bikepacking gps buying advice wanted

[annoying crack]

I would like to buy a GPS for bikepacking and mountainbiking and have some questions, thought this would be the right place to ask as many of you will have experiences/opinions/preferences that I would like to hear about.

For starters, I have absolutely no experience with GPS whatsoever so many of the features and terms used are new to me. I think I sort of have narrowed it down to Garmin as far as the brand goes as it seems that's what everybody else uses. I read many reviews on here and other places and I thought I had narrowed it down to Dakota 20 and GPSMAP 60csx. The Dakota got a good review here on this site but both shops where I went to suggested the GPSMAP 60csx. Both cost about the same price, so that's not a factor.

What I would like to use it for:
- ride routes that I find on the internet.
- set out routes on the map (on the computer) and then ride those.
- Log routes that I ride (organised rides/races) for later use. To go ride them again at a later date.
- go on rides and then come back the same way in reverse. Ride from A to B and then ride back to A on the same route (think multiple days WITHOUT computer access). One guy at the shop told me that's not going to work without the use of a computer! Is that true?
- Get ride statistics altitude/distance.

What is important to me too is that the gps needs to be user friendly! Also, are the garmin handlebar adapters for both durable enough for mountainbiking? I'm riding rigid most of the time, so it will take a beating!

Can anyone advise me which one I might prefer, as I have no clue what to look out for. The main reason I'm getting a gps is that I would like to give the Tour Divide race a go next year and it might come in handy then? I would like to get some experience with the gps before then.

Thank you.

[daveB]

I got a Garmin Vista HCx a year ago with the same requirements:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8703

It has altimeter, compass (don't use it), color screen, micro SD slot.
If you're recording a track along the way, reversing directions is trivial...just follow your line the other way.  No computer necessary. 
It has a data screen where you can pick what you want displayed...odometer, elevation, speed, time....   AND a separate Altimeter screen that creates a live profile and adds up cumulative elevation gain.
Any of the units will display and record tracks, you'll get the hang of it quickly.

I use a Garmin bar mount monkeyed with to fit on my stem.  Works just fine, though I have a suspension fork.
I haven't used the other Garmin models you mention, just add the Vista HCx to the list for consideration.

[Done]

I second the Vista HCx. Great for cycling, backpacking, etc. I sometimes wish that it would link to a heart-rate monitor and cadence gadget, but that's about the only negative criticism. The Dakota looks nice too, but I think that the HCx has an easier-to-read screen--and I prefer buttons to touch screens.

[annoying crack]

thanks for the advice, I'll look into that model as well.
Yes, I would also like to have it fitted to the stem, fitting on the handlebar might interfere with my bag setup which I have sort of dialled for the moment.
keep the advise coming!

[ScottM]

I would say the Dakota series is a little easier to jump into for people new to GPS.  It has some other advantages, but the very real downside is screen visibility.

There are rumors of a replacement for the 60CSx to be released in the next couple months, combining the best of both worlds from the Dakota/Oregon and the 60CSx (a readable screen and real buttons!).  But these new generation units will likely be $400 or maybe more, at least for a while.

I prefer the VistaHCx (or LegendHCx, whichever you can find cheaper) over the 60CSx, for it's smaller form factor and better bar mount system.  The software / interface is almost the same, just different buttons.

Hope that helps a little, feel free to ask further q's.

[annoying crack]

I would say the Dakota series is a little easier to jump into for people new to GPS.  It has some other advantages, but the very real downside is screen visibility.

Scott,
Is that screen visibility problem only in the bright sunlight? I live where rain is common and bright sunshine a rarety, so maybe that wouldn't be too much of an issue? I'm more worried about the touchscreen to be honest, could easily get damaged in a fall and leave the gps impossible to use.

I wanted to know which one to pick, Dakota 20 or 60CSx and what do I get, 3 people advising the VistaHCx!  
I am not much wiser, just have more choices. W What are the functional differences between the 60CSx and VistaHCx? Just screen size or is there more? Software different? Is there any reason at all to get 60CSx over VistaHCx, I see there is a 100 euro difference in price in favor of the VistaHCx!

[Done]

Garmin has a cool caparison feature on their website:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=145&compareProduct=30926&compareProduct=8703&compareProduct=309
All three will do what you need. I think that the differences come down to personal taste. I chose the Vista HCx because it has buttons, is gentle on batteries, and is easy to read in all sorts of light. I also previously owned an original Vista (older model), so I was familiar with the interface. But the Dakota's additional features are pretty attractive, so I had a hard time choosing too. Good luck!

