GPS tech (Garmin, Hammerhead, Wahoo, RWGPS, etc)

Thanks for the update. It will be interesting to see how a longer ride goes. I'll stick it back on the list of toys to buy eventually.

Edit:new page fail

Absolutely fine on longer rides.

If I were to look for criticism:

The scale of the map means it is fine if you want to/do follow the route exactly but if you go off track/want to detour you’re likely going to need to get a phone out. Hasn’t really proved an issue in practice, but compared to a Garmin you cannot panic reroute/locate yourself as effectively, as the next turn is presented in a more stylised manner (but as said, this works effectively when actually on a route.)

The amount of information you can have on the screen at once means it may not be as well suited for ‘serious’ rides. Less customisability i.e when riding fast the beep to notify an upcoming turn is too close to the turn as it is designed for city pace. Can’t change that.

Less choice of mounts - although I think they just released an adapter for Garmin style mounts so may be moot.

Have done 70-80milers with 0 complaints. It does what it sets out to do very capably, the simplicity can be a boon and a curse depending on your taste.

Anyone want this for a tenner?
Leopard print sticker wrap for wahoo bolt v1
By wrapmybike

https://wrapmybike.eu/product/wahoo-elemnt-bolt-panter/

1 Attachment

"You can now import files generated by third-party sources directly into the Ride with GPS mobile app. This means files received via text or downloaded from event websites can be saved to your account right from your phone."

Just came here to say dynamic.watch is great. I can now use OS maps to plan routes and then export them direct to the dynamic.watch app and then via the garmin IQ app they are on my garmin. Truly miracles. I've been wholly reliant on cables and computers up until this moment. I am a ludite tho.

I had this on mine. Is excellent.

Mrs M_V's Edge 25 is starting to go on the blink so thinking about what I could get her. The Edge 25 doesn't seem to be available new anymore so it's either a 2nd hand Edge 25 which who knows if it'll develop the same faults her current one has or going to have to be a different model.

The Edge 25 is good because it does what she needs and not much else. She probably won't ever really use navigation but she does like to upload her rides to her phone to keep track of things, simple things like how quickly she does her commute.

Compatibility with Garmin speed and cadence sensors would be good as she uses it when she rides rollers.

There's some cheap Lezyne and Bryton computers, are these going to be worth trying? Probably going to need new mounts for her bikes (she has 3 so not a huge deal I guess), will they work with the Garmin sensors?

No experience of Bryton but I did see one just popped up for sale on here today: https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/389729/#comment17106296

I thought having AA batteries on my etrex is very neat, but now I feel that it's a bit of a faff, and don't like the idea of buying and tossing a lot of single-use ones.

Is there a contender for touring purposes with a built-in battery that I may charge with a powerbank? One of those garmin edges, or maybe a decidedly waterproof phone? I like using OsmAnd on my phone, but can't in the rain obv.

You can get rechargable ones. Or plug it into a battery pack.

Garmin edge explore

I thought having AA batteries on my etrex is very neat, but now I feel that it's a bit of a faff, and don't like the idea of buying and tossing a lot of single-use ones.

Why not use rechargeables, hybrio work for me

I have rechargables, but charges for those are bulky to carry. Didn't try plugging it in, but the little usb had a crap contact last time I tried to connect it to the laptop.

Explore seems nice. Any downsides to an edge 830 vs explore? I see an 830 for a hundred in my local classifieds, explore for more.

I guess you're out riding for more than a day or two if you're thinking of packing a charger.

For 4-5 day rides I just carried a few spare sets of rechargeables for my eTrex, no bulk at all. Didn't bother carrying a charger as unlikely to find anywhere to plug it in. My plan was to buy non-rechargeables if I ever got near the end of my stash of rechargeables.

For another 4 day ride I'd upgraded to an Edge 705 and so I just carried a couple of 4000mAh external USB power packs that would power/charge the GPS (and my phone) when riding or stopped somewhere.

For more touring I'd consider a USB charger that ran from a dynohub, but that's because I'd be touring on a bike with a dynohub that wasn't powering a light during the day.

I run a dynamo on all my bikes anyhow so I'm cool with charging from there. I should actually put an effort into setting the etrex up for cable charging while mounted before buying a new toy I may not need. The mount has it sit in an awkward place for a cable as is, but should be workaroundable.

You're lamenting wasting batteries but happy to throw away and buy a whole new device, some irony. Try it out and see, if you're happy with the etrex function the it seems the nicest solution. Maybe a better cable.

830 would be a great device though. Get edge not explore - unless it's changed my past experience of explore is they're basic.

FWIW I have an Edge 25 sat in my drawer that I haven't been able to sell so would happily pass it on for postage cost (from Switzerland).

Is it possible to totally do away with the Elemnt app for my Wahoo? The app is a broken piece of shit that has made the actual unit unusable. I'm wondering if I can get around that by using some sort of 3rd party app to transfer routes etc.

yes, get a garmin, connect app is VERY good

Edge explore 2 are great. Basically an 830 without the training stuff, bigger screen and cheaper.

Ooh, that might be good. It’s maybe come back to life a bit last night but let me know what the postage would be? Cheers.

I did get a Garmin because my Wahoo wasn't working. The app isn't any better or worse than the Elemnt one for my very basic needs (except that it actually works). I'd mostly like to go back to the Wahoo because my Garmin has shit battery life and I don't want to buy yet another GPS if I can avoid it.

I hate Garmin but Garmin is better.

If you're doing short rides then you could use your phone and RWGPS for a cheap, effective option.

It's not the short rides that are the issue unfortunately, the Garmin is great for that. It's when I'm out all day and have to worth about battery life that I'd like the Wahoo back in action.

What problems have you been having with the ELEMNT app? I've been using it with an ELEMNT and a Bolt for the last few weeks and while it's pretty basic it's done everything I've needed it to do.