Which Garmin?

[adamwri]

I'm having a bit of a dilemma in deciding which Garmin to purchase. I'm currently leaning towards to the 4520, but I think this is mostly a case of it being the newest one they're offering and has all the bells and whistles on albeit constantly delayed getting into stock.

Requirements are:
- Speed, Distance, Time etc.
- Power
- Cadence
- HR
- Visual indication on route

My short list currently looks has the 510, 520, 810 and 1000 on it.

[j00pY]

If you want proper navigation, I'd rule out anything less than the 810. If you aren't fussed about the navigation side of things than you'll be fine with a 520. I thought I'd also add that uploading via BT makes everything a lot less of a faff when you get home.

Edited by j00pY on Sunday 23 August 19:26

[neilbauer]

I've got a 1000 and been very happy with it albeit a bit on the large side!

[untakenname]

The 810 is on offer today on Wiggle and Amazon, £100 off.

[ALawson]

Got a G1000, I use the mapping a lot and it very good.

[Pot Odds]

Love my Edge 1000.

As has been said really depends how much you want proper navigation.

Keep an eye on http://www.bike-discount.de/en who typically have the best prices - Wiggle price match if you want to deal with a retailer based in the UK.

I also picked up an ex display Mio Cyclo 505 from Halfords just over a week ago for 30 quid which was a one off steal given its an Edge 810/1000 equivalent. New Mio 105's can also be had in some Halfords (£30 when i asked the other day) and are pretty much equivalent to the old Garmin Edge 500. If interested you need to ask at the counter to see if you get lucky as they are unlikely to be on display if they do have any.

Polar will be one to watch over the coming months - the V650 appears to be quite a competent unit and is due to get an upgrade to incorporate openstreet maps soon with the option to follow courses hinted to be following on later. If Polar can pull this off well then at the current price point of around £130 (without sensors) it could be a contender.

Basically the 1000 is king at the moment but with some interesting competition snapping at its heels.

If you are after reviews then check out DC rainmaker at:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/

Some handy video showcases here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnfvwMRyMTecPVnsX...

[gazza285]

I prefer exploring, I tend to set off in one direction and see what I can find. Unfortunately it's usually a fking great big hill.

[ALawson]

The return to base routing is good when you have cocked up.

[adamwri]

Thanks for the feedback. I've pulled the trigger on the Garmin 810 today - think the visual mapping will be more beneficial and had the budget for it so why not!

[j00pY]

Now research talky-toaster OSM maps on the 810 and you are all set. Also:

http://www.scarletfire.co.uk/foolproof-course-navi...

[HardtopManual]

Probably not what you want to hear, but I'm getting rid of my 810 and upgrading (sidestepping?) to the 520, it seems a better all-round package.