[ScottM]

Scott,
Is that screen visibility problem only in the bright sunlight? I live where rain is common and bright sunshine a rarety, so maybe that wouldn't be too much of an issue? I'm more worried about the touchscreen to be honest, could easily get damaged in a fall and leave the gps impossible to use.

I wanted to know which one to pick, Dakota 20 or 60CSx and what do I get, 3 people advising the VistaHCx! 
I am not much wiser, just have more choices. W What are the functional differences between the 60CSx and VistaHCx? Just screen size or is there more? Software different? Is there any reason at all to get 60CSx over VistaHCx, I see there is a 100 euro difference in price in favor of the VistaHCx!

Visibility is only really a problem in bright sunlight, so it sounds like you might be fine with the Dakota.  Haven't crashed (seriously) with my Dakota yet, but I suppose the touchscreen is somewhat vulnerable.

Screen size and button layout are the only serious differences between the Vista and 60.  With the larger screen it's a larger unit as well, thus the less ideal handlebar mount as well.

Really you can't go wrong with any of those 3 as a first GPS.  You'll know a lot more once you jump into it with one of them.

[riverfever]

Instead of starting a new thread I thought I'd piggy back on here since it's relevant. I was hoping someone could confirm that this mount will work for the eTrex Legend ON THE STEM. I'm a bit OCD and want things to be situated a certain way and I don't want the GPS on the hbar either.

[ScottM]

It does not work out of the box on the stem, no.  Not too hard to modify it to accept two zip ties and then add some rubber underneath, though.  I know of several who have done it, but don't have a pic off hand.

[riverfever]

Thanks Scott.

[annoying crack]

Garmin has a cool caparison feature on their website:

That was a good help, they don't have that (i think) on their Belgian website. Anyone any idea why the Dakota has 850Mb built in memory and the others not?
I think I might go for the VistaHCx then unless someone convinces me otherwise....

[daveB]

To mount my Vista HCx to my stem, I got something like this (the current part looks a bit different than what I have, but I'm suspicious that it works the same):
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1056
[edit-corrected part # after further rummaging]

and modified it with a drill and dremel.  I eventually added some solvent based contact cement to secure the bracket to rubber to stem since the stem is tapered and the mount had a tendency to slide forward and get loose.

[annoying crack]

OK, So I will go for a Vista HCx and see if I can find one online for cheap tonight.
Also, does anybody has any books about gps to recommend? I looked at the online manual and it's not that much. Websites I need to know about?

Thanks again for all the help.

[riverfever]

Thanks for the visual Dave.

[annoying crack]

After debating for weeks wether or not I really was going to get a gps and then what model to get, I finally ordered one. I've ordered the Vista HCx with 2 bicycle mounts (one needs a spare one just in case,no?  ) It should be delivered at work tomorrow. Now, all I need to do is learn how to use it... and get one of those lovely thomson stems to fix it on! 

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions once I start to use it. My question about user info, books and websites still stands. Anyone?

thanks.

[flatfishy]

last week i was about to buy the dakota 20 having had it tick all the boxes i required but when i got one in my hands i was a little uninspired to say the least but only by the screen display, i was also shown the oregan 450 whilst in the store, and although the screen is only slightly bigger it seemed light years ahead of the dakota.
the functions are the same but the screen on the oregan was so much better.
the downside was the battery life is around 3/4 hours less than the dakota.
i purchased the oregan 450 and ticks all my boxes for only £50 more(not sure what your paying in $)

[riverfever]

I found a NIB Legend HCX for 160 and it's on the way.

[DesertDog]

Anyone any idea why the Dakota has 850Mb built in memory and the others not?
I think I might go for the VistaHCx then unless someone convinces me otherwise....

For their Anniversary Sale, REI has the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx on sale for $199.

I know there are a lot of people that would say the Vista HCx is the way to go, but the 60CSx is the best non-touchscreen GPS that Garmin makes.  Buy it, modify the mount to go on the stem and go out and map your world!

[ScottM]

Yep, they are going on sale because Garmin is finally updating the 60:

http://gpstracklog.com/2010/05/garmin-gpsmap-62-series-first-pics.html

This looks like it may become *the* GPS to recommend, though pricey (there are cheaper versions w/o compass, altimeter, as usual).