Garmin Touring vs 810

madhouse wrote:

Have aranged to borrow an 810 for a ride we've got planned in a few weeks so that'll be interesting. Was chatting to a friend about my dilemma (he has an 810) and he actually said that the Touring would probably be a better bet for me and he didnt think the premium of the 810 was worth it.

Could be that my wallet wins on this and I go for the touring, I do have a really daft question to ask about that though ... (apologies in advance) ... there's a lot made of the routing but I've not read a review yet that says there's a "just ride" type feature. As in turn it on & go, then upload the route later. Can anyone offer an insight?

Yeah, you can just ride without setting a specified route. And it will act as Strava does except it won't drain your phone, is more accurate and as more features at the swipe of a screen. Turn it on, let it pick up the satellites and then just ride. It will ask if you want to start the timer, just select yes and it will record your ride. You can then save your ride on your device as a route/coarse and compete against your own time with the virtual partner.
I use Garmin Connect and Strava for uploading. I also prefer Strava for planning new routes over Garmin on the road. Garmin connect is better for the mountain biking routes.

madhouse wrote:

Good tip on the maps Shep, that saves a fair bit of money too!

We've noticed the accuracy difference as well - difference between a dedicated device and a jack-of-all-trades I guess.

Am doing an Evans ride next month and have booked an 810 to borrow so hoping that helps to make my mind. I am starting to think that for my type of use I'd like the additional training features of the 810 rather than the pure routing of the Touring.

Didn't think the 810 had additional training features?

madhouse wrote:

Well that's good to know Shep, sounds pretty useful to have in general actually - smartphone batteries seem to have no stamina if you want to actually use it for something!

Am really tempted by the 810 at the mo, especially with the January sales that are going on. Although ironically I wouldn't have the money for an 810 till Feb!

Heard a rumour the other day that Garmin are on an annual update cycle, anyone else heard that? in theory that makes an Edge 900 on the cards soon?

I think that is software updates as there have been a few on Garmin Connect. The 810 hasn't been out that long so I expect it to last at least another year.

As a side note I was told by a Strava tech that Garmin are more accurate than phones and you are better off creating segments on a Garmin than a phone.

madhouse wrote:

Thanks for the tips so far.

I hadn't considered the 800, not sure why! I'll never have power meter pedals and being an Apple user the Mrs uses Find My Friends to work out where I am so tracking's not a must have, which means the 800 could be a bit of a bargain.

Am yet to go on a ride either long or remote enough for the need to change batteries, but will have a look at the etrex to rule it in or out.

Will add the 800 into the mix for debate though.

I get around the half battery mark for 50 mile rides, that includes a HRM and cadence sensor which will obviously use extra power. A power monkey is fairly small and can be used as a power source or for charging. I keep mine with a phone and Garmin adaptor on me, especially on mtb rides. It will charge my Android from flat to around 70%.

Benway wrote:

Garmin also have the etrex 30 which has std changeable batteries if you do long rides and have no way of charging a 810 or touring on the go.

I have a power monkey that charges a Garmin, If I think I'll need it I just velcro cable tie it to my handle bars.
I have the 800 but will upgrade, I think the option of being able to be traced by family members is a good idea.