Another which GPS for me thread..

[Mike at Tank Vest]

Ok... don't laugh. Right now, I'm running a Magellan Sporttrak map. It does okay but the screen is black and white. To say it's lacking on memory and capability is an understatement.

Here's what I'm looking for...

Color display
Ability to record tracks
Able to be hardwired to the bike
Able to import tracks
Large number of track points
Detailed North America maps

I don't need bluetooth or XM radio or anything like that. I would like to keep it within a $200 budget if possible. The unit will be used exclusively on the bike.

The biggest thing for me is being able to import the Blue Ridge Trail map as I'll be riding this a lot this summer.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Mike

[250senuf]

Garmin 76cx as low as $149

[abhibeckert]

Originally Posted by Mike at Tank Vest

Here's what I'm looking for...

Color display
Ability to record tracks
Able to be hardwired to the bike
Able to import tracks
Large number of track points
Detailed North America maps

Do you have a smartphone? If so, a good mount and charging system doesn't cost much.

In my experience, they tend to have better screens and better software than even the most expensive standalone GPS devices.

[Mike at Tank Vest]

Originally Posted by 250senuf

Garmin 76cx as low as $149

Not bad... anything with a larger screen size?

[Mike at Tank Vest]

What do you guys think of the Nuvi 1370? It seems like a nice setup but can it be hard wired to the bike? I don't need batteries dying while I'm in the middle of a long ride.

Mike

[DRTBYK]

Originally Posted by Mike at Tank Vest

What do you guys think of the Nuvi 1370? It seems like a nice setup but can it be hard wired to the bike? I don't need batteries dying while I'm in the middle of a long ride.

Mike

None of the nuvi brand meet your stated criteria. Given your desired price point, the older (discontinued) GPSMAP 76cx is about the only Garmin that will fit the bill - pun intended.

And don't forget to include the cost of City Navigator North America maps (on DVD) unless you decide to go the zumo 660 route (again, more expensive).

If you want a bigger (the best) screen you are looking at twice the price (Garmin Montana 600).

You might also consider these criteria:

• Portable, ruggedized, waterproof (1meter/30s)
• Battery and external 12VDC power capable (ruggedized, waterproof)
• Operable with gloves
• Easily readable in bright sunlight
• Able to create waypoints and view their properties
• Able to Import and navigate tracks and routes
• Able to record tracks and store them
• Able to install Digital maps from multiple sources
• Software upgradable via your computer

Cheers,

[Mike at Tank Vest]

After much thought on the subject, I contacted a friend who runs an electronics shop and he hooked me up with a Garmin Montana for one hell of a price. I'm picking it up next week when I can make the trip up to his place.

Thanks for all the input and I'll let you guys know what I think after I play with it for a while.

[mygs]

Originally Posted by Mike at Tank Vest

Ok... don't laugh. Right now, I'm running a Magellan Sporttrak map. It does okay but the screen is black and white. To say it's lacking on memory and capability is an understatement.

Here's what I'm looking for...

Color display
Ability to record tracks
Able to be hardwired to the bike
Able to import tracks
Large number of track points
Detailed North America maps

I don't need bluetooth or XM radio or anything like that. I would like to keep it within a $200 budget if possible. The unit will be used exclusively on the bike.

The biggest thing for me is being able to import the Blue Ridge Trail map as I'll be riding this a lot this summer.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Mike

I've got the same request, the biggest is, the ability to record tracks. Can it be had in the $350 range? I can't seem to find it.

[Emmbeedee]

Originally Posted by mygs

I've got the same request, the biggest is, the ability to record tracks. Can it be had in the $350 range? I can't seem to find it.

Virtually every gps records tracks. The better ones navigate them as well.