Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => GPS => Topic started by: fhills on 04 December, 2011, 05:01:28 pm
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Is it the same as the one listed for the Oregon and Colorado
as here:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-oregon-and-colorado-gps-bike-mount/
and here:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=52424
Need to be sure for obvious reasons - I know a few souls on here have the new Etrex.
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Yes.
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*cough*
pentagongps on amazon....
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??
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If you dig into their Amazon site you'll find the bike mount for Oregon/Colorado at £9.78. Interestingly doesn't appear (that I could find) on their own website.
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Still very expensive for what it is. Not that you have much choice, and it is a very good secure system. Just - well, one bit of plastic?
Working on the principle that no bike component should be used unfettled, I have modified mine by sticking a single strip of PVC tape on the slightly concave surface of the mount plate, covering the small rubber pip. The pip is, I assume, there as an anti-rattle device, but being so grippy it makes the GPS very stiff to remove from the bracket once fitted. I find the PVC tape makes GPS removal slightly easier, without of course interfering with the latch.
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Daft question of the day - the mount arrived.
Slotted it on.
Good firm click.
Now can't get it off (and so of course can no longer even get at battery/SD card).
And can't remember whether I slotted it on from the top or the bottom of the Etrex 20! so don't know which way to push.
It's on the Etrex 20 with the "lip" at the bottom with the "Taiwan" mark on the plastic mount at the bottomof the unit, reading right way up from the bottom.
I have put it on the right way haven't I?
Urgent help needed.
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I've not yet mounted mine, but it does seem a bit stiff - sounds like frankie's tip might do the trick.
You slip the etrex in from the top, the lip to press is at the bottom.
Yeah, it's a stupid amount of money for a poxy bit of plastic - and particularly one that isn't easily demountable between bikes.
I suspect I may have to do some fettling on mine - I thought I could fix it to the boom of the recumbent just between the seat and headset, but in second thoughts it might be a bit close to my thighs. The other alternative is to faff around making up a bracket (probably ply initially, and finally perspex/acrylic) to allow me to mount it off the top of the headset - it's underseat steering so there's no bars at a useful level. And in the case I may be better screwing on the carabiner mount, and saving the bike mount for the mtb.
BTW - this thread might be of interest:
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13073.0
for making a more substantial alternative (or at least, wrt the old Etrex mount)
It's actually for the older Etrex, using a different RAM mount, but there is a RAM mount available for the new Etrex too -
http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts/garminetrexmounts/tabid/3927/Default.aspx
but it's not yet available in the UK:
http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/gps-handheld-garmin-c-360_169_659.html
(the part no's RAM-HOL-GA48U)
Bodging a RAM mount on the 'bent might be a better option for me, raised up another 8" the extra width of the mount makes no odds..
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I have put it on the right way haven't I?
It's a very beefy latch, and a bit like clipless pedals, if you clip everything together without it being firmly fixed to the bike, it's hard to get apart again.
As mounted to the bars, the latch end of the mount plate is towards you, push the latch downwards and the GPS away from you. If you haven't got a lanyard on it, put somebody in the slips and gully, to catch it.
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Many thanks - I sorted it a fair while ago but couldn't get on here (some sort of YACF technical glitch) to give the all clear.
At least I know it isn't going to drop off the bike :)
Yep it is overpriced (12.99 from Chain Reaction) and should be supplied with the GPS but it seems effective. May even be able to swap it between bikes if I don't have to do it too often - I have loads of that size of zip tie.
Very pleased with apparent build quality of the Etrex 20.
thanks for the help
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for recumbent riders - is it not easier just to have gps resting on chest/belly with laynard around the neck? tilt with one hand to check directions every now and then.
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I found that the screw head that fixes the back cover must be turned right round so that it lies flush. If it protrudes slightly you are in danger of not being able to remove it. I have only tried mine once to see how it fitted.
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for recumbent riders - is it not easier just to have gps resting on chest/belly with laynard around the neck? tilt with one hand to check directions every now and then.
Possibly a bit of a faff/distraction...I suspect it'd be likely to swing off to one side or t'other anyway.
In any case, my close eyesight seems to have dropped off in the last few years - a lanyard long enough would probably mean it'd be trying to dangle off near my hips !
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I've not yet mounted mine, but it does seem a bit stiff - sounds like frankie's tip might do the trick.
You slip the etrex in from the top, the lip to press is at the bottom.
Yeah, it's a stupid amount of money for a poxy bit of plastic - and particularly one that isn't easily demountable between bikes.
I suspect I may have to do some fettling on mine - I thought I could fix it to the boom of the recumbent just between the seat and headset, but in second thoughts it might be a bit close to my thighs. The other alternative is to faff around making up a bracket (probably ply initially, and finally perspex/acrylic) to allow me to mount it off the top of the headset - it's underseat steering so there's no bars at a useful level. And in the case I may be better screwing on the carabiner mount, and saving the bike mount for the mtb.
BTW - this thread might be of interest:
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13073.0
for making a more substantial alternative (or at least, wrt the old Etrex mount)
It's actually for the older Etrex, using a different RAM mount, but there is a RAM mount available for the new Etrex too -
http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts/garminetrexmounts/tabid/3927/Default.aspx
but it's not yet available in the UK:
http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/gps-handheld-garmin-c-360_169_659.html
(the part no's RAM-HOL-GA48U)
Bodging a RAM mount on the 'bent might be a better option for me, raised up another 8" the extra width of the mount makes no odds..
It is now :thumbsup:
Frere
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Cheers- I'll have another look at that...
I did come up with one approach on the 'bent - I have it on a lanyard, but use it with the belt clip, and clip it to the lower end my jersey to stop it sliiping to one side. However. on one occasion I forgot to take it out of the neoprene sleeve first, and the velcro made a nice mess of the crotch of my Lusso longs :(
I think I've managed to get all the 'pulls' back in tho'..which reminds me, I need to swap the velcro for press studs..
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have they come up with a stem mount for it yet?
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Not sure, figuring what mount to go with the holder atm.
Frere
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My one for the new Etrex 30 fits on the stem.
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My one for the new Etrex 30 fits on the stem.
Got a specific item/model number per chance?
Frere
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or a picture of it?
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The standard Garmin Oregon/Dakota/new eTrex bike mount (as linked in the first post in this thread) can be attached to the stem. You just have to put the zip ties round the other way.
Though it may not fit if you have a particularly short stem, or if the stem is square. And the mount may not be at the best angle to view the screen, there's no way of adjusting it.
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Just ordered an Etrex 20 so wish me luck!
Has anyone used a RAM mount for theirs as in this thread?
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13073.0
The new mounnts have vertical rather than diagonal bolt holes so doesn't quite work in the same way. Any good tips / solutions?
Cheers
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Any updated views on whether the Garmin or RAM mount is better?
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The standard Garmin Oregon/Dakota/new eTrex bike mount (as linked in the first post in this thread) can be attached to the stem. You just have to put the zip ties round the other way.
Though it may not fit if you have a particularly short stem, or if the stem is square. And the mount may not be at the best angle to view the screen, there's no way of adjusting it.
On a square section stem with a flat top, roll up an old innertube to squash between mount and metalwork. This will also absorb a lot of vibration.
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The Garmin mount is very very good (though silly money for what it is). I don't see how the RAM mount could possibly be better.
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The Garmin mount is very very good (though silly money for what it is). I don't see how the RAM mount could possibly be better.
I can see that it might conceivably give some additional protection against being kicked when mounted on the boom of a recumbent, but I'm inclined to agree. The new style Garmin mount holds the GPS extremely securely.
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Just ensure that you have fixed the GPS securely in the mount. I didn't but the GPS survived bouncing down the road with the batteries coming out!
