Sanity check: Garmin 76cx as first GPS

[chasio]

OK I am reeling a bit from starting up with GPS and lots of reading here, on ADVRider and assorted GPS forums.

Right now, the 76cx is on sale at US$199 plus US$42 delivery here.

I am on the verge of ordering one. I was heading for a 60cx / csx, which seem popular on here and are available on eBay for around $230 right now (csx actually going for less than the 60cx). I read it that the 76cx is a 60cx in different clothes.

I don't believe I need the barometer and compass of an 's'. I prefer a compass to work without batteries and can't see a use for me for the former.

Use will be motorbike (aiming to do the DB1K when I am ready, for instance, but also for road & easy dual touring), tramping and kayaking. On the water the 76 is in front as it floats, unlike the 60 series, and waterproofing should be better. 76 is reportedly easier to use with gloves on as well.

The new 78 seems to be getting good feedback but is 50% more and I can't afford a Zumo 550. NZ $322 landed seems a bloody good deal.

Is there any reason to think the 76cx is a daft option for use as above in NZ?

Thanks - Chasio

[Eddieb]

I had a gander at it online and nothing jumped out technically, though i've never used one so wouldn't be considered knowledgable on them https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=350#specsTab

I did notice however that they are listed as a discontinued product.

[cromagnon]

The 60csx is available at US$199 as well at http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-60csx.html or US$207 with 2gb micro sd http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-60csx-2gb.html. There are lots of opinions on advrider in regards to 60 vs 76, mostly comes down to personal preference with no highly important technical reasons. Most dse stores stock the 60/76 if you want to check them out. I would also recommend getting any mounts you need for the gps in the same order to save on international shipping and cheaper prices.

[chasio]

Yes, they are discontinued, hence the price I expect.

Trig Instruments here no longer offer the units although accessories are plentiful. The thing is, I don't need the latest and greatest, just a decent GPS that can route and track.

Stop press: I see Simon in Nelson is selling a 60Csx on TardMe for $200 reserve for a 2 year old unit. Prefer a new unit unless personally recommended, though...

[chasio]

The 60csx is available at US$199 as well at http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-60csx.html or US$207 with 2gb micro sd http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-gpsmap-60csx-2gb.html. There are lots of opinions on advrider in regards to 60 vs 76, mostly comes down to personal preference with no highly important technical reasons. Most dse stores stock the 60/76 if you want to check them out. I would also recommend getting any mounts you need for the gps in the same order to save on international shipping and cheaper prices.

Thanks I'll check out shipping etc. Bike seems to be either/or but for kayak use perhaps the floating 76 is a winner but tramping the 60csx probably wins out.

Like I said, I'm reeling a bit but at least I'm down to two (I think).

Just off to Dick's for a look-see...

Edit: Shipping and accessories are both cheaper from GPSCity... maybe the 60csx wins and I'll just have to be very sure to clip it on for kayak use.

Is the 60csx OK with winter gloves?

[That looks like fun]

http://www.triginstruments.co.nz/cat...47e9d8947ef084
http://www.triginstruments.co.nz/cat...47e9d8947ef084
Couple of good 'reasonable priced thingys

[chasio]

http://www.triginstruments.co.nz/cat...47e9d8947ef084
http://www.triginstruments.co.nz/cat...47e9d8947ef084
Couple of good 'reasonable priced thingys

Thanks yes, had a look at those although reckon I need to factor in a RAM mount or damped home made solution for use on the Freewind.

If I do order from GPSCity the bar mount (which would be ok for my treadly, I guess) is US$11 and the bare wire power cable is US$19. So as Cromagnon suggests, it would make sense to fill my boots!

[JATZ]

I have a 76cx.... works o.k. for me and does every thing I want it to do. I run it from a 12v socket on the bike so battery jiggle isn't an issue.
I chose it over the 60 because it was more marine orientated, hence more water proof, was my thinking.

