GPS??

[Body2Big]

Anyone use a GPS when riding new terrain?? I was thinking of getting the Garmin foretrex 201. here is a link for it.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1758227&cp=1139186.1139371&pag e=3&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&parentPage=family

they also make a plastic bracket to mount it on the handlebars of a bike.

Shawn

[Ben-O]

I use the garmin forerunner 201--which is the cousin to the foretrex. I use it primarily for running (as it's designed), but bring it along for bike rides. It's GREAT for not getting lost (it gives a breadcrumb trail), marking waypoints, and it's mildly useful for giving you speed and distance data (these smaller wrist GPSs can sometimes lose signal more often on rainy days or under dense foliage).

If I were you, also consider a full feature GPS system, which can also be mounted to handle bars. Such a system would offer complete uploadable maps (which is something I'd like!) and a color screen, which are really easy to read. They are bigger, but if it's always mounted on your bars, I don't think the size will really matter too much.

You won't go wrong though with either one--it's just what you want!

[Body2Big]

I did not realize the foreruner was useable as a GPS tracker. I thought it was just for speed/distance etc... The foretrex does hook up to a pc but not sure what you can do probably just put in a destination.

Shawn

[Ben-O]

I did not realize the foreruner was useable as a GPS tracker. I thought it was just for speed/distance etc... The foretrex does hook up to a pc but not sure what you can do probably just put in a destination.

Shawn


Yeah, my understanding is that they are actually very similar. The forerunner has more laps/pace/training features, and the foretrex has a lot more navigational features.

But the forerunner certainly gives you basic breadcrumb maps with basic waypoints. It doesn't have the most navigatable maps (eg you can't scroll maps). Anyway, both let you download data to a PC. And if you know a little about what you're doing, you can do map overlays, etc of the PC.

GPSs are really fun--especially if you like gadgets. And they can be very useful. REI usually several units as demos--which would give you an idea of what certain ones can and can't do.

[Body2Big]

I ordered the foretrex 201 from tiger gps got it with the handlebar bracket and shipping for 162.00.

Shawn

[CriticalBill]

Sounds like I'm too late......but for what it's worth I've been using a Rhino 120 loaded w/some topo maps for the last 2 years and swear by it. (http://www.garmin.com/products/rino120/)

Just one word of advice....don't get too dependent on the GPS if you're out bushwhackin :) There's no substitute for a hard copy map or just plain paying attentition. There were a few times where I've gotten lost only to find my batteries were dead..or no GPS signal for hours....or forgot to enable/start tracking.

Have fun!

[Curtis Chase]

With all this talk of GPS, I have a question...

Do they work when you're under dense trees? The one I used to use hiking around could never pick up signals under heavy tree cover. It's a Garmin GPS 12 or something like that.

[Ben-O]

With all this talk of GPS, I have a question...

Do they work when you're under dense trees? The one I used to use hiking around could never pick up signals under heavy tree cover. It's a Garmin GPS 12 or something like that.


My wrist GPS system (smaller, so I'm guessing less powerful) works well enough to leave a detailed breadcrumb trail in the forests like foxboro, the Fells, or 'nam (so enough to get you out of the forest! Or to find a trailhead). This doesn't require constant satellite data. But for accurately recording your pace, which needs constant satellite data, it craps out periodically--enough to make it not very useful.

Basically, for tracking, if you don't have a signal--move 20 feet and you will. Of course in a dense forest during a big rain storm, I wouldn't bet on it... ;D

[w900l]

i keep my magellan in my camel back aqnd dont have any problems ,but i had a handlebar mount that broke off on a road ride gps hit ground i cringed but no damage and fixed mount with ti-raps