Bez wrote:You need a RideWithGPS account, but the free account will do, you don't need one of the paid subscriptions. Sign up and try it out.
The Elemnt syncs with your RideWithGPS account so you have access to all your routes on the device. However, you'll still want to use a PC in order to plan routes. The only way to create a route on the fly is to use your phone to plot a route to a destination, which requires a data connection (so if you're out of coverage it won't work) and you have little or no control over the actual route it chooses; in other words it's broadly comparable to using a routing-enabled Garmin to calculate a route, until you're out of phone coverage when the Garmin starts to win again. Mind you, a phone is an inherently poor device for plotting a route.
The Elemnt app will allow you to send GPX files to the device, too.
I'm working on a small tool which will get RideWithGPS routes onto a Garmin via an USB OTG compatible Android phone, which will make PC-free loading onto Garmins possible.
Basically if you have OTG support on your phone then you've got scope for PC-free route loading with either device. If you don't then the Wahoo has an advantage.
Hi Bez,
it seems like you know your stuff! I had a chat session with Garmin and was told that none of their units, both cycling specific and handheld gps were compatible with uploading from a phone or tablet.
I'd be interested in hearing about your tool if you get it to work.
I know plotting courses on a phone is not exactly pleasant, but I would be hoping instead to "borrow" existing gps tracks that are already on the web. Finding them and downloading them is a much easier proposition on a phone. Using the phone to plot a course will only be in an emergency situation.
I've had the use of a Garmin Edge Touring for the past month or so and it is unbelievably poor. Crashes regularly, if I go off route it will recalculate to the shortest route to the destination - frustrating if I'm cycling a loop. Try crossing your route - it just dies! Given that this is a touring specific device it has really made me question the quality of Garmin products.
I'm going to do a bit more reading, but I'm leaning towards the Wahoo necasue it seems like it will work the way I want it to.
Many thanks
Frank