Re: Mountain Biking GPS

From: Alan Adrian (ara___at_SPAMNOT.wanadoo.nl)
Date: 03/09/05 

Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 10:15:25 +0100

"Scott" <tobyclomper@stny.rr.com> wrote in message
news:E5sXd.116979$nC5.85616@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
> Does anyone know of a model that would work well for mountain biking? I
> need it for mapping trails and distances. Altitude or elevation gain/lost
> would be nice, but isn't essential. It has to be tough (shock proof) and
> water resistant. I can most likely design something to mount it to the
> handlebars.
>

As other's have said, either a New Garmin Etrex (some of the old models had
issues with receiver sensitivity, especially in trees) or a Garmin 60 C/CS
would suit you for this.

Things to consider (from my experience) are:

Receiver sensitivity. GPS works slightly beyond the edge of it's limits
under wet tree cover, so you want to get a good a receiver as possible to
help you out in this. I've walked and biked extensively with both my old
Vista and my 60C the amount of track laid down with the latter is way beyond
what I ever got from the former... I understand the new etrex's work better
in this regard.

Be prepared to shake the batteries loose in any of these units where it
takes AA's and orients them vertically in the unit. There are fixes ranging
from spacers, tape, and using the largest batteries you can buy (AA NiMH's
get slightly larger as you go up in capacity). When the unit cuts out
unexpectedly on a ride, you have loose batteries and will need to secure
them in the unit tighter.

One way to improve your chances with both issues, if mapping is your primary
goal, is to mount the unit on your shoulder. You get less body shielding
this way, and cushion the shock better. But it is cool to use it for
navigation while riding... =)

Al...