Best GPS Device for riding?

[BeautifulDisaster]

Good point Lonestar; definitely can see that happening! My iPhone used to overheat easily. Another thought too is that the android screen has zero response if I have gloves on. I'm thinking of going the refurbished TomTom route like fixxer suggested. I think that may be the one that has response when the screen is touched even when wearing gloves.

[fixxervi6]

Even the regular ones like TomTom 730 work fine with gloves, I've seen them as cheap as $40, you just have to get more mount hardware to make them work on a bike but that's what beck uses, the only downside is it's not waterproof.

[LonestarCBR]

If you search eBay, you can find new for around $300-ish. Just be sure you're buying the newest model.

[BeautifulDisaster]

Thanks guys! Hmmm... what's the best way to help make it waterproof-ish?

[fixxervi6]

I never bothered with waterproofing the 730, if it started to rain I'd throw it in my bag.

[LonestarCBR]

The only other issues with non-bike specific models are: you can't get the audio in your helmet via Sena, and glare (being able to see the screen in the sunlight) can also be an issue. You either need to be able to hear it, or see it. BUT, for $40, if it does get wet and crap out, another one is cheap enough.

[BeautifulDisaster]

Good points, so now the hunt is on!!!!

[fixxervi6]

The only other issues with non-bike specific models are: you can't get the audio in your helmet via Sena, and glare (being able to see the screen in the sunlight) can also be an issue. You either need to be able to hear it, or see it. BUT, for $40, if it does get wet and crap out, another one is cheap enough.

Depends on the model, the TomTom 730 does support bluetooth

[dufremle]

Why do you need voice guidance? I just use it to make sure I know where the turns are. Even in the car I turn the volume down so I don't hear it.

[BeautifulDisaster]

I think the voice guidance would be good. Just as when I'm driving and use google maps; I don't stare at the map to make sure I'm in the correct lane, making the correct turn etc; the voice feature gives me a heads up-- safer that way. Just so on the bike. Better to keep my eyes on the road as much as possible and hear when my turn is coming up. Just like when we communicate on the comms; I like to know a bit in advance when a turn is coming up. Safer option. Sure you can double-check the route beforehand but in the event of unexpected changes, a missed turn, etc. it's nice to have.

[LonestarCBR]

The only other issues with non-bike specific models are: you can't get the audio in your helmet via Sena, and glare (being able to see the screen in the sunlight) can also be an issue. You either need to be able to hear it, or see it. BUT, for $40, if it does get wet and crap out, another one is cheap enough.

Depends on the model, the TomTom 730 does support bluetooth

Okay, my bad. I had a Garmin car unit that supported bluetooth, but it would only work phone to GPS, not GPS to helmet, for example. Something else to be aware of if it says "Bluetooth cable". Be sure which direction is works.

[fixxervi6]

Why do you need voice guidance? I just use it to make sure I know where the turns are. Even in the car I turn the volume down so I don't hear it.

I don't use audio

[LonestarCBR]

Why do you need voice guidance? I just use it to make sure I know where the turns are. Even in the car I turn the volume down so I don't hear it.

If your question is at me, I simply said you either need to be able to hear it, or see it (glare, etc). Without one or the other, it's basically useless. Some of the car units (maybe most) aren't very visible in direct sunlight.

[dufremle]

It wasn't directed at anyone in particular. I guess I'm looking at it from a ride leader point of view. I created the route so I basically know where I am going and just use the GPS as a backup. Same when I am using the GPS to go somewhere I haven't been before. I plug it into the GPS then look at the route so I know where it is taking me. I also have yet to find a GPS device that is 100% correct all of the time, so I like to make sure the final destination on the GPS is really where it should be.

[Telomere]

I don't care for the voice guidance (I prefer to see where I am going and not being told by the GPS. Voice guidance gets on my nerves. I don't want to hear it bitching when I don't go where it wants me to go). I just glance at the GPS every now and then to see how long before I turn. I don't typically have an issue with glare either since the mount I have, allows me to adjust how the GPS sits (I face it more toward me and less toward the sky).

[LonestarCBR]

A couple of the cool features for the Tom Tom Rider...Winding Roads. Punch in a destination, and it will take you the twistiest way, for an adventure. And you can also record routes...you could record fixxer's route this next Saturday, then have it stored for your own use later. Oh, and one more, you can share routes via bluetooth on the side of the road between two Tom Tom Riders. These are the issues that were key in my purchase, along with it being bike specific for weatherproofing, designed for gloves and glare, and the bluetooth to helmet capability.

Plus, quite honestly, the Tom Tom was significantly cheaper than the Garmins.

And I agree Jim, if a planned route, I still like to have a backup of some type, and like to know where I'm going ahead of time, if possible.

[LonestarCBR]

It wasn't directed at anyone in particular. I guess I'm looking at it from a ride leader point of view. I created the route so I basically know where I am going and just use the GPS as a backup. Same when I am using the GPS to go somewhere I haven't been before. I plug it into the GPS then look at the route so I know where it is taking me. I also have yet to find a GPS device that is 100% correct all of the time, so I like to make sure the final destination on the GPS is really where it should be.

Agreed

[LonestarCBR]

I don't care for the voice guidance (I prefer to see where I am going and not being told by the GPS. Voice guidance gets on my nerves. I don't want to hear it bitching when I don't go where it wants me to go). I just glance at the GPS every now and then to see how long before I turn. I don't typically have an issue with glare either since the mount I have, allows me to adjust how the GPS sits (I face it more toward me and less toward the sky).

Good points.

[Rhino]

I've gone both ways. I had a Zumo 660 on my Versys which is now on Will's Versys that I ran without voice. My last trip, I used Apple Maps on my iPhone since I could tell Siri where I wanted to go and I was already listening to MP3s. Both solutions have their good points and bad points, but honestly both of them will get you where you want to go.

[Telomere]

My last trip, I used Apple Maps on my iPhone since I could tell Siri where I wanted to go and I was already listening to MP3s.

Admit it. The truth is that you enjoy talking to Siri...

[WillK675]

I used both on my trip last weekend. Had my route maped out, and used the GPS (no audio) to confirm turns or distance to the next turn. After lunch we added a stop that was away from where we were staying. With the GPS maps not being updated that address/location was not on it. So I broke out the phone, and let Google Maps give me audio turn by turn. Coming back I took a completely different route, Used the GPS to map out some FMs. A good portion of that route I did not have cell reception and google maps/siri would have done me no good. A GPS app with locally stored maps on the phone may have worked though.

[Firewa11]

My last trip, I used Apple Maps on my iPhone since I could tell Siri where I wanted to go and I was already listening to MP3s.

Admit it. The truth is that you enjoy talking to Siri...

[LonestarCBR]

[milesmiles]

haha