Bike Mounted GPS for Offroading?

gilmorr · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 16, 2006 Posts: 3

Hi,
I've been a happy TomTom One user in the car for a while and find GPS invaluable. However when I go greenlaning (that's offroad on public rights of way) I find myself off the TomTom map and into a green sea on the map.
I have a mountainbike and also I am just about to buy a quad bike and want to be able to use a GPS device to:
1. Follow published trails using map coordinates or tracklogs
2. Capture my route when I am following a leader offroad, so I can repeat the route myself on a later date.

The device needs to be robust/small enough to live on the bike's handlebars.

Has anyone got any suggestions about the hardware/software/mapware combination I sould be going for?

Thanks in advance
rob

mikealder · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:02 pm Post subject:

I would look at using a PDA with either inbuilt GPS or an external receiver, the PDA is fragile and will need protection from the elements etc. Look at the Otter box range of cases, and they also offer handle bar mounts to attach it to.

One other style of device to consider is the PDA based mobile phone, if you are due an upgrade this could be the cheapest way of purchasing the hardware - T-Mobile MDA C-III which is a phone, PDA and has SiRF-III GPS built in (it also fits in the Otter box 1900 case quite nicely).

For software you will need Topographical maps, have a look at Memory Map - you can then plan the route etc on the PC, download it with the map data to the PDA and set off. The software will record your track, speed altitude even heart rate with a suitable monitor if required - Mike

bumpkin · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:18 pm Post subject:

The Garmin Quest might suit you, GPSW have it on offer for £180 at the moment.

Robust and waterproof, 20 hr battery life, will take topo maps, huge tracklog, PC based route planning, full euro coverage on DVD (won't all fit on at once, whole of UK will though), car kit included, push bike bar mount and cradle available.

The interface is a little dated, map view is 2D not pseudo 3D but it's still a great unit. I use one on a motorcycle.
_________________
Chas
Garmin i3, Quest & StreetPilot 2720 with GTM10

bumpkin · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:20 pm Post subject:

Oh yes, Garmin customer support is very good as well, more than can be said for some others.

Quest is soon to be discontinued but don't let that put you off.
_________________
Chas
Garmin i3, Quest & StreetPilot 2720 with GTM10

Grazoid · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 16, 2005 Posts: 1

Use what I use the GPSMAP60 CSX .

You don't need voice instructions, it takes TOPO maps, it does everything the road ones do ( it has routing and on the fly rewrites) and is tough as old boots.

I mean to say it's the GPSr of choice for those types of "special" squaddie operatives who go places and do things that never get reported in the papers.

It can run on batteries or from the bikes power and it runs on 6 -14V so won't get fried.

Mine has bounced down mountain sides , been accidently used as "body armour" in a tarmac spill and still gives good service after a year of being out in all weathers.

mattsccm · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 08, 2008 Posts: 3

I use a Garmin GPS72. Works well. Look for something capable of holding lost of routes. Mine has 50 of 50 waypoints. You will get through200 waypoints in a long days trailriding in UK.
I use a Touratech mount on the bars which is pricey but excellent. I also use TT QV to build routes. Much more use than MM which works ok. TTQV allows me to build road books etc. Power it all from the bike as batteries can rattle loose. Much more if you want.

MikeOnABike · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 07, 2005 Posts: 32

Garmin's eTrex series is built for this. Bicycle style mount, trip data and programmable coords / routes / previous tracks. AA battery powered that lasts an age.

Darren

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