All,

I'm using paper maps to plot my route.

What GPS would be useful as a back-up?

Is it worth having an all in one bike computer that does everything, maps, cadence, etc?

thanks in advance

Simon

I'd suggest riding using a gps and use paper as a back-up.

I've used a Garmin eTrex 20 and Dakota 20 and prefer the Dakota (others prefer the eTrex though). Buy a 1:50k UK sd card from ideals and you'll be good to go.

I have the Dakota 20, which I really like. First one owned so I've nothing to compare it to though

Will it log your stats so it can be uploaded to map my ride?

Dakota 20 user here too. Screen is lacking compared to hd screens on new mobiles but its easy & safe exposed to the elements. I'm assuming that Stu was recommending os maps from ioffer but auto correct kicked in.
A pair of lithium AAs last over 24hrs continuous run time.

Backcountry navigator looks a good android mapping app but there is always the battery life, waterproofing & mounting issues with phones that the garmin just doesn't have imho.

If you get a dakota invest in screen protectors. Muddy gloved fingers will wreck the screen!

Dakota will record a trail you can put in strava, everytrail, etc

I'm assuming that Stu was recommending os maps from ioffer but auto correct kicked in.

I think it was stupidity that kicked in

Another Dakota 20 user here.
Its taken a lot of abuse and not let me down so far.

Best part of 2 days of riding using normal batteries if you change the display settings. Easy to use whilst wearing gloves.

The garmin mounts arnt up to much so make sure you use the leash supplied to stop it bouncing off down the trail.

I have a Garmin Oregon 550t, although I only really use it for walking trips, or as a moving map if I'm out exploring on the mtb

The WRT will be my first bike trip where I use it properly (that's the plan anyway, see other thread)

Its quite spendy but I got it for an amazing price so wasn't a huge price increase from the Etrex Vista I had before

s8tannorm wrote:

I'm assuming that Stu was recommending os maps from ioffer but auto correct kicked in.

I think it was stupidity that kicked in

I was being nice.

Garmin 800 here....

s8tannorm wrote:I'd suggest riding using a gps and use paper as a back-up.

I've used a Garmin eTrex 20 and Dakota 20 and prefer the Dakota (others prefer the eTrex though). Buy a 1:50k UK sd card from ideals and you'll be good to go.

Is there much difference between them?

Essentially the same but Dakota is touchscreen, Etrex is buttons & mini joystick.

I think the extrex has a touch sharper resolution but neither will look amazing compared to anything like an iPhone 4 or better.

I can find the eTrex 30 cheaper than the Dakota 20. eTrex users how do you find the units?

SimonD wrote:I can find the eTrex 30 cheaper than the Dakota 20. eTrex users how do you find the units?

How much are you finding them for?

http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-dakota- ... 81-01.html
Under £140 at Handtec

Still undecided on which model to buy. How much of a difference does the touchscreen to joystick make?

Reading people moan about taaking their eyes off the road/trail to use the dakota compared to the etrex.

I find the touchscreen on the Dakota much easier and more intuitive than the eTrex joystick ... I also prefer the bigger screen.

Had an etrek before and now have a Dakota20, no way I'd go back. better screen and touch screen is much quicker to use than the buttons generally. like the way you can customise the menus to remove all the crap you don't use. changing any of the data fields on the go very easily is also a good feature.
Had a few issues where it just turns off while moving around the map, but that could be the cheap maps used from iOffer, always powers back up instantly with no ill effects. Maps are a bargain.

you could say the joystick allows for more accurate movement than screen swiping, but I'd still have the Dakota.

Where's the best (cheapest) place to buy 1:50k UK sd card's
Is there a 1:25k UK sd card?

Or can they be downloaded anywhere

Where's the best (cheapest) place to buy 1:50k UK sd card's

http://www.ioffer.com/selling/dazzler3693

Is there a 1:25k UK sd card?

It'll cost you nearly 2 limbs John, I wouldn't bother. Most gps screens won't do it justice anyway.

I recently upgraded from a Dakota 20 to an Oregon 600. The larger screen makes route-finding a bit easier and the menus are a lot more customisable. A good pair of NiMh rechargeables will do 18-20 hours.

One down-side is that you need to press the power button to wake it up whereas the Dakota just needed a screen press.

I still have the Dakota so might try to sell it on here.

ScotRoutes, if you decide you want to sell the Dakota, I'd be very interested!

Going off the usual choices....Im getting to grips with a new Satmap.
Intial findings are good on the following criteria ......

- Large easy to read screen. The new screen is a High Resolution
- OS Mapping : 1:50K and also high res so nice and clear
- Versatility Will be used for mountaineering/climbing trips also
- usability with gloves ... Tick
- Easy of use ... menu is very intuitive
- Chargable via Dynohub to keep topped up
- abiility to take both rechargable and AA's as backup

Not so usefull are
- Size ... bigger than some of the garmins but still fits in the palm of your hand
- Waterproofness .... they do a bump and waterproof cover, this adds a little to the bulk and weight