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New bike computer advice - updating from a Garmin 800
I've currently got a Garmin 800 which I think is brilliant. It does all that I need it to do in terms of data measuring and the metrics it can display. Its mapping is very good, whether doing turn by turn directions from pre-planned routes or on the fly A-B route planning.
It does have a number of issues though. It take ages to find a GPS signal. It's measurement of elevation changes is frankly laughable. Because of its age there is no bluetooth connectivity, so I can't upload data without plugging it into my computer. Also, the battery life is starting to degrade a bit, to the point where it may struggle to survive through really long days.
So, I'm looking for an upgrade, but I'm not really sure what is the best to go for. I don't need many more features than those that the 800 already has- so I don't need any of the fancy training, fitness testing, group tracking, text message reading type stuff that the range topping garmin 1030 has. I do want to be able to upload my data via bluetooth and my phone, I want the mapping and routing to be at least as good as the 800, and I want the battery life to be able to survive long rides without me having to take a power pack.
Recommendations please!
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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23 comments
I want to get the vector 3 pedals but I'm hearing that they aren't necessarily compatabile with the Wahoo bolt. Can anyone confirm this?
I replaced my 800 with a 1000 and it works pretty well. I mainly got it for the Bluetooth. It has most of the features of the 1030. It is more reliable for me than the 800 and battery lasts a bit longer too.
At the time the 820 didn't exist, otherwise I would have gotten that one for the smaller size.
The Wahoo stuff sounds good too, maybe I have a look at the next generation.
Dump anything Garmin. I replaced my Edge 1000, worthless navigation, shut-downs etc, for a Lezyne Super Gps. 1 year in, completely satisfied. The Wahoo I think is another brilliant option. The business strategy of Garmin is to use the cheapest hardward possible to ensure that at least the product can do the basics. Add to that bug-ridden software and then look at the prices they charge. Never again will I touch a Garmin product - the Edge 1000 was by far the most disappointing purchase of my life - I still get angry when I think about it:)
problem with the wahoo units is that they don’t do genuine mapping and routing. You get breadcrumb routes, but can’t reroute if you go off the prescribed route and can’t do on the fly routing. Proper routing is the thing that I said I need, so no matter how good the wahoo is in other ways it doesn’t fit the bill.
Does the Lezyne do proper routing?
I just had a try to get an on the fly route on the Bolt. You can create a route on a smartphone using the Komoot app, then upload it to the bolt. That gives the same functionality as Garmin. The downside of this though is the need to carry a smartphone, oh! and a connection.
The Lezyne uses a breadcrumb trail for navigation not full tbt navigation.
I'm yet to be convinced there's a better alternative to the 800, it just works. Maybe the degrading battery will kill it in the end but I'd say in the meantime hang on to it and get the BT solution mentioned by others.
Loads of people in my club have or are switching to the wahoo, they're fed up with Garmin bugs and the ever increasing price.
I'm happy enough with the 810...just. but wouldn't mind a better, maybe bigger screen (not enough to pay £500 for the 1000 etc)
You don't need bluetooth, just plug the 800 into your phone using and OTG connector
i know that’s possible, if a tad awkward, on an android phone, but I’m not sure it works with an iPhone (which I have)
The 505 is pretty much the 1030 (or at least the 1000) at under half the price. Certainly worth considering.
I have an 820 and a Mio 315 - I don't have an issue with the Bolt, I just have an issue with people telling me that the Bolt is better than other products without any real justification
It's really cut and dry, if you want a colour screen then don't buy the Bolt...
If you don't need a colour screen, but want a decent intuitive GPS/Bike Computer, buy a Wahoo Bolt or Elemnt
I need one that works when my phone isn't with me...
Color screen or one that’s highly readable in all lighting conditions (including bright sunlight) and has a battery life of 18 hours. Hmn... Not sure it’s quite as cut and dry as you think...
Colour screen isn't a must have for me. Good proper navigation though is. The ability to reroute when I go off of a pre-planned route and the ability to Generate a good bike centric A to B route on the fly are te things that I am more concerned with.
I'm not really sure if these are things that the Elemnt / Elemnt Bolt can do. I'm pretty sure the Garmin 520 can't do these, whereas the 820 and 1030 (the latter being more than I would want to spend) seem to be able to. Not sure about other makes
I think you should stick with the 800, it hasn't really been bettered as far as I can tell. I find mine gets a signal pretty quickly and the elevation is spot on, I wonder if you have got your location and elevation set in system GPS ..? I intend to replace the battery on mine when it won't last long enough.
Mio 505 for £200, comes with UK and EU maps I believe. Everything you ask for and more, will fit all your existing mounts!
And it's got this new technology that the Bolts are thinking of looking to in the future - a colour screen!
I can't comment on the routing as I've never got around to trying it, but I am in love with my Wahoo Bolt. Decent battery, does all I want and more, auto-upload of data, and the app is great for configuring it etc. Also does live tracking incl power data etc, which keeps my wife entertained when I do events, and the ability for it to display text messages has been good too – mostly because it lets my wife heckle me if I start to flag. YMMV on that front.
I had a Bryton before this and its battery life was pretty stunning, but I'd never recommend one given how awful the app was, and the user interface was pretty shoddy.
So, the wahoo elemnt / elemnt bolt - does it do on the fly routing (i.e. can I pick somewhere on the map on the computer and have it give me a sensible route)?
You can upload routes you create on either the Wahoo companion app or Komoot.
Another vote here for ditching the Garmin and going Wahoo Bolt!
I've replaced my 810 with the big elemnt. Again, a very happy customer. Don't miss the Garmin at all.
I can't recommend an Elemnt Bolt highly enough.
Doesn't cost an arm and a leg, really good battery life and more user friendly then a Garmin, I could never go back to Garmin's now.
Mine finds a GPS signal very quickly and I find following a route on it pretty clear despite the lack of a colour screen.