GPS/Cyclometer

I don't know of a device that will do all of that. You're looking for a
combination GPS, heart rate monitor, and cycle computer. I don't think
that combined techno toy exists yet.

Mike Tierney (aspenmike) has a Polar heart rate monitor that includes
the cycle computer functions along with an altimeter. You can check it
out on the 'Polar web page' (http://tinyurl.com/3pqo2). But Polar
doesn't have anything that combines all that with a GPS.

For the GPS features you're looking at something like the 'Garmin Vista'
(http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVista/). The Vista has the mapping
and altimeter. The GPS will also give you current speed, max speed,
average speed, distance, and other info.

But the GPS only works when it can see the satellites so it's not the
most reliable trip computer for speed and distance. If you're riding
out in the open it's very good. If you ride under tree cover the
reception can be poor to spotty. You also have to keep the GPS located
in a position where it can best see the satellites. That means that you
can't really just stuff it in the back of your Camelbak and expect it to
record good data. I keep mine on the shoulder strap of my hydration
pack and position it so that the antenna is looking up at the
satellites. A traditional cycle computer with a magnet will be more
accurate for speed and distance.

And Garmin is about to release a 'color version of the Vista'
(http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVistac/). One of the new features
is a USB connection that will allow you to upload maps more quickly.
With the serial connection it can take about an hour to upload about 24
MB of map data. The USB interface will be faster, but I don't know how
much faster.

To load maps into the Garmin GPS you need the Garmin map software. You
can't load other maps into the GPS, only the Garmin maps. You get two
choices, topo maps or street maps. Topo maps are more appropriate for
muni and the topo maps include most streets and street names.

After you get the GPS you'll have to factor in the cost for maps and
other misc. software you'll want.

So you can get what you want with a Polar cycling computer heart rate
monitor and a GPS like the Garmin Vista or Garmin Legend.

--
john_childs - Guinness Mojo

john_childs (at) hotmail (dot) com
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I might be one of the people that you saw using a GPS during some of the
MUni rides; I had a yellow thing on the top of my helmet.

I have had the problems that John mentioned, some days it just won’t do
3-D (altitude)😕 , just 2-D and trees with leaves on are bad to
the point that it won’t do 2-D.😠

The system I use is Delorme Street Atlas for handheld - the GPS has a
Bluetooth & battery module (extra $) which talks to my PDA which has the
maps for the area that I'm in (space is limited, depending on memory).
With this I can see the map as I'm cycling and still have the GPS in an
optimum place. It comes with maps for the whole US and the newest may
include Canada, I also have TOPO USA, which can also upload maps to the
handheld. This stuff isn’t cheap, but I love my techno geek toys.:p

If you want to see a little of what I’ve done with it, this is a map of
'Bluff Point (link)' (http://tinyurl.com/5gvyr) or
right-click-and-save-target-as 'Bluff Point (zip)'
(http://tinyurl.com/4kp5q), a small state park in CT that I’ve mapped,
note the green line, a ½ mile ride out onto Long Island Sound - the GPS
said I can ride on water and I won’t gainsay it! I had to do most of
this during the winter months as it’s all tree covered.

--
brian.slater - Nellfurtiti, the Wonder Cat

Brian C. Slater
AKA: Snoopy

Ok, I am now officially in my normal state of -advanced- confusion.
Don't try to confuse me, it won't make any difference.

"To not decide is to decide" - undecided
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[image:
http://cdn.llbean.com/products/sporting_gear_apparel/36955/images/M36955.jpg]
Garmin® eTrex® GPS

That one does all that except heart rate and maps. It is very compact
and under $100.

--
KcTheAcy - Ohh Baby

--Kaycee[image: http://home.maine.rr.com/kaycees/sbemail101aaa[2].gif]
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