GPS Units
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18,303
Likes: 26,530
From: Northwest of Los Angeles
I've used a variety of Garmins, including the bike-oriented 550 and lately a Nuvi. The only important difference between the cheap-as-dirt Nuvi and the bike-related models is that the latter are, supposedly, waterproof. I almost never ride in rain, but when I do I just put a baggie around it and it's fine behind the windshield.
That said, I've now retired my Nuvi as Garmin have come out with a GPS app for the iPhone (and others) which works and looks exactly like the dedicated models (except that, so far, you can't load your own maps). Costs $39. Mounts on the same RAM mount as the Nuvi except I had to buy a new cradle for $8.95. Uses the same lighter plug point the Nuvi used. Only other issue is that you can't operate it with gloves on. I don't use the phone function at all when I'm riding, but I do have both Sirius radio and Pandora on it for tunes on those long highway stretches.
I don't think I'll ever buy another dedicated GPS unit again.
Tip for Nuvi users: There are two ways to power the Nuvi on the bike: one is using the mini-USB plug like you do when you're charging the unit, and the other is using the lighter plug, as you do when you use in in a car. Note that when using the mini-USB plug the screen will be significantly less bright than when using the lighter plug. Garmin limits screen brightness when the unit is charging. So for maximum brightness on the bike, use a lighter-style plug.
That said, I've now retired my Nuvi as Garmin have come out with a GPS app for the iPhone (and others) which works and looks exactly like the dedicated models (except that, so far, you can't load your own maps). Costs $39. Mounts on the same RAM mount as the Nuvi except I had to buy a new cradle for $8.95. Uses the same lighter plug point the Nuvi used. Only other issue is that you can't operate it with gloves on. I don't use the phone function at all when I'm riding, but I do have both Sirius radio and Pandora on it for tunes on those long highway stretches.
I don't think I'll ever buy another dedicated GPS unit again.
Tip for Nuvi users: There are two ways to power the Nuvi on the bike: one is using the mini-USB plug like you do when you're charging the unit, and the other is using the lighter plug, as you do when you use in in a car. Note that when using the mini-USB plug the screen will be significantly less bright than when using the lighter plug. Garmin limits screen brightness when the unit is charging. So for maximum brightness on the bike, use a lighter-style plug.
Last edited by OldBoldPilot; Aug 14, 2011 at 12:49 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I use the GPS for turn-by-turn directions if I am heading to someplace specific and I don't know the way. (If I'm just out for a pleasure ride, I don't really care if I get off my planned route.) I did not want to be looking at a screen and trying to follow a map at the expense of watching the road. I just listen to the verbal directions. So I activated the GPS function on my Blackberry. I put it in the pocket of my jacket and put my small bluetooth headseat in my ear. It stays in my ear even under my FF helmet. It works great.
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