GPS for road bikersGarmin_edge_705

GPS Cyclometers

The Garmin Edge series is comprised of cyclometer-type GPS receivers. All of them have high-sensitivity chipsets for superior satellite reception in urban canyons and under canopy. While they are excellent cyclometers, they aren’€™t all that great as navigation devices (more on navigation options below). If you are primarily wanting to track your performance though, the Edge series is an excellent choice.

The newest model is the Garmin Edge 800, which brings a touch screen interface and extensive mapping capabilities to the Edge series. Another recent introduction is the Edge 500 which, without maps, is more of a GPS cyclometer.

The previous generation includes the Garmin Edge 605 and Edge 705, the first models with color screens and mapping capability (maps purchased separately).

The first-generation Garmin Edge 205 and Garmin Edge 305 (pictured at left) have a monochrome display and lack the mapping capabilities of the 605, 705 and 800. The 305 will give you more accurate data on elevation gain than the 205, thanks to its barometric altimeter.

The Edge 305 actually comes in three models;€” the 305CAD includes a cadence/speed sensor, the 305HR includes a heart rate monitor, and the Edge 305HR+ comes with both.

GPS receivers with turn-by-turn routing

If you want something for navigating the roads you’€™re riding, you’€™ll probably want a GPS with turn-by-turn navigation. The ones we’€™ll look at below won’€™t give voice-prompted directions, but they will “chirp”€� when a turn is approaching and give notification on screen too.

The eTrex Legend HCx is a good, budget minded choice, but the button layout on a GPSMAP 60Cx is much easier to manage while in a handlebar mount. In order to do turn-by-turn routing though, you’ll need Garmin’€™s City Navigator software. Yes, you’€™ve got to buy the GPS and software, but hey, the 60Cx and Legend HCx can do double duty in your car. Because of this, you might want to buy City Navigator with the auto kit (the mount is for the 60 series in the package I’m linking to). Once again, the 60Cx is better suited to this because of it’s more user-friendly button layout, and it has a larger screen too. TIP: Be sure you get the latest version of City Navigator if purchasing this mapping software.