Re: LegendC or Map 60C for bike riding
- From: "amakyonin" <amakyonin-u1@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 20 Sep 2005 11:06:00 -0700
It is disappointing that the new color eTrex models are limited to
24MB. I have an older Vista which also has 24MB and it holds a sizeable
amount of map data (Most of NY and CT) but this is without any
autorouting data. The autorouting feature of the new units consumes a
lot of additional memory space. It has been a while since I downloaded
anything to my Vista but I recall that autorouting would require an
additional 10MB when the memory is maxxed out with 24MB of maps. This
data has no value on the Vista so I don't download it. I'm sure the
autorouting is nice and there are times I wished I had it but you can
make due without it if you want to maximize map coverage.
I believe you can still elect to disable the autorouting data when you
download maps to Garmin's newer models so that you can save memory for
more maps. You can also conserve more memory by using older versions of
the Garmin software which have less detailed but still usable maps. I
believe Metroguide V4 will work with USB devices. I don't know about
Roads & Recreation.
I have the most fun with the mapping on the Vista when riding an
unfamiliar route to a familiar destination. Rather than bother with
planning out a route on the computer I just navigate directly to the
destination. This gives you a rubber band line that you can follow for
general guidance but you can pick and chose the best road as you go
along and throw in any detours than look interesting. This gives you
the ability to explore freely without having to stop and consult a
paper map all the time.
I personally wouldn't want to deal with the added bulk of the 60C on
the handlebars. The protruding antenna is asking to get knocked or
snagged by something. You may have problems mounting a handlebar bag
along with the 60C. The eTrex is easier to stuff into a jersey pocket
when you need to leave the bike unattended.
I do experience reception problems with the Vista, mainly around some
(not all) power lines and dense tree cover. This was only an
inconvenience once when riding through an unfamiliar park with some
nasty interference from poorly maintained power lines that ran parallel
to the road for long stretches. The helical antenna isn't optimal in
the more horizontal position of a bar mount but may still be better
than the patch antenna. I don't think the improved reception should be
that much of a deciding factor.
I recommend you get the LegendC or VistaC since they are the only
mapping units on the market that have the right form factor and a good
bicycle mount.
.
- References:
- LegendC or Map 60C for bike riding
- From: me
- LegendC or Map 60C for bike riding
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