Scout - Units
Disclaimer:
The following is just my personal opintion based on extense experience using GPS riding a bicycle and driving a car and occasional hiking since 2003. This is not sponsored by anyone nor based on any scientific research. There might be other units out there not mentioned which might as well suite your purpose.
Personal recommendation and experience:
At this time (Feb 07) I would recommend all of the following units:
- Garmin GPSMap 60cx
- Garmin GPSMap 60csx
- Garmin GPSMap 76cx
- Garmin GPSMap 76csx
The csx units have electronic compass and barometric pressure. It is taking slightly away from the battery life and is not really needed for car driving or bicycling. I see the main advantages with hiking.
I personally prefer the 76 series for bicycle riding. The main reason is that I found much more solid mounts holding the GPS secure in place. If you use the 60 series, make sure you should rubber bands in addition to secure the unit. I speak from experience, as my 60cs went out of my mount as I hit a pot hole coming down the bridge on the 2005 Fleche. It bounced on the street and started fighting with a Ford Expedition coming down the bridge. As you may assume the GPS lost the fight.
If you can get the 76cx for the same price as the 60csx that might be an option. The size and weight is not very much different, even so the 60csx looks smaller. But if you consider the extending antenna and draw a rectangle around it, the size is similiar.I currently own a Garmin GPSMap 76csx and 76cs.
One shop I have bought from is:
http://www.gpsnow.com/gmmap76csx.htm
They also have a nice overview chart to compare the different modells.
After researching the 76cx I found that TVNAV is offering the unit very competitive. In the past I read in the GPS User Forum good things about TVNAV.
Here the link to the unit:
http://www.tvnav.com/76cx.htm
They also offer the Auto Navigation kit very competitive. It comes with the City Navigator software, a non-skid friction mount, the auto mounting bracket and the 12v cigarette lighter adapter (approx. $20).
Here is the link to accessories for the 76cx.
http://www.tvnav.com/76cxacc.htmMount: As for the mount I would recommend
76c series: For the mount on the bicycle I would recommend the RAM Mount as I have them on my bike (RAM-B-149-GA14U):
http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-aluminum-gpsmap-76c-76cs-series-stainless-steel-u-bolt-mount/ramb149ga14.htm
This consists of the
Garmin GPSMAP 76c/76cs cradle (same size as 76cx/76csx) - RAM-HOL-GA14U
Diamond Plate with 1" ball - RAM-B-238U
3" Long Arm with double 1" sockets - RAM-B-201U
Stainless steel rail U-bolt base with 1" ball - RAM-B-231U
http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-aluminum-gpsmap-76c-76cs-series-stainless-steel-u-bolt-mount/ramb149ga14.htm
60cs series: I used standard garmin mounts too. The advantage of the afte market is that it used to rubber balls, compensation the vibration on rough roads and almost unlimited adjustment in positioning. In addition the 76c mount keeps the unit very safe in place. The disadvantage is that it is somewhat more bulky than the garmin mount.
Memory:
For crosscountry you might want to consider a 1 GB memory card e.g.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820171141 You need 128 MB or more for loading all of PBP with the current software.
Warning: Do not use any "Ultra or Ultra II" cards, since they are known to have issues used in Garmin GPS.
Software:
For software you would need "City Navigator North America v8". See Transfering and loading maps for further information.
Older units, still recommended:
The following units are still good units and if you own one of those keep using them:
- Garmin GPSMap 60c
- Garmin GPSMap 60cs
- Garmin GPSMap 76c
- Garmin GPSMap 76csFor further information see here: Documentation of 60cs