no hesitation, stay away from the 705.  I went through 5 of them on warranty, before I finally demanded that Garmin either give me my money back or send me something else.  They did and sent me the 800.  Thankfully, Garmin has spectacular customer service.  I have had the 800 for about 4 months now and it is a significant improvement over the 705 in terms of functionality and screen quality.  So far, no reliability issues.  The touch screen functionality is great. In terms of navigation, what little I have used that function, it seems fine.  The limiting factor is the screen size.  I have also found that the street maps do not always show small, obscure roads, so it may not be great for backroad adventures.  They are coming out with updated maps soon, so maybe that has been improved.  I have also found that in order for the map to show some smaller roads, you have to zoom in so far that that reduced scale makes the map cumbersome because you have to scroll around so much to find intersections, etc. It's okay if you are stopped and are having a leisurely ride, not good if you are trying to do this while moving.  All in all, for a bike specific computer, I don't know of anything better, but it still has some limitations. Hope this helps, Trent Cooper --- On Tue, 2/28/12, Shane <skde...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[andrew...@comcast.net]

Edge 305 is a good option. Simple. Loads courses, but NOT topos.  No power meter compat.  Only 12 Hr battery like.  No touch screen is a plus in the rain.

Good luck.

Andrew

Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless

-----Original message-----

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[Shane]

Thanks for all the responses. I found a great Deal on an Edge 800 with the city maps so I picked it up. I'm still playing with it, but for what I want I don't think there's anything better out there right now. 

[Trent Cooper]

I would agree.  It does have a few shortcomings, but overall, it is a really good product that has a lot of great features.  Plus, being a data geek, I love the fact that I have the ability of have 50 different pieces of data at my fingertips.  I am sure you have already noted this, but one other issue I have with it is that the screen can be difficult to see sometimes.  I wish it was easier to read without having to turn up the backlight and compromise the battery life.    Good luck with it,   Cheers, Trent

--- On Tue, 3/20/12, Shane <skde...@gmail.com> wrote: