A vote for the Garmin Etrex 20. Pretty much bullet-proof in my experience.
Should be able to get good one second-hand one on ebay for around £100
or buy Etrex 22 new for £180
Pros. Powered by 2 AA batteries, which give approximately 24 hours use. So great for a multi-day tour.
You can load it with free street level mapping.
Easy to upload pre-planned routes.
The newer Garmins seem very expensive with little useful extra function and a much worse battery life.
Cons: Navigation possible but not great. Dependant upon the mapping. Screen quite small.
Search found 69 matches
- 4 Aug 2020, 11:45pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Best Garmin type computer for bicycle tourist?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3548
- 13 Oct 2016, 12:58am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: eurovelo Portugal
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1083
Re: eurovelo Portugal
I cycled a section of this from Lisbon to Vila Nova de Milfontes last year. My original plan had been to ride from Lisbon to Faro, but a series of gales and very wet days led to me cutting short my ride.
I was unaware that is was a Eurovelo route though. Certainly not waymarked as such on the section I rode.
I got the idea from this book:
Cycling The Algarve: Volume 2 (Pedal Portugal Tours & Day Rides) Paperback
by Huw Thomas (Author)
For mapping I downloaded free maps from Openstreetmap, uploaded them onto my Garmin Etrex 20.
The maps in Huw Thomas's book are pretty basic. Generally the roads were OK, but in places with infrequent but fast moving traffic. Very few sections of dedicated cycle route. I think the Sagres to Faro section is better in that respect though.
Stephen.
I was unaware that is was a Eurovelo route though. Certainly not waymarked as such on the section I rode.
I got the idea from this book:
Cycling The Algarve: Volume 2 (Pedal Portugal Tours & Day Rides) Paperback
by Huw Thomas (Author)
For mapping I downloaded free maps from Openstreetmap, uploaded them onto my Garmin Etrex 20.
The maps in Huw Thomas's book are pretty basic. Generally the roads were OK, but in places with infrequent but fast moving traffic. Very few sections of dedicated cycle route. I think the Sagres to Faro section is better in that respect though.
Stephen.
- 7 Apr 2016, 12:26am
- Forum: The Cycling UK brand refresh
- Topic: The Rebrand is Essential to our Future
- Replies: 142
- Views: 75800
Re: The Rebrand is Essential to our Future
Mick F said it perfectly....
The corporate speak, the 'charity' professionalism, the political re-brand deceptions, I hate it all. Sorry but I can't help it.
So I will be looking to join a real cycle touring club
...
I didn't want to convert to a charity and I don't want a name change.
I voted NO to convert and I haven't been given the chance to vote NO to a name change.
As I said, I'm out.
I won't be renewing my membership. ...
+1
The corporate speak, the 'charity' professionalism, the political re-brand deceptions, I hate it all. Sorry but I can't help it.
So I will be looking to join a real cycle touring club
- 2 Sep 2015, 1:39am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: What do you do when the going gets tough?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5288
Re: What do you do when the going gets tough?
Have a boiled sweet!
Set myself a micro-goal. Might be another 500ft of a climb or another 5 miles on the flat.
then treat myself to another boiled sweet etc.
(repeat as necessary...)
A long ride ahead can seem daunting. I like to divide it into fractions and then constantly adjust the fractions of the ride I have completed as the day progresses.
If I want a longer term motivator, I look forward to the pint at the end of the day!
Set myself a micro-goal. Might be another 500ft of a climb or another 5 miles on the flat.
then treat myself to another boiled sweet etc.
(repeat as necessary...)
A long ride ahead can seem daunting. I like to divide it into fractions and then constantly adjust the fractions of the ride I have completed as the day progresses.
If I want a longer term motivator, I look forward to the pint at the end of the day!
- 8 Jun 2015, 7:24pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Security - 2 questions
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2478
Re: Security - 2 questions
I am just about to upgrade my lock after an incident yesterday!
Stopped at a nice pub for a pint and on leaving as I was unlocking the bike, the key broke off in the lock.
After some faffing around it became clear I needed some help.
I called a local mate, who arrived with a small hacksaw. It took him (aged 74!) around 30 seconds to cut through what I imagined was a reasonable cable-lock.
I was shocked! The lock was really just a token gesture.
The problem of course is the trade-off between weight and security. I want a decent lock, don't mind paying handsomely for it, just don't want to lug 2 kilos of steel around everywhere I go.
Stopped at a nice pub for a pint and on leaving as I was unlocking the bike, the key broke off in the lock.
After some faffing around it became clear I needed some help.
I called a local mate, who arrived with a small hacksaw. It took him (aged 74!) around 30 seconds to cut through what I imagined was a reasonable cable-lock.
I was shocked! The lock was really just a token gesture.
The problem of course is the trade-off between weight and security. I want a decent lock, don't mind paying handsomely for it, just don't want to lug 2 kilos of steel around everywhere I go.
- 13 Apr 2015, 12:38am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Off touring tomorrow! (well later today)
- Replies: 10
- Views: 3232
Re: Off touring tomorrow! (well later today)
Good luck and enjoy!
Impressed that you've managed to keep your luggage 9kgs!
Hope you have some lovely weather and nice tailwinds...
Impressed that you've managed to keep your luggage 9kgs!
Hope you have some lovely weather and nice tailwinds...
- 29 Nov 2014, 1:39am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Cycle to Work - one-man company
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4863
Re: Cycle to Work - one-man company
I am a partner in a small business. As an owner I am ineligible for the Cycle to Work scheme. We have signed up to it so one of my 2 employees can benefit though and now she has got a nice bike through the scheme. However our accountant had advised that we may also in addition have a company 'pool bike'. This is available for all staff and partners to book on a rota system. So far I am the only user VAT reclaimed, purchase price and all expenses put through the business. I use it for commuting. As with all these things, everything is rosy until the IR investigate, but it seems OK as far as I can see...
- 12 Aug 2014, 12:05am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: A good courier
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1566
Re: A good courier
Have a look at:
http://www.interparcel.com/
they act as an agent for various courier companies.
As yours will be a large parcel choice is limited, but avoid Citylink.
I recommend Interparcel Standard which is actually UPS. We use them a few times a week for our business.
http://www.interparcel.com/
they act as an agent for various courier companies.
As yours will be a large parcel choice is limited, but avoid Citylink.
I recommend Interparcel Standard which is actually UPS. We use them a few times a week for our business.
- 4 Jun 2014, 1:57am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Dover to London for family
- Replies: 18
- Views: 4946
Re: Dover to London for family
TT,
Off topic - but save your money and avoid Madame Tassaude's. It is basically a horrible tourist trap. The kids and I failed to recognize most of the 'celebrities'. Whether this was due to our avoidance of trash TV and the tabloid press or the poor quality of the wax works I don't know
Off topic - but save your money and avoid Madame Tassaude's. It is basically a horrible tourist trap. The kids and I failed to recognize most of the 'celebrities'. Whether this was due to our avoidance of trash TV and the tabloid press or the poor quality of the wax works I don't know
- 4 Jun 2014, 1:37am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Cycling blog help?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1885
Re: Cycling blog help?
+1 for Crazyguyonabike
if you want to share your story with fellow cyclists that's the place to post.
Individual 'blogs' elsewhere tend to get lost in vastness of the internet.
Stephen.
if you want to share your story with fellow cyclists that's the place to post.
Individual 'blogs' elsewhere tend to get lost in vastness of the internet.
Stephen.
- 3 Apr 2014, 1:33am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Family member/friend is a terrible driver?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1421
Re: Family member/friend is a terrible driver?
Ldriver,
A crass posting.
... as I hope you are aware.
You'll have to be a lot more canny to sucker anyone here.
A crass posting.
... as I hope you are aware.
You'll have to be a lot more canny to sucker anyone here.
- 1 Apr 2014, 1:11am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Starting a bike tour business, feasible or not?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3919
Re: Starting a bike tour business, feasible or not?
I have pondered the same thing, living in a nice part of East Anglia.
Seems like for day rides, the money will be in the bike hire, rather than the guided tour. Certainly not in the packed lunches unless they involve much more than a few sandwiches and a drink.
Perhaps the strategy could be as a 'high-end' experience. Obviously for most of us cycling is more or less free! The well-heeled are less inclined to see it that way.
Building a relationship with local upmarket hotels may be the key.
You can market varied day touring around the hotel as a base. You deliver paying pre-booked guests to the hotel and take a commission, they allow you to operate your bike hire / touring business using their hotel as a base. That way you get spur of the moment bike hires from their guests and protentially build a new customer list. A day taster session, may lead to a week's booking next year. The hotel gets to add guided bike rides and bike hire to their list of activities for guests.
Difficult to know what you can charge, £30 to £50 per head per day perhaps + bike hire. Can that be a viable business? I don't know!
Smaller numbers paying higher prices is logistically easier.
Another approach is the multi-day moving on type of tour. Here you build the same relationship with hotels, but add value with a luggage transfer service between overnight stops. On a multi-day tour I would certainly pay to have my luggage waiting for me at the end of the day, rather than have it weighing me down all day.
Just a few thoughts...
Good luck!
Stephen
Seems like for day rides, the money will be in the bike hire, rather than the guided tour. Certainly not in the packed lunches unless they involve much more than a few sandwiches and a drink.
Perhaps the strategy could be as a 'high-end' experience. Obviously for most of us cycling is more or less free! The well-heeled are less inclined to see it that way.
Building a relationship with local upmarket hotels may be the key.
You can market varied day touring around the hotel as a base. You deliver paying pre-booked guests to the hotel and take a commission, they allow you to operate your bike hire / touring business using their hotel as a base. That way you get spur of the moment bike hires from their guests and protentially build a new customer list. A day taster session, may lead to a week's booking next year. The hotel gets to add guided bike rides and bike hire to their list of activities for guests.
Difficult to know what you can charge, £30 to £50 per head per day perhaps + bike hire. Can that be a viable business? I don't know!
Smaller numbers paying higher prices is logistically easier.
Another approach is the multi-day moving on type of tour. Here you build the same relationship with hotels, but add value with a luggage transfer service between overnight stops. On a multi-day tour I would certainly pay to have my luggage waiting for me at the end of the day, rather than have it weighing me down all day.
Just a few thoughts...
Good luck!
Stephen
- 6 Nov 2013, 12:58am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Etrex 30 Mount
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2890
Re: Etrex 30 Mount
I made the mistake of buying the cheaper one.
Just one week into ownership of my new Etrex 20, I hit a bump, it flew off and hit the road smashing the screen!
Garmin replaced the Etrex at a cost of £70 and I always use an extra lanyard for safety now.
I suspect the problem is with the design of the mount, as it is nowhere near as secure a design as the mount on my previous Etrex Vista model.
Don't know how much better the 'real' Garmin mount is, but I still wouldn't trust it...
Just one week into ownership of my new Etrex 20, I hit a bump, it flew off and hit the road smashing the screen!
Garmin replaced the Etrex at a cost of £70 and I always use an extra lanyard for safety now.
I suspect the problem is with the design of the mount, as it is nowhere near as secure a design as the mount on my previous Etrex Vista model.
Don't know how much better the 'real' Garmin mount is, but I still wouldn't trust it...
- 26 Oct 2013, 2:04am
- Forum: On the road
- Topic: Triple v Compact
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4984
Re: Triple v Compact
When I had built my frame up I specified a triple. A decision I haven't regretted.
Even though I hardly ever use it!
The lowest set of ratios, accounts for less 0.5% of my miles, but I wouldn't be without them. It is nice to have a bailout gear
and.. yes it is all in your head.
The rest of the world thinks we are either nuts or 'terribly brave' for cycling at all, don't worry about a few gears, just ride and have fun!
Even though I hardly ever use it!
The lowest set of ratios, accounts for less 0.5% of my miles, but I wouldn't be without them. It is nice to have a bailout gear
and.. yes it is all in your head.
The rest of the world thinks we are either nuts or 'terribly brave' for cycling at all, don't worry about a few gears, just ride and have fun!
- 29 Sep 2013, 2:07am
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: My Mercian nightmare continues
- Replies: 121
- Views: 11630
Re: My Mercian nightmare continues
Late here, but I have quite a lot of sympathy (and I am very satisfied Mercian owner) with the OP.
With Mercian you are buying a premium product and paying handsomely for it.
I don't think whether you would notice the 5mm difference on the road or not is the real issue. It is the poor customer service.
In life mistakes happen, running a business myself, I know this only too well! What happens once an error like this is reported and accepted is most important.
They got a job wrong and had to do a rework, fair enough. But why put the job to the back of the queue? 6 months, it should have been a couple of weeks. Much better to get it all sorted out asap, while the details of the problem are fresh in everyone's memory!
And when doing a rework, check and recheck, make absolutely sure it is right. Common-sense really.
Give up the idea of making any money on the deal, you won't, but concentrate on ending up with a happy customer.
Failure to do this, risks ending up with a thread like this, which might cost much more than a few days labour from the frame-builder and paint-shop.
Might still be time for them to get it right though.... just need to look at the big picture.
With Mercian you are buying a premium product and paying handsomely for it.
I don't think whether you would notice the 5mm difference on the road or not is the real issue. It is the poor customer service.
In life mistakes happen, running a business myself, I know this only too well! What happens once an error like this is reported and accepted is most important.
They got a job wrong and had to do a rework, fair enough. But why put the job to the back of the queue? 6 months, it should have been a couple of weeks. Much better to get it all sorted out asap, while the details of the problem are fresh in everyone's memory!
And when doing a rework, check and recheck, make absolutely sure it is right. Common-sense really.
Give up the idea of making any money on the deal, you won't, but concentrate on ending up with a happy customer.
Failure to do this, risks ending up with a thread like this, which might cost much more than a few days labour from the frame-builder and paint-shop.
Might still be time for them to get it right though.... just need to look at the big picture.