GPS while riding - how and which?

[Bender]

I bought a Garmin Nuvi 500 which also required an aftermarket handlebar mount and a 'cigar lighter'-type power supply (got the bike shop to fit that). The Nuvi 500 is quite small so it doesn't obscure the speedo or tach. It's easy to read and the touch screen face is good, even with gloves on.

I like it. I bought the Garmin so I could take advantage of the free and regularly updated maps provided by NZ Open GPS Project. Their forum has also been very helpful in sorting a few problems I've had.

I like it because I can map out a ride in advance. I cross-reference google earth and the garmin software (Basecamp) to explore new roads and routes. Then I upload the chosen route from Basecamp to the Nuvi and its ready to go.

You don't need the voice as the GPS has arrows and other graphic, on-screen instructions. You can run it as a map or with arrows like a road book.

There's plenty of time to look at the instructions safely. Obviously you use a bit of common sense and don't go bowling through busy intersections with your face glued to the screen. It usually takes no more time to check the route instructions than it does to glance at your speedo.

Yes you can have a map book but there is a lot more pissing about with one and they are more distracting while riding because the route is much smaller. The bonus with a map book is they are much cheaper.

[Dobbin]

Yes, http://nzopengps.org/ provide free updated maps for Garmin Nuvi and a few other GPS units. Don't buy the map updates from Garmin.

That said, I sometimes find the opengps maps are not as good at finding a particular address as the Garmin maps. If I have trouble finding an address near where I want to go with opengps, I switch the device back to Garmin maps, enter the address and Go, then switch back to the more up to date opengps maps again, and if necessary select my destination from "recently found" places.

[varminter]

I've got a 60" plasma mounted on the bars, works with a periscope to see where I'm going, it's mains powered so I don't go far.

[That looks like fun]

Try living on Rat A Street, see how you like ya GPS pronunciation

[Tazz]

You don't need the voice as the GPS has arrows and other graphic, on-screen instructions. You can run it as a map or with arrows like a road book.

I think anyone should be able to handle a voice in their ear a bit while driving (how the fark would you would get you bike license if you couldn't), but I don't know if having the screen in front of you is a good idea while you're learning. Offroad sure and if you only crawl around the city and spend most the time at lights maybe, otherwise it could be asking for trouble depending on the riders grey matter power (and I've found it is best to assume people are idiots =P)

[russd7]

naaa forget the GPS, i never get lost tho i do occasionally take the scenic route, surprising how much more of the country ya get to see if ya turn right instead of left

[ozjohnno]

gots me a samsung S3, has GPS built in and it feeds me directions through my Scala G9.

I downloaded the NZ maps a coppla days ago