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

I try to stay away from the IQ apps (datafields are another matter), instead I sync Komoot and RWGPS with Garmin Connect. Why? Because if you forget to load up the IQ and start recording... you have to stop it again just to access the IQ apps to choose a route, which is extra stupid.

I saw someone on here post about taking metrics off the map screen (maybe cake?) about 6 months back, and I much prefer it

Yep as others above I run my 820 all the time when navigating with map screen on and current speed as one field, current heading as the other. If I want the full data breakdown it's one screen swipe away, the elevation profile a swipe the other way... Works for me without metrics overload

Cc @passhunting

How long are your rides?
I'd use a phone app. Great screen and clear OSM is a winner. Plus you have one already.

Lots of apps for free, ie. OSMand, Maps.me that you can upload a gpx into. Tbh you could even use Google maps.

Tbh it sounds like a dedicated device is the opposite of what you need or want.

Who’s heading out for a cap?
Quite fun shame I have no wheels at present

I went out first thing to Ally Pally to look, and it was either already gone or unbelievably well hidden! I was there at 7.10 so someone got an early start!

Agreed with Osmand - I used it for ages until I first got a Garmin, it's so good but battery life on the phone with the screen on made it impractical once rides were of a significant length.
Thinking about it, wonder if you can run Osmand on a Hammerhead?

Been out since 5 am aha, I only left 1 there, left a few of my own personal notchas caps at regents and swains as it kinda sucks if there's only 1 for grabs!

Where was the Ally Pally one - I really looked everywhere for it! Great effort on the early run out :)

If you load a gpx onto maps.me you can have maps and track without any phone connectivity, turn off any data and cellular reception and your battery will last much longer. I do this for thru hiking and and iphone SE easily lasts up to 2 days. You can even record using your GPS (Strava, Garmin, RWGPS, etc) while being in airplane mode and only connect back to save/sync.

Top effort. I was awake early with the little ones got excited them forgot no wheels 🤣

@skinny good advice and much appreciated. I did fail to mention how long my rides tend to be i.e. usually nothing less than a couple hours but anything up to a 200km audax. I'll give the phone option a go tomorrow on a typical ride (about 6 hours) and see how I get on - will be on a known route in case the battery conks out. I already have a Quad Lock setup from my DoorDash days anyway.

You can have RWGPS app only turn on the screen when there's a turn. But it's not foolproof. You can also have it bark directions at you audibly. I like a combination of Edge/etrex GPS and phone for redundancy.

That good to know - will be sure to grab the app as a backup.

Experiment today saw my phone lose 50% battery over a couple hours, so the phone-only route isn't sustainable for now. In all fairness, it's an iPhone 7 that had its battery thoroughly trashed by a Canadian winter of outdoor work... works well enough otherwise but I can't expect too much of it.

Edge Explore is now on order - thanks everyone for the help!

Looking for some advice here. I found a decent deal for A Wahoo Elemnt Bolt that I hope to get, but I understand I need a smartphone to set up and use it? This is something I don't have. Is this correct, or can I set it up on my wife's phone or on y home computer and still use the Elemnt Bolt for GPS etc, loading up routes and other features when I'm out and about? OR do I absolutely have to have a Smartphone to use it?

https://support.wahoofitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000209170-Do-I-need-to-have-my-phone-with-me-while-using-the-ELEMNT-BOLT-ROAM-

I've not tried but presume you could bluetooth pair with a laptop and have RWGPS, etc. send the routes that way, without needing a smartphone

Ah, the left hand most column is what it can do with just wifi and then the other columns list what the app is required for.
https://wahoofitness.yonyx.com/y/conversation/?id=08760430-53dd-11e8-8f6c-bc764e10d166

Ah, thats helpful, thanks. So it looks like I should be able to upload maps, follow routes with in route directions etc without having a phone with me, which is mainly what I want it for.

Is it just Covid/Brexit madness that 1y old used Garmin Edge 530 units sell on ebay for the same price of a new one from an online store? Are people nuts or have Garmin made the 530 like wine and it gets better with time?

For ages the 1030s were crazy RRP and their "normal" pricing remained high. This was way before Covid. Can only assume it's chancers and a seller's market with Brexit and Covid.

This happens both for auctions starting at £0 and buy it now with some ending at even higher than RRP! All this for electronic gadgets, probably some of the most unreliable stuff to buy second hand.

Currently considering buying a few thousands of them as investment!

Join the club. I've spent £££ on Garmins (I have 5 in use now). I waited until a warranty replacement 1030 came up for £350ish I think because I wasn't going to pay £500 for something my £200 phone can do.

I have 5 in use now

The extent some people go to avoid a bit of mud..

Garmin Forerunner 935 user here, no dedicated bike computer, have a quadlock out front and a 2y old Sumsung S9 with a crap battery life that I may replace.
I've read and searched through the forum but can't find an answer, hoping you guys can help.

Upshot is I like the phone display for maps and clarity, but it doesnt record all neccessary data.

I'm thinking about taking the plunge on a Garmin Edge 530 as I can get it <£200 through a Vitality discount.

Before I do, has anyone got a decent way of having my phone display Speed/Cadence/HR? (have Garmin speed/Cadence sensor on rear stay).

Cheers

Your phone has ant+ built in. Use something like IPBIKE, you will need to load the ant+ plugins.

it is a while since I did this with my S4, compatable models, Galaxy S9 (Europe)

ANT+ Certified Models include: SM-G960F, SM-G960X, SM-G960XN, SM-G960N,

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iforpowell.android.ipbike&hl=en_GB&gl=US

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplus&hl=en_GB&gl=US

I tried this and quite liked it, bit of a steep learning curve and quite crude bit it definitely did the job.
Maybe I'll play about with the settings further and see if I can nail it, cheers