Your Garmin help, please

yeah I looked at the 705. Mike Hall rode round the world and tour divide with one.
just seems silly that in the last 11 years (!!!) nobody has invented a better GPS.

I dunno I've found following the little red line OK and my Fenix isn't even supposed to do that. The new 5+ navigation is supposed to be a leap ahead.

But yeah it (5+) doesn't do TBT IIRC.

just seems silly that in the last 11 years (!!!) nobody has invented a better GPS.

Most GPS designers don't do stupid long cycle rides.

If they did there'd be a GPS that can display a track on a map, can record HR and Power over ANT+, and runs off AA batteries.

(Maybe some of the newer ones do, or other makes, but last time I checked Garmin didn't do one that does all of the above.)

The other explanation is that they market for such devices is just too small and so it's not worth the investment in the product.

USB charging makes much more sense for people who only do rides <12h as they can charge at home and never have the faff of batteries.

The market for power capable devices that use aa batteries is like 50 people worldwide and at least 10 of them are Hippy

My 820 is a couple of years old now. Battery life at the start was around 5 to 7 hours. On Saturday it lasted less than 2 hours. Any ideas? Can the battery be replaced?
Backlight switched off. No di2 link. I am connected to the phone but have been since I first got it so no change there.

Considered just using your phone and a good app?
Otherwise Garmin 1000 or 1030. But phone is cheaper and as good if you're not in a rush

That sounds odd. My 800 is older than that and lasts longer.

I am connected to the phone but have been since I first got it so no change there.

Check that Connect on the phone isn't in need of an update?

yes, considered, but:
iphones turn themself off when it gets cold or windy
touchscreen is cack in the rain
no chance of operation with gloves on
battery life in general is shit

I think i'll just get a 705 or etrex.

Have you considered this?

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-technology/cycle-computers-gps/garmin-edge-explore-cycling-computer?

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/07/garmin-edge-explore-review.html

I've no experience with it (but did use a 1030 for the best part of a year) - but it's arguably the only Garmin out there that I'd consider potentially decent value at the moment. There's a distinct lack of complaints about it on the various forums - which either means nobody has bought one, or that it's quietly doing it's job for most users. Given I don't think you can even buy 705s any more - and Garmin seem to still be charging £300 for an 800 (which is what I paid for one 8 years ago!) I think I'd prefer a newer unit, even if it is ugly as fuck!?

^ I nearly posted that as well. Don't own it as yet but seriously considering it as it is now down to £180. The DC Rainmaker review paints it in a good light.

looking more around £100 for a second hand unit, rather than a new one
just put in some bids on a 705, might be a stopgap or I might like it...

I had a 605, way back. The only difference IIRC between the 705 is that the 705 connects to sensors. Be warned - the UI on them is absolutely horrendous. I found it very difficult to get on with -the difference in use compared with today's units is like 2000s Linux compared to 2019 Mac OS.

the UI on them is absolutely horrendous

just the same as the etrex then

2000s Linux compared to 2019 Mac OS

I hate 2019 mac os

Retrogrouch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URVS4H7vrdU

looking more around £100 for a second hand unit..

Fair enough - I think I just automatically struggle to consider really old garmins as a viable option when I look at my 800, which is held together with duct tape, sugru, cling film and a rubber case to hold it all in! :)

Have you updated the firmware recently? I only mention that because there has been a sudden spike in user complaints about battery life since the last update (on pretty much every unit). Complaints vary from genuinely shit performance, to an under-reporting fuel gauge, to poor performance in cold weather.

My own experience has been #2 (on a 130) - with the fuel gauge increasing as the device 'warms up' in use..

I quite like my Garmin Touring, the only annoying point being the charging cable using mini usb instead of micro usb. No need for the Plus as I don't really care about HRM or cadence. I suppose barometer could be nice, but heh. It was 110 vs 170 £ or something like that.

Bollocks, I just went through a firmware frenzy on all my units.

so planning another london to paris ride in a couple of months. added maps of france onto the micro sd but when i select the course i get "maps do not have routable roads in this area"? this is not ideal as id rather not roll off the ferry at 5am and realisei have no gps amd no way to test it before then? Anyone had this before

Have you enabled the map in settings?

Did you give the img file a unique name and not the default gmappsup.img

i hadnt no. all done and seems to be working now. thanks very much

I might have an old edge 800 at home. Don't know how many scratches it has and I have replaced the original maps with openfietsmap but might have the old sd card/a backup lying around. If I haven't checked tonight, pm me.

You should only enable maps you are actually using at the time, having multiple maps enabled can slow down the re-drawing of the screen.