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Cool, cheers for the feedback folks. The Garmin mount is a lot slimmer and less bulky than the RAM one too, which I also like
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Just ensure that you have fixed the GPS securely in the mount. I didn't but the GPS survived bouncing down the road with the batteries coming out!
I use a lanyard around the bars as backup.
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I bought one of these from ebay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Bike-Handlebar-Locking-Strap-GPS-Mount-for-Garmin-eTrex-10-20-30-/121001237542?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item1c2c3c5c26 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Bike-Handlebar-Locking-Strap-GPS-Mount-for-Garmin-eTrex-10-20-30-/121001237542?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item1c2c3c5c26)
Seems to be fairly strong although you need to use a bit of innertube to help mount it on the bars. I tend to keep the ball joint arrangement loosely tightened so that any knocks mean it moves rather than breaks. But its quite a bargain at £13 its a bargain compared to some of the other options. My etrex 20 fits into it with a tight and satisfying click.
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It seems a bit of a faff, but I've used one of these:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/proline-space-adaptor-handlebar-mount-accessory-bracket-prod8461/
to hold both the bracket for the extrex and the Ixon (ie Smart-like) lamp bracket - I've put one on the mtb, and one on the 'bent. Seems even sillier on the 'bent cos that in turn's sitting on a mech-post mounted accessories (?) bar from ICE, but on the spare side of the bar will sit a modified Lumicycle lamp, with the Ixon as a backup.
FWIW, getting the Ixon/Smart bracket on is a real faff, I've since bought a screw-up, rather than cam-based lookalike from PBK but it only really lends itself to one orientation of the proline bracket. But at least there's enough room to get the etrex orientated correctly.
A mate seems to have trouble with the mount moving on his mtb bars with his Oregon, but it's heavier and he hasn't wrapped the handlebar with some inner tube, which I reckon gives the zip ties a bit more purchase.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Bike-Handlebar-Locking-Strap-GPS-Mount-for-Garmin-eTrex-10-20-30-/121001237542?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item1c2c3c5c26
Hmm, that's just what I wanted this time last year !
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It seems a bit of a faff, but I've used one of these:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/proline-space-adaptor-handlebar-mount-accessory-bracket-prod8461/
to hold both the bracket for the extrex and the Ixon (ie Smart-like) lamp bracket - I've put one on the mtb, and one on the 'bent. Seems even sillier on the 'bent cos that in turn's sitting on a mech-post mounted accessories (?) bar from ICE, but on the spare side of the bar will sit a modified Lumicycle lamp, with the Ixon as a backup.
FWIW, getting the Ixon/Smart bracket on is a real faff, I've since bought a screw-up, rather than cam-based lookalike from PBK but it only really lends itself to one orientation of the proline bracket. But at least there's enough room to get the etrex orientated correctly.
A mate seems to have trouble with the mount moving on his mtb bars with his Oregon, but it's heavier and he hasn't wrapped the handlebar with some inner tube, which I reckon gives the zip ties a bit more purchase.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Bike-Handlebar-Locking-Strap-GPS-Mount-for-Garmin-eTrex-10-20-30-/121001237542?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item1c2c3c5c26
Hmm, that's just what I wanted this time last year !
Useful stuff, thanks. Currently experimenting with a Topeak bar xtender - it's working ok, but I like the design of this. Might be worth a look.
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Alrighty, a few piccies of the mounts on the 'bent and the mtb:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46129097@N05/sets/72157632614881167/
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As mounted to the bars, the latch end of the mount plate is towards you, push the latch downwards and the GPS away from you. If you haven't got a lanyard on it, put somebody in the slips and gully, to catch it.
Speaking of which - how do you get a lanyard through that teeny weeny hole?
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A darning needle is good for encouraging the thin loop on the lanyard round the hole in the bottom of the Etrex.
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There's an appropriate needle in the sewing kit in the coffee table, dear. Don't forget to put your glasses on.
