Right, a lengthy pondering post for feedback from the parish.... what would you do?
I was set on an Oregon based upon the fantastically practical AA battery thing. However, I've started doing more structured actual 'training' on the bike which involved getting a copy of the black book/annual manual, stealing a cadence measuring cateye computer off my brother and getting a basic watch style heart rate monitor to strap to the bars.
I've already run out of space on the bars for audaxes with the HRM going on the wrist and replaced by route sheet holder as the bike computer is the other side of the stem, which got me to thinking of the GPS options:
Edge 705/800 as a 'do everything.Pro's include:
- having all data in one place
having a wireless cadence/speed sensor in place of current wiry mess
having room for both the GPS and route sheet holder on the bars (for backup!)
Easy to transfer between bikes (especially 800!)
Can actually input the training regime and get promts! Saves having to memorise the interval routine or have a written bit on the bars (I've a diabolical memory)
Con's:
- Battery - for anything over 15 hours, either longer audaxes (admittedly infrequent!) or tours (annually). I'd need to get one of those B&M E-works charger things that plugs into a dynamo hub (£100 from Germany). I might consider this for touring purposes anyway now I've got a battery eating smart phone.
Convenience - would need to ensure GPS charged and ready everytime I go out for a ride just for the sake of speed/distance etc. also get in the habit of removing it from bars the moment I leave the bike. possible ball ache?
I'd be paranoid about someone snatching it off the bike!
Oregon 450 as a route mapper GPS onlyPro's:
Cheaper
