What To Consider When Buying A GPS Device For Mountain Biking

A GPS cycling computer can be a great addition to your MTB ride, but it can be a confusing market with many different types and options available. Neil talks you through the different types of GPS device, why they might be useful for your mountain bike rides, and what different features are available in each price bracket.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

Do you ride with a bike computer? Or would you prefer a using a smart watch? Let us know in the comments below 👇

[@th_js]

No, I just use my phone

[@Jack-jq9wr]

I ride with a giant axact 9w

[@TimFromWales]

Used a Garmin Edge 800 for about 5 years. Its been on 99% of my bike rides. I rate it as the most reliable and best value piece of technology I've bought, not just for biking. Its been excellent and as a MTB Guide its also been a critical piece of kit.

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

@@th_js if that works for you, great. Phones lose their signal way before a GPS, and using your phone as GPS kills the battery too fast!..

[@thedutchwoodworker3472]

I use a garmin 5x saphire the Ebike mode is bullshit btw

[@gethinap]

As an example of how waterproof these computers are, after my last ride I noticed the battery was low so placed it in my pocket. Completely forgot about it and it ended up in the washing machine and tumble dryer, I'm happy to report that it survived. :P

[@Wklambert]

Honestly, I am more surprised with the dryer survival. Most devices are pretty good at water proof-ness (is that a word, lol) the extreme heat is by far the worse enemy to electrical gadgets. Congrats on your success story. Truly impressive!

[@andrewnorris5415]

@@Wklambert Most bike gear is usually dried on low and does not take long, still very impressive though!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Garmin is the way to go!

[@DylanJohnsonCycling]

I was a Garmin fan for a long time but this summer I decided to give the wahoo element bolt a try. I'm converted.

[@CervezaDeGaraje]

I used to use Garmin, went to Wahoo and liked it a lot, but back to Garmin now with the 1030 and the Fenix 5+. Garmin is much better for navigation and with Di2, while I like Wahoo's for workouts and how it connects to other services. But in general, if I had to choose to stay with only one it'd be Garmin.

[@RubenJFernandes]

I have the garmin edge 1000 and a 735xt and really happy to have them. Thanks to my edge 1000 i never get lost. Really nice equipement for the riders

[@Lakotah095]

Been using a Garmin Edge 820 for a couple years and love it. Works great for road and mtb. Ery accurate and reliable.

[@mathewjackson8337]

I use a 520plus and love it. All the info I need and easy to read on the fly. A quick stop with some brake shudder had set off the incident detection though.

[@bugboy152000]

#GMBN I have had an Edge 130 for about two years now. Works great for all things bike. Strava live, navigation and push notifications all work perfect. I’ve found the other units too bulky for MTB. Get the 130 and you will be happy.

[@energ8t]

That’s my thoughts initialy too. I really just want something that can be used to gather more accurate data than my iPhone and is as minimal as possible. Don’t see why an MTB rider wants a huge device sticking off their cockpit. Unless they ride blind and don’t want to take their phone out of their pocket to check the map.

[@timobreumelhof88]

And how is track logging of the 130? I find my phone is not accurate enough in the forest, is the 130 much better?

[@MedievalRichard]

Going to get one tomorrow. I was planning on getting the 520 plus, but seeing the 130 that's all i need and being cheaper. £99 from Halfords atm. So am I right in saying my routes i record on the 130 will upload to my strava account once paired obvs? I don't have any premium strava accounts, don't do that live segment stuff, just want to record my strava from the 130 other than my expensive phone in my bike bag on rides. I want to leave my phone at home, record from the 130 on my rides, add the strava? Can this be done?

[@UdaySheet]

Very good tips, thanks for this.

[@zionneidorf6740]

thanks's very helpful and congrats one the sponsor/partner

[@jimmyjamesred]

How to use a Garmin to navigate MTB trails would be a good vid. Include how to read the terrain profile page.

[@armstrong3010]

Yes, would be ACE. I have a fenix 3 and use DW Map from the Garmin app store. You can use a laptop and create breadcrumb trail that you upload to the watch - great for exploring. Garmin F5 has native maps I think so not sure how that compares. Also, you can buy a watch bar mount from Garmin. The watch goes on straight on the bar rather than your wrist. You do not want to take your hand off the bar to look at your watch....

