I’d like to be able to create a route either in Garmin Connect, Strava, etc. and upload it to a GPS device for navigation. I could use my iPhone but some of the places I ride, especially on MTB routes, I lose cell coverage. The Strava app seems perfect, but I’m not sure if the Strava app will continue it’s navigation without cell coverage.
I did a search online (and ST) but stuff seems a bit dated. I do have the 910xt and have used that, but it’s just dotted line route. No real directions. Looking at Garmin site, it appears the 800 is the best option, but not sure. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
Edit: Computer also needs to measure cycling metrics including power.
Have you looked into smartphone apps? I think some people do use their phones as bike computers and it wouldn’t surprise me if there was an app out there that would fit your needs.
Edit: Sorry I skimmed your post just saw the part about losing coverage.
For a standalone GPS unit, that understands strava etc…, yes Garmin bike computers are, as far as I know, the only ones with navigation.
Rant: why do they make cell phones reliant on cell triangulation when they have a real actual GPS receiver? I understand using cell location to speed up GPS lock… but if cell signal isn’t available why not just fall back to slow GPS like a standalone GPS receiver? Instead they just disable location services all together. It may save some hiker’s life. Imagine. Lost in the woods. They have a GPS unit with maps! Alas the unit is a smartphone and neither GPS nor maps work without a cell signal. That isn’t due to an inherent technical limitation but in fact a design decision.
On topic I have an 800 and a 910 the latter I only used once and never again for navigation. The former I have used twice only for power based but bought it specifically because it had route guidance just haven’t had a chance to use it.
Rant: why do they make cell phones reliant on cell triangulation when they have a real actual GPS receiver? I understand using cell location to speed up GPS lock… but if cell signal isn’t available why not just fall back to slow GPS like a standalone GPS receiver? Instead they just disable location services all together. It may save some hiker’s life. Imagine. Lost in the woods. They have a GPS unit with maps! Alas the unit is a smartphone and neither GPS nor maps work without a cell signal. That isn’t due to an inherent technical limitation but in fact a design decision.
My phone works fine without a cell signal, used it for two weeks in the UK with everything off to get around, the standard mapping software on it stores maps on the phone.
The issue is not in getting the signal the issue is most don’t store maps, every phone I’m aware of will get a location without a cell signal with the right program installed. If a hiker is relying on their cell phone as a life saving devise in the woods they most likely already have downloaded some sort of program that will give their location or actual maps.
That being said they should have a fkn compass and general idea of how to navigate if they are going to go where there is no cell signal, modern technology is nice but isn’t an excuse for not having basic skills or common sense.
