I've been using Garmin Edge GPS bike computers on paved roads for many years. Currently using an Edge 500. The 500 pairs with my power meter, heart rate monitor and provides all sorts of useful performance and exercise statistics including route data. It can tell me where I am, by latitude and longitude, but it can't show me where I am on a map. No big deal, when riding well marked paved roads. Riding off the beaten track however, I sometimes find (lose?) myself at an intersection of 2 unmarked dirt roads, without a clue of where I am, and where going straight, left, or right may eventually take me. I suppose my Android Tracfone may be able to help me; but while I know computers, I'm a smartphone Ludite. I was thinking of upgrading to the Edge 1000 -- but while the 1000 does all sorts of wonderful things, like giving you turn by turn directions like my car GPS, I'm still not sure if I can simply display a map of where I am and where I might end up if I go straight ahead or make a turn on the mystery road. Advice needed. Thanks
Yes. That is how I use my edge 1000. I don't use the turn by turn thing. I am working in Germany for 6 weeks this summer. The biking possibilities are endless but not easy to navigate despite the good signage. You are literally lost in the forest at times. I did the same thing last summer without a Garmin. The Edge 1000 is fantastic for navigation! It has made exploration so much easier.
Julie737 wrote:Yes. That is how I use my edge 1000. I don't use the turn by turn thing. I am working in Germany for 6 weeks this summer. The biking possibilities are endless but not easy to navigate despite the good signage. You are literally lost in the forest at times. I did the same thing last summer without a Garmin. The Edge 1000 is fantastic for navigation! It has made exploration so much easier.
Julie - thanks for the info. I assume the 1000 comes pre-loaded with US road maps.
I've been using a 100 for a year and my basemaps file got corrupted so I deleted it and replaced it with custom maps from http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
Select the state and area and you can customize from there. This is a very detailed and current map.
J. Peel wrote:I've been using a 100 for a year and my basemaps file got corrupted so I deleted it and replaced it with custom maps from http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
Select the state and area and you can customize from there. This is a very detailed and current map.
Hi - thanks for the suggestion. I did my first ride today with the Edge 1000. I'm still finding the setup and use a bit confusing, compared to my old Edge 500. It will probably take me awhile to figure it out, and customize it for my needs. But, I'm impressed with the display, and the speed it picks up satellites. Also, the base maps seem to be pretty good for my area of rural NH; and I liked the "next road" banner, similar to my car GPS. I did find it hard to read some of the road names while riding though-- I have 73 year old eyes and use progressive lens's. I'll check out the map downloads you suggested. BTW, I bought a refurb unit on Amazon Prime. It sure looks new to me and comes with the same basic accessories as a new unit. Only a 90 day warranty, and I hope the battery is in good shape for the long haul. The price of the refurb. unit was $358.90 with free Prime 2 day delivery.
