GPS 101 Question: Upload Maps & In-ride Maps

[flymango]

I'm currently looking into buying a cycling GPS device given the trend to GPS for stage races. I am a total novice with GPS. I'm looking at various options but came across the following:

 

From a Garmin Edge 510 review: "The Edge 510 does not support in-ride maps, which could be frustrating if you ride in unfamiliar places and want turn-by-turn navigation."

 

From the Sani2C website:  "Maps are not necessary – all you need to do if follow the route on your device."

 

Anybody able to enlighten me with GPS 101? If there are no maps, then what the hell is there?    

[paul_ct]

I don't have a direct answer, but Google DC Rainmaker - he has excellent reviews on GPSs and will no doubt explain how the 510 would work in your situation.

[Tankman]

I'm currently looking into buying a cycling GPS device given the trend to GPS for stage races. I am a total novice with GPS. I'm looking at various options but came across the following:

 

From a Garmin Edge 510 review: "The Edge 510 does not support in-ride maps, which could be frustrating if you ride in unfamiliar places and want turn-by-turn navigation."

 

From the Sani2C website: "Maps are not necessary – all you need to do if follow the route on your device."

 

Anybody able to enlighten me with GPS 101? If there are no maps, then what the hell is there?

The 510 does not have maps.

It can not give directions like a car gps.

 

You can upload maps onto the 810 or 1000 and it can give directions like a car gps, calculate routes etc.

 

BUT you can follow a trail of a route that someone has ridden before on the 510.

Known as breadcrumb.

 

While riding, the unit records your gps coordinates every other second.

You upload the route that someone has ridden before to your device and follow their breadcrumbs.

 

There is an arrow and line to follow on the screen. Works very well and you dont need more than the 510 for stage races and following routes.

 

If you are going to be cycling through Europe or the Amazon, something that can give directions (810 or 1000) will be handy.

 

Keep your eyes on the trail ... the real one, not the one on the screen!

[flymango]

The 510 does not have maps.

It can not give directions like a car gps.

 

You can upload maps onto the 810 or 1000 and it can give directions like a car gps, calculate routes etc.

 

BUT you can follow a trail of a route that someone has ridden before on the 510.

Known as breadcrumb.

 

While riding, the unit records your gps coordinates every other second.

You upload the route that someone has ridden before to your device and follow their breadcrumbs.

 

There is an arrow and line to follow on the screen. Works very well and you dont need more than the 510 for stage races and following routes.

 

If you are going to be cycling through Europe or the Amazon, something that can give directions (810 or 1000) will be handy.

 

Keep your eyes on the trail ... the real one, not the one on the screen!

 

Very helpful. Thank you.

[flymango]

Now I also understand why riders keep asking for files of routes they've ridden - basically asking for breadcrumbs to follow.