[@murray1961]

Yes I agree Trailforks is fantastic for navigating new MTB parks.

[@davidmaskew]

Yes, trailforks is built into the newer models too (530/830) so you don't even need to get your phone out. Maybe?

[@chrisreese2965]

Well these computers connect to a watch? I have a garmin vivoactive 4, and was wondering if it'd be worth getting a computer to go on my bar or just stick to the watch. Like the computer won't do heart rates and calories, so can the computer connect to the watch and pull that data?

[@SteezyG]

Wahoo all the way. The backlight and clear numbers wins for me.

[@staceykilcoyne6651]

I've had the week off work and discovered your channel on Monday, I'm addicted and have spent the week watching your vids,n not much else! I Love them, Thank you!

[@gmbn]

Welcome! Happy you're enjoying our content!!

[@tigermint69]

Stacey kilcoyne SNAP

[@budgreen100]

Awesome breakdown!

[@Katykat7777777]

Great product!!! Would buy again.

[@charlesholland6851]

I chose the wahoo elemnt. No complaints about it! I'm sure garmin is awesome though

[@andreavignoni4872]

I've recently bought a Garmin edge 520 plus and I absolutely love it!

[@gmbn]

Great to hear!

[@nathanstorer1384]

I personally use a smart watch, the only reason is cause of its out of the way and I don't need anything on my bike that may fall off on rocky terrain, very helpful video though, nice to see different brands thanks gmbn 👍

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt crushes Garmin. Battery life, customizable pages, notifications, 2tone display is so easy to see... I gave my garmin away to a kid on the trail

[@michielnooren2076]

Not to mention the price difference!

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

@@michielnooren2076 Yes!

[@jeff7086]

How does Wahoo Element do with off road/MTB trails (such as Trail forks app)? It looks like the Wahoo web page is very geared toward road cycling. I don't ride on pavement much.

[@NirreFirre]

Navigation with good maps/turn by turn?

[@futsalkeegan]

Michiel Nooren the garmin edge 130, which was designed for a similar purpose with a similar feature suite, is $50 cheaper than the bolt. Not saying it’s better or worth it or whatever, but it is something to keep in mind.

[@CarbonCobra]

Use the Fenix 3hr at the min and works a treat but would love a bit of navigation to help find these trails

[@mnolanco5599]

I use a Wahoo Element Bolt, works great and no touch screen so works with gloves and sweat, I like it for the heart rate monitor. Before that I always used Trailforks app with the maps downloaded on my phone. Never get lost and does not run down the battery. Has saved me in remote areas of UT where GPS does not work.

[@xcsam9434]

Get a Garmin! I've got the Vivo Active 3 and love it! Also the Virb camera G-Metrics are fun to show in my videos too!

[@fromxctoletssee]

garmin 920xt. love it.

[@jasonmcmountainbiker2889]

I use a Garmin vioactive 3. I love it because it’s small and works every time .

[@wayne8872]

For me it's the Garmin Edge 1000 I use it for MTB and Road, great piece of kit. Used it in all weathers all terrain and never had a problem. The limitations are probably me.....

[@Piplodocus]

How weird. I searched for bike computers on KZbin as yesterday I was annoyed constantly rummaging in my pocket for my nearly flat phone every 5 minutes, trying not to get lost in the New Forest. I ended up coming out not quite where I intended on to Beaulieu Road at nearly midnight. It says Beaulieu Road on the picture of that 520 Plus on it's box?!?! 😳 WTF? It's a sign from the heavens I should buy it! 🤪

[@ChristoNorman]

For those hard core bike packers, the Garmin InReach or Spot are essential piecees of kit. And they aren't even mentioned!

[@graystaffs9936]

great video I know you did the video ages ago but what would you recommend to buy for a new rider

[@markus3569]

I use one Edge 1000 and have no complaints. ;)

[@johnlambert1744]

You are definitely correct about using Strava on your mobile phone compared to a dedicated GPS unit like these Garmin units. I've sworn I've ridden a trail faster than my PB but Strava said it was a few seconds slower. Definitely not consistent.