[Waihou Thumper]

I have used a Garmin 60Cx now for four years. I feel they are a great piece of kit, perfect for ADV riding. The unit can be mounted on my bars, it works well in rough weather, is waterproof and handles the conditions. I used it for DB last year and it was fine.
One thing I did find was that in bright sunlight it is hard to see the route, but you just stop, shiled it and go again, no big issue.
Battery life is great and I also have it hard wired to the battery, draw is minimal, I have had a few rest stops and left it on many a time and all is good..
Buttons are small, I agree but at the end of the day I would have these over the Zumo anytime....

[johannvr]

Thanks yes, had a look at those although reckon I need to factor in a RAM mount or damped home made solution for use on the Freewind.

If I do order from GPSCity the bar mount (which would be ok for my treadly, I guess) is US$11 and the bare wire power cable is US$19. So as Cromagnon suggests, it would make sense to fill my boots!

I've used my 60Cx for around 2 years now on the DR with the Garmin Bar Mount & so far have not (yet?) had any issues related to excessive vibration or such. Would maybe also have preferred a RAM mount, but at the price, so far, so good ... your Freewind just cannot shake rattle & roll as much as the DR does

[Waihou Thumper]

your Freewind just cannot shake rattle & roll as much as the DR does

Or a 640 Adventure or a SXC625....It aint ever gonna worry the unit. The only thing you may have to do is secure the plug to the back.....Most frustrating when it falls out and you have to try and use one hand to stay upright and the other to plug in the GPS to keep tracking...

[Blackbird]

I have a 76 CX which I have on the bike. Had it for 5 years. Screen is small compared with "modern"GPS's, but it's still fine. I have NZ-sourced auto-routing from here: http://www.nzgpsmaps.com/index_800_600.html. Easy to program from a laptop too, which is what I did for the recent 1000 miles in 24 hours ride. I bought a proper Garmin cradle for the GPS and adapted it to a steering head stem mount. Oh, and the unit is waterproof which is a big plus on a bike.

Some photos at the bottom of this page: http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2010/04/farkle-day.html

PS, there's no voice commands on the 76CX, just beeps and text/direction arrows additional to the map but this has always been perfectly adequate.

[chasio]

I've used my 60Cx for around 2 years now on the DR with the Garmin Bar Mount & so far have not (yet?) had any issues related to excessive vibration or such. Would maybe also have preferred a RAM mount, but at the price, so far, so good ... your Freewind just cannot shake rattle & roll as much as the DR does

The Freewind is just a fat DR650 in drag! But I won't hit it as hard as many of you guys hit yours, except unintentionally.

Chasio

PS OK and a bit pokier and with a smaller front wheel until you swap one in from (drumroll) a DR650!

[Eddieb]

Or a 640 Adventure or a SXC625....It aint ever gonna worry the unit. The only thing you may have to do is secure the plug to the back.....Most frustrating when it falls out and you have to try and use one hand to stay upright and the other to plug in the GPS to keep tracking...

Especially when your trying to ride up a sand dune at the same time.

[chasio]

I have a 76 CX which I have on the bike. Had it for 5 years. Screen is small compared with "modern"GPS's, but it's still fine. I have NZ-sourced auto-routing from here: http://www.nzgpsmaps.com/index_800_600.html. Easy to program from a laptop too, which is what I did for the recent 1000 miles in 24 hours ride. I bought a proper Garmin cradle for the GPS and adapted it to a steering head stem mount. Oh, and the unit is waterproof which is a big plus on a bike.

Some photos at the bottom of this page: http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2010/04/farkle-day.html

PS, there's no voice commands on the 76CX, just beeps and text/direction arrows additional to the map but this has always been perfectly adequate.

Thanks, will check it out.

Your comments on here had in part swayed me towards the 76cx over the 60cx.

I guess the 60csx will be sufficiently waterproof as well and will come in a touch cheaper. Will read the replies coming in here and ponder on it.

Chasio