Garmin Edge 810 for Mountain Biking??

[Jakkals77]

I'm in the market for a training GPS devise that I could use for navigation as well. The navigation part will purely be used for tracts that I would have plotted on the computer and transferred to the unit for directions. It would be used for some stage races as well, where the tracks are provided before the race.

Im leaning towards the Edge 810 but Im not sure how well it works on trails or off-road? What additional maps should I load on the devise?

The new Edge 520 as far as I understand it, can also take plotted trails from the computer but instead of directions, it will only leave you with a "breadcrumb" trail indicated on the maps screen of the devise. Also use full. I like the training features of the 520 especially the strava feature and virtual training partners, but I've read that the 810, and 1000 will get these features as well with firmware upgrades later this year.

Does the 810 work as well for off-road use with the correct maps, as it does on road?

[Generaal Gert]

I've been using my edge 810 purely of MTB for over 2 years now and its amazing.

 

I bought the road maps and I also loaded tracks for Africa on it.

[Velouria]

My Edge 1000 already has the Strava stuff, although I haven't used it yet. The 810 should be getting it soon.

 

I use my 810 for general MTBing and it is pretty cool. There is about a 12 hour battery life, which is good for most rides, but should the need arise, my trusty 500 will get up to 19 hours.

 

Given the correct maps, the 810 will work flawlessly (I don't really use the mapping, but a mate uses the Tracks4Africa stuff and we've ridden some really cool hidden trails!).

[nonky]

Has anyone ridden in Africa - Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nam etc with an 810?

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How is the mapping?

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I am riding RVO in Kenya and am a total GPS newb - do I need to buy and load background maps or what is the procedure with garmins?

 

Thanks for any advice. 

[Jakkals77]

Anybody know when the the new firmware for the 810 will be launched? Has anybody used the Garmin Topo map on the 810? Its pricy and Im a bit confused with regards to the best maps for the device? Sounds like Tracks4Africa is the best?