GPS for cyclists

Last updated February 24, 2009

Whether you are a road biker or a mountain biker, there'€™s a GPS that will work well for you, and it can mount right on your handlebars. Either type of cyclist will have special needs, so let'€™s take a look at your options:

GPS for road bikers

GPS Cyclometers

The Garmin Edge series is comprised of cyclometer-type GPS receivers. All of them have high-sensitivity chipsets for superior satellite reception in urban canyons and under canopy. While they are excellent cyclometers, they aren'€™t all that great as navigation devices (more on navigation options below). If you are primarily wanting to track your performance though, the Edge series is an excellent choice.

The newest models are the Garmin Edge 605 and Edge 705, which add color screens and mapping capability (maps purchased separately) to the features found on previous models. The 705 adds a heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter and the ability to share data wirelessly with another Edge 705. The 705 is also compatible with an optional cadence sensor and power meter. For a detailed look at the new Edge models, be sure to check out my hands-on review of the Edge 605.

The first-generation Garmin Edge 205 and Garmin Edge 305 (pictured at left) have a monochrome display and lack the mapping capabilities of the 605 and 705. The 305 will give you more accurate data on elevation gain than the 205, thanks to its barometric altimeter.

The Edge 305 actually comes in three models;€” the 305CAD includes a cadence/speed sensor, the 305HR includes a heart rate monitor, and the Edge 305HR+ comes with both.

GPS receivers with turn-by-turn routing

If you want something for navigating the roads you'€™re riding, you'€™ll probably want a GPS with turn-by-turn navigation. The ones we'€™ll look at below won'€™t give voice-prompted directions, but they will "chirp"€ when a turn is approaching and give notification on screen too.

The eTrex Legend HCx is a good, budget minded choice, but the button layout on a GPSMAP 60Cx is much easier to manage while in a handlebar mount. In order to do turn-by-turn routing though, you'll need Garmin'€™s City Navigator software. Yes, you'€™ve got to buy the GPS and software, but hey, the 60Cx and Legend HCx can do double duty in your car. Because of this, you might want to buy City Navigator with the auto kit (the mount is for the 60 series in the package I'm linking to).  Once again, the 60Cx is better suited to this because of it's more user-friendly button layout, and it has a larger screen too. TIP: Be sure you get the latest version of City Navigator if purchasing this mapping software.

GPS for mountain bikers

If you want something that is primarily a training partner, the Edge series (described above) is a great choice. But most mountain bikers getting a GPS will want one that has better navigation features.

The Legend HCx and Vista HCx are great choices for mountain bikers. The Vista HCx adds a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. With a larger screen and a better button layout while on the bike, the GPSMAP 60Cx or 60CSx are great choices too. The latter also adds an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.  These units don'€™t come with any kind of detailed map though. If having a map on the screen is important to you, I recommend that you buy Garmin'€™s TOPO U.S. The maps are not as detailed as a standard USGS 1:24,000 scale topo, but I find them quite useful. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can use Garmin's MapSource Map Viewer to zoom in on any part of the U.S., and see how it would look on your GPS screen.

A new introduction, the Delorme PN-40 (shown above, at right), may be the ideal unit for mountain bikers. It can accommodate aerial imagery and real USGS topos. An added plus is the ability to do highway navigation with no additional purchase.

Use it in your car too!

You can use the Legend HCx, Vista HCx, 60Cx or 60CSx in your car as well. You'€™ll need a mount, another software package (City Navigator), and preferably a power cord, but then you'€™re set up for turn-by-turn routing. Once again, if buying City Navigator, be sure you are purchasing the latest version.

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Comments

[Chuck Carlson]

Most Garmins have tether points for attaching lanyards. Tether your Garmin to your handlebar with a short cord. Then if the mount fails, your Garmin won't smack the ground or your bike frame.

[Anonymous]

I'd be very curious to see this page updated. I'm an eTrex road biker currently evaluating Vista HCx, PN-20, Edge 705, and Triton, and I'm kinda annoyed by two of Garmin's longstanding faults: the constant unit shut-offs due to vibration and the lack of interoperability WRT maps and route data.

[Rich Owings]

We'll have to wait on the Edge 705 and Tritons before being able to make that call. I wouldn't go with the PN-20 unless you really NEED aerial photos. The processor is just too slow.

I agree about the vibration problem. That should be easy enough for them to fix. Interoperability is a problem with every manufacturer.

[Anonymous]

Hi, it's Anonymous again.

Well, I guess my decision was made for me:

PN-20: disqualified per above advice
Edge 705: Delayed to 2008
Triton: Delayed to 2008
Vista HCx: $80 off at REI til 11/25/07

Where's my honorary "That Was Easy!" button?

[Rich Owings]

Don't know how easy it was, but I think you'll be happy with the Vista HCx. It's a great little unit.