[@MiniEggs1999]

I use a 62s and like the button interface over the touch screen

[@jorstvondoom684]

I've got a Garmin Vivofit HR watch, but since I its no competition for my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. That thing is the business, especially paired with Komoot and Strava.

[@spinnekopje]

In case of a crash I prefer not having my watch (fenix 5 plus) on my wrist, but on the bars. I've had my wrist broken on 3 places, just because of a watch. I've never had a broken gps when falling with the bike, even though I've had a couple of direct hits on the gps in those cases (garmin geko 201, garmin gpsmap 60csx, garmin gpsmap 62st). No specific bike options, but I use them for geocaching/walking as wel, so I need a versatile one. When my shoulder is ok again, I will be using the fenix 5 plus in combination with speed/cadance sensor and heartrate monitor with the watch placed on the handle bars with the holder.

[@mikaelblomme]

Thanks for the video. I'm happy with recording rides on my Vivoactive 3 music, but would like to have a screen on my handlebar for checking my cadence and for navigation to get flow on trails rather than pulling out my phone. Been considering the new Garmin Edge Explore (smaller than the Edge 1030), the Edge 520 plus and the Wahoo elemnt bolt. I don't need to Strava live segments, power meter compatibility or even turn by navigation (does that even work on forest trails?) I do half-day explorations on mtb or gravel bike, and commute with several different route options. Which would you recommend and why?

[@peterdclark]

I've both the Garmin Fenix 5x and the 130 Edge...love 'em both. 8:15 in the vid made to stop and rewind...DEAD DUCK!!!!

[@conrad9264]

I use a watch. Its a Garmin Forerunner 410. Had it for about six years now. It doesn't have all the extras of a smart watch but works good for mountain or road rides and automatically downloads to Garmin and Strava. My only issue with it is in winter when my left wrist is exposed to the cold. I have been considering a handlebar computer but am concerned about battery life on cold winter rides.

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

Nice to see im not the only one who wears my watch on the right arm

[@aljowen]

I'm using a Lezyne Micro GPS.Been quite happy with it, it also survived going through the washing machine on one occasion :p

[@dallasdavis-timms3574]

You guys should do a ride with the watch, bar mount and phone in the back pocket to see the difference in ride distance, elevation etc... Would be cool to see a comparison.

[@Duncan23]

I've got tom tom watch with heartrate monitor and gps, that works well for tracking my rides and a basic route map. I pull out my phone with komoot if i need a more detailed map

[@MedievalRichard]

Planning on getting the 520 plus this year

[@rainerschulke]

Thanks

[@benvinall5856]

This is useful, if you’re considering more in the premium end worth checking out dcrainmaker comparison of 520 820 and 1030.

[@MosesRS]

I have both a 130 and a 520. I use the 520 on my road bikes. When I got into mountain biking, I tried the 520 on the mountain and fatbike but it was just a bit to large and fell off a couple times while racing. The 130 has been great. Yeah it isn't as robust with info but it is perfect for riding offroad plus it controls my bluetooth headlight and taillight. Now only if GMBN and Garmin were giving one away as I'm in the market for a 520 Plus. My current 520's battery only lasts for around 6 hours (it's 4 years old). I'm fully ingrained in the Garmin ecosystem. I also own a Forerunner 230 and 920xt for running and Duathlons.

[@norfolkmtb1367]

Good video. Them Garmin computers are sick 🤟🏻

[@itsonlinetv3847]

MTB Trail Life I like the watches bro

[@paulhales7613]

Just bought the Garmin edge 520. I'm a MTB rider. Loving the review. Not so much the 80s porno music in background though.

[@Ikreisrond]

For those who want to go off-road touring on their mountainbike with camping overnight: forget about all this. Battery is never going to last a long weekend and how are you gonna keep it juiced? Therefore the Garmin Etrex 30X is the answer. It uses regular batteries, but of course it’s better if you use them with rechargeable (Eneloop or IKEA) batteries. Also it uses normal buttons, which are less prone to failure and also work with thick warm gloves on. It also includes the 3D compass and the barometer based altimeter. Just like the mountaineering watches for mountain guides. Another advantage is that you can use any map, like uploading the OpenFietsMap for cycling anywhere in Europe. Oh, and it’s superior on battery consumption: 2-4 days on 2 regular batteries. Want something bigger? Enter the GPSMap 66s(t). Quite a brick on the handlebar, especially with the external antenna. But nothing beats it for reliability and durability. Also its screen is even superior to that of the Etrex. Not sure if anyone should want it this big, not even Stormy Daniels. It’s also less conservative on the batteries. Just 1-2 days.

[@andrewnorris5415]

I bought a lightly used XT Shimano dynamo hub for £30 on eBay and built it into an old rear wheel (the spokes were the right size). I made a USB voltage converter using a step-down voltage buck converter, a capacitor (smooths it out) and diodes (ac to dc) - and it only cost me £10 inc. the board and case. This keeps my phone fully charged even with the nav and screen on. It would def keep a touchscreen Garmin charged as they use half the power of a phone. The good thing about the Shimano hubs is they have dura ace seals and even when they fail you could buy new internals for about £35 and they are pretty easy to fit, vids on youtube. Only tools I used to make my dynamo setup were a cheap soldering iron (£7) which I already had and spoke key (already had). Also a multimeter (£2.5).

[@andrewnorris5415]

Can also use any map on the touch screen Garmins too, I do like the bat life of that Etrex 30X though. Can you get mounts to put on the bars?

[@Franksey180]

Neil can you save routes you've followed with those devices and then upload them online so we can download them as GPX files and follow the routes ourselves?

[@DirtNassty]

I used to use my phone until I got sick of it losing signal and screwing me on my sessions... So I bit the bullet and bought a GARMIN. After 2k miles I can safely say it was my best investment EVER! (other than my bike itself of course) 🤙

[@adamg596]

I just use my phone running strava- no distractions while on the trail but all the stats when looking back on it later!

[@nicolasgenin5569]

Hello GMBN! I'd like to know which one I should get for some 20/30mi ride with alpine terrain and a lot of off road? I was thinking about the 520 plus, or if you have any ideas about other devices?

[@Offroader74]

Runtastic Mountainbike Pro on my phone with a bluetooth heart rate monitor strap. The open cycle map (OCM) is great for MTB riding.

[@andrewnorris5415]

can download that map for free on garmins too. the colour comes in useful as that map is colour coded.

[@maikszczerbuk613]

#GMBN Small question in which section can I upload Home/handmade trails?

[@theparkrat2260]

what would be the cheapest option to time my bikepark laps while riding alone? cheers!

[@TheDorinn]

Neil u said garmin edge 1030 is the most expencive, but the fenix 5 plus is more expencive product there. I use a garmin fenix 5 for mtb and garmin edge 1000 on road bike, both are very good

[@MarcAntoineBvl]

Just when I bought a Wahoo Ahah it's amazing BTW

[@Paganiproductions84]

Just brought my first Gps unit Garmin Edge 605

[@Sfumature94]

Works great just as it should

[@gei-kekakajurian7007]

In missing outdoor device etrex/gpsmap/... They have separate batteries. Empty pop in New and you good to go fore 15u. Ideaal fore bikepakking ,24hrs race etc

[@wazzup105]

I have an old Garmin edge 200 Works like a charm. Has breadcrumb gpx navigation and records (probably for days on end). Also didn't break the bank. If I forget mine I turn on strava on my phone.

[@kevinvaneetvelde1]

Is it possible to see the heart rate of your watch on the gps computer? When you have both and you start an activity on the gps, will everything be synced in the garmin connect app?

[@bazxtrail]

Hey Neal, what sat nav would you choose. I'm looking at buying one . 530 or 830 possibly, your thoughts or anyone else's would be cool.

[@herbbishop6381]

I MTB at least every weekend and have got king of the mountains on my riding Buddy's watch what do you recommend a compact computer or a watch?

[@runeisaksen6781]

Go for the 520 or the 820 if you are using a power meter. The 130 is in the back of the drawer cause of that.

[@Jiigeri]

So far I've had only my phone, but receiving a garmin fenix 5x plus today actually. Talk about coincidences.

[@mtblover]

Would love to see a step by step procese to activate a 520 live tracking. I'm battling with getting it to work.

[@jackal2175]

I'm a bit of a Garmin geek I'm afraid, I have the 1030 on my road bike with the vario radar and Vector 3 pedals, I use my Fenix 5 on the mountain bike and I also have the front light which I switch between both bikes.The light is really good when used with the computer as it adjusts brightness based on speed. I might need help 😂

[@ThePedro8-25-78]

Neil .....you’re still “THE DON” to me!!

[@madrx2]

Iv'e gone from the Garmin 520, to the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, I liked the Garmin but the menu functionality was clunky and frustrating.

[@tristansmeda8054]

One thing you missed, the price. For example, that edge 1030 is about the price of a new bike for me, so the budget also plays a big role in buying a GPS device.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Phone + ViewRanger 👍

[@tigermint69]

Rob Rides EMTB great to see you supporting and contributing to another great KZbin channel - it was #EMBN that got me into watching your channel

[@rupedog]

Plus one for that combo... when mbuk switched to OS where I have to pay to download the mags routes I stopped my mag sub...not going to pay twice..already paid fir mag! Rather put them in by hand on viewranger and make public

[@vincewhite5087]

How about a small Garmin handheld. Like a Oregon 650 or 700. Similar size & if you have maps loaded it can guide your around city, cycle path maps, off road, todos etc.

[@tigermint69]

Quick #Question : Is it possible to directly link any particular #eBike brand (Motor or Bike manufacture) directly to a Garmin device, to collect and record actual data for things such as power output and cadence, directly from the bike itself - saving having to add lots of additional (and expensive) optional extras to, what is often already a very expensive, bike computer/ GPS sports watch/ smart watch... I know a few bike brands can now connect directly to a phone via Bluetooth, so just wondered if the could connect directly to a watch/ computer by Bluetooth also? If so, could you state which eBike/ motor brands can and what computers/ watches are compatible? Many thanks in advance and thanks for the excellent by videos and content, I love your channel #Inspired to get back into cycling and get fit, whilst exploring the outdoors on my doorstep

[@GwyndafS2]

Looking for essentially a SatNav for the bike (off road mainly). Don't really need all the power meter options etc. Is there anything out there?

[@rickhurst9058]

I'd like to see some in-depth videos showing how to use these for navigation, from finding/ creating/ loading routes to using them out in the mud and rain, while wearing gloves etc - I really don't care about the other features! FWIW I currently use a phone with Locus Map pro which works pretty well, but would prefer a purpose built device, with longer battery life, tactile buttons etc.

[@Ikreisrond]

Rick Hurst Garmin Etrex 30X.

[@caramba10]

Does either the 520/1030 have OS maps which allow you to set up routing over public rights of way such as bridleways and byways?

[@beechy0277]

#askgmbn I took my seatpost out recently and noticed mud in the seat tube, will it be ok to wash it out or would this get water into the bb

[@danielstusnick6011]

Love my Fenix 3. It is bullet proof, accurate, and the battery life blows away the Apple Watch....which I also like, but just not for MTB.

[@olliewhite3841]

Smart watch

[@fasdaa1262]

Hey gmbn i am in a quandry right now i am unsure if i should upgrade my suspenison on my full sus or just buy a new bike

[@johnf3326]

What are the maps like? I use O.S. maps to plot routes and the 25,000 have lots of detail, tracks, paths, bridleways etc. Can this unit use OS mapping? Is the screen transflective? Visible in bright sun? Can gpx format files be loaded into it and not only by bluetooth but also directly via usb?

[@petepansen6614]

Wasted a lot of time with garmin devices in the past, now a happy wahoo user for about 2 years...touchscreens are useless in mud when wearing gloves

[@beechy0277]

#askgmbn I’m always up for a mtb ride up the local but all my mates will think of some excuse as to why not to go, do u have any ways to persuade them to ride more often

[@AlvaroQF]

Or if you haven’t got much money go for a Bryton 450. I use one, good purchase, super accurate, more battery than Garmin, and has BLE.

[@vascoduarte1297]

Hey! I need help. I don't care about train parameters, i just want a first GPS no navigate maps, import GPX tracks, good screen size and go for trails in my MTB. What was your advice? Edge 520 Plus, Edge 530 or Edge Explore? I'm just a weekend rider. Many thanks

[@YogiliciousP]

I’ve a Garmin edge 520 and I like it when it works. It doesn’t always start recording when I’ve selected start...I could be well into my ride before I notice it asks if I’m riding as it’s detected movement. Well yeah I riding-I turned it on and selected to ride. It also doesn’t always keep to the trail when recording my route. I do like the incident detection feature-I feel safer on my solo MTB rides. I’m considering a switch to wahoo element-any one use it/opinions?

[@arthurmunnis2951]

Does the arm attachment come included with the Garmin 130/small computer?

[@ltrtg13]

I use the older Garmin Edge 520. Mine doesn't do the V02 Max or Cycle Map. The V02 Max doesn't bother me. If I went for the Edge 520 Plus the I may use Cycle Map. I use mine on a older Garmin Out Front mount. If mine came off the mount I would still have it. As I use the included lanyard and loop it around the brake line. I am looking to get a Garmin watch to record other activities and in case I leave my computer at home or lose it. I just use it record my rides. Then upload to Garmin Connect which is synced to Strava.

[@biglampar556]

FYI at beta firmware 4.19 the pop up turn notification is not working.....the distance to the turn will not change. I've missed a few turns on my rides because i thought the turn was still far away.

[@wakborder76]

update coming to feature garmin edge 530???

[@neildaniel8232]

I had a Garmin Edge 800 but it got stolen while I was in Chatel, replaced it with an Edge 810 with the insurance money and it's been great. Done a few 80 mile + epics with it, even have a cable to connect it to my Exposure lights and use them as a battery pack. I've also got a really old Edge 200 that I use for commuting and that refuses to die, must be over 5 years old now and the only way you'd know is the battery doesn't last as long as it used to. My friends have had a few of the newer Garmin GPS units and they've had a few issue with them, mainly random crashing mid-ride and the touchscreens not working in the wet. Most have now switched to Wahoo and I most probably will when I decide to upgrade (or the 800 dies). Sadly Garmin have a habit of having one good product cycle followed by a bad one and I think this current one is a bad one.

[@KingpinRonin]

For training, smartwatch/Fitbit/etc and the smaller the better, less of a target for crashes. If you plan a multiple-day ride off-road, an old Garmin etrex (any version: 20, 30, etc) is fine; it uses AA batteries that last for days, and compared to these new GPS units with touch screens, an old etrex is much more durable. I've had an etrex fly off my bike and tumble down a mountain cliff with barely a scratch and worked for three days on the lowest battery setting, while my friend's newer touchscreen GPS died the first day of our month-long trip. And good luck trying to get a touchscreen working after a crash.

[@Ikreisrond]

Kingpin Ronin The newer Etrex’s should be fine as well, I would think? Etrex 30X is one of the best multi-day off-road devices. Just like the GPSMap 64 CSX

[@KingpinRonin]

@@Ikreisrond oh I meant all the etrex line! 20, 30, etc.

[@tinman1955]

I ride in heavily wooded rain forest where my cell phone GPS won't receive. Is there a wheel sensor or something to provide distance & speed data?

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

do bike navigation devices work without any intrnet connection or phone pairing wherever you are?

[@lifebarier]

Can I export run info from garmin computers to some standard file (not some third party nonsence like strava) on linux?

[@Herbybandit]

Great info but what’s going on with that background Muzak?

[@M1402_]

Loved my Garmin 520, but after it got stolen I switched over to Wahoo, and would never go back to Garmin ever again.

[@MedievalRichard]

Hi GMBN or anyone who can help... I am planning on getting a Garmin 130. A simple question. I don't want my expensive phone mapping my ride via Strava in my bike bag on my rides, however, I want to leave my phone at home and do my ride by recording it from the 130. When you press finish ride on the 130 does this add to Strava?

[@Chromedome-ss6mg]

Do you have to have a subscription service for the GPS to work?

[@Thekeg30]

I had been using an edge 820 but unfortunately I lost the bloody thing! So disappointed. Got to try and save for a new one now. Just need to decide what to do. Computer or watch!