New Bike Computer from Santa?

kimmydct

Thinking about my Xmas list (what am I, 5?) LOL. anyway I was thinking some kind of GPS bike computer with really good mapping / turn by turn directions as well as decent power analysis would be great but still pretty easy to use. Recos? I currently use a Joule and Garmin 910xt. I've been reading up on reviews on amazon of the 800, 810 and 1000. I'd like a model that you can easily upload routes from Mapmyride and other sites and get turn by turn directions. (Yes, I get lost a lot)

Brad Marcus

@kim - I have a Garmin 500 which does everything that you've listed above, and is certainly the least expensive option out there - I believe I bought it new a year ago for $180 or so. It doesn't have some of the bells and whistles that some if the newer models have, but also doesn't take up as much real estate on your bars...not sure how important that may be. I suppose it would be nice to upload data w/o a wire, which some of the newer ones can do, but otherwise, I'm very happy with it. Suggest you look at DCR's recommendations on the different options. By the way, I have a joule also, that I only use indoors, and the garmin is WAY better in my opinion. Good luck and hope Santa gets you what you want

DCR's link

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/06/summer-sports-recommendations.html

John Henault

If you want easy mapping and turn by turn, I'd recommend the 810.

Mark Maurer

I have an 810 and like it a lot.  One big thing I like is that it talks to my phone and sends my location to whomever I chose.  I knew phone apps can do that but they ruin down my phone a lot faster than issued the 810 to do the mapping.

drjohnson08

I have the Garmin 1000 and love it. I think the major difference between the 1000 and the 810 is that the 1000 comes with the maps preloaded onto the computer. I believe the 810 you have to purchase maps or upload them separately. Another difference is the screen on the 1000 is slightly larger and you therefore can break the screen down into an additional 2 windows to track additional data. Another feature that is cool about the 1000 is the ability to connect multiple accessories at the same time. For instance, I have mine connected to 2 HR monitor straps. If I decide to wear my run strap, I don't have to go into the menu to pair it again or select it from the menu. The 1000 automatically recognizes that I'm wearing it and starts reading the signal. The same is true if you connect multiple powermeters, and other accessories.

Jan Schorpion

I also use the 810. I think it's great and I can see all the data on one screen.