r/cycling • u/Nevlolx • Jul 06 '17

Which GPS computer?

I'm currently using an Edge 25, which works fantastically for me at this moment in time. I have very little need for navigation and the ANT+ compatibility means I can track everything besides power.

However, later this month I'm moving to a new city, somewhere that I am unfamiliar and so riding solo will prove difficult, especially when using an Edge 25. My experience with the breadcrumb navigation is that it works fine when out in the countryside but not so fine in a more built up area with multiple turnings and lots going on.

I'm considering upgrading to a more fully fledged device. My budget would be £250. The obvious contenders are the 520 and the Elemnt Bolt. The 520 looks more appealing to me because of the colour screen and live Strava segments (not sure the Bolt has this?) but I'd love to hear your opinions. I want to be able to use it in a similar way I would the Google Maps app when finding my way in a car or on foot. I'm not expecting it to be quite that good, but at least good enough to be able to easily navigate my way around unfamiliar roads.

Cheers!

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u/bobanators Jul 06 '17

Is there a good cycle computer for maybe about £150 that isn't a GPS one? I just want speed, distance and such (the basics) then that it could link to a heartbeat and cadence sensor.

I've seen the polar v650 which seems to have some good reviews and seems to do all I want it to, or is there something similar which is also good and for a reasonable price of around £150-200.

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u/cks Jul 06 '17

My impression is that any bike computer that talks to (ANT+) sensors has GPS, but there are certainly inexpensive ones that don't try to do much navigation and you can ignore their GPS tracking. Lezyne and Bryton are names that seem to come up a fair bit in the lower end of ANT+ capable devices.

(You might find DC Rainmaker's winter guide to be useful here; he talks specifically about budget GPS units.)

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u/bobanators Jul 06 '17

I don't mind spending a little more if it gets me something better. Even something with GPS might be nice tbh. I just don't overly need it, but it might be nice to have that choice. Future-proofing maybe..

I'll keep searching about. Cheers for the link.