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There's an appropriate needle in the sewing kit in the coffee table, dear. Don't forget to put your glasses on.
:P
I used one of your toothpicks.
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"Darling, can I borrow your toothbrush?"
"Of course" (thinks: that's odd, he doesn't usually ask)
...
time passes ...
...
"Thanks for that - the bike runs so much better with a nice clean chain, don't you think?"
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Resurrecting this thread a bit as it came up in search - I bought some cheap mounts off ebay but they are anything but a firm 'click' in, the unit comes out at the slightest nudge. Am I right in thinking that if I buy a proper Garmin branded mount that it might actually hold it steady as per some of the original posts from a few years ago?
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HK's proper ones do, at a silly price for lumps of plastic and zipties.
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Yeah, pricey but works. Especially once you learn the wiggle dismount.
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Yes it works, well but not perfectly. As already emphasised, use a lanyard. (My lanyard did its job this week.)
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I've got three of the official mounts, and they all work perfectly. The only problems I've had are with the one on the Brompton, where the eTrex sometimes gets bashed from below when releasing the stem mounted bottle cage (I think I need the other flavour of Monkii Cage), which is enough to overcome the clip. That's where the lanyard comes in.
Agree that they're expensive for what they are, but they sufficiently better in use than the old style eTrex mounts that I don't grudge the cost.
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Resurrecting this thread a bit as it came up in search - I bought some cheap mounts off ebay but they are anything but a firm 'click' in, the unit comes out at the slightest nudge.
The cheap mounts are all but indistinguishable by looking at them. My Garmin one has TAIWAN moulded on the back where the cheap ones have nothing, other than that there is no visible difference between them, whichever way you look. The best guide is the packing they come in.
The pukka Garmin mount has a vice-like grip - too grippy really, I find it very difficult to release the GPS without damaging my hands in the process. My two cheap copies are worse then useless - the latch just doesn't engage properly - I wouldn't even give them away to my worst enemy. But some people get on with them alright so there is a theory that it's a matter of sample variation. But I think they just don't miss what they never had - ie a mount that does the job properly.
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Thanks all, will order proper - buy once, buy right eh?!
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The cheap ones are more varied. I got three. One is fine on it's own, the other two are too loose, but a couple strips of duct-tape in the middle made them much better, to the extent that one is currently on my MTB and doesn't drop the Etrex.
The one Garmin branded one I bought fist fitted tightly straight from the box though.
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Thanks all, will order proper - buy once, buy right eh?!
Yes. Good call.
You can see upthread that i bought one about three years ago.
I now have three genuine Garmin mounts on three bikes.
All have been firm as a rock.
Now and again the zip-tying lets the thing turn a bit on the bars so that the Garmin needs to be turned a bit.
Buit this can be corrected every now and again (every few months maybe) with a bit of old tube to give the holder a grip and by tightening the zip ties.
But this doesn't mean the unit will come off the bike.
I have total confidence in mine.
Yes the mount is expensive for what it is but look on the bright side.
You save by:
Being able to use standard rechargeable batteries
The Etrex 20 is substantially cheaper than some other (including Garmin) units some folk seem to feel the need to buy
You can use free and excellent OSM maps - I recommend openfietsmap,.
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I have this mount http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/garmin-etrex-10-20-30-holder-p-1667-c-449.html
I've fixed to h/bar with a plastic 25mm conduit clip with a bit of rubber innertube wrapped round h/bar for grip - very stable & vibration free.
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Looks can be deceiving.
The Garmin OE mounts will be made from selected grade virgin plastic straight from DuPont, whilst the cheapo copies will be made from any-old recycled mixed up plastics shipped from car breakers yards in Birmingham.
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Got one of Garmin's original from a German site at the barely acceptable single-digit price
Yet to try them but they feel secure with a assuring click. Perhaps the horror stories are about older batches/ knockoffs? Will still attach a lanyard at least at first just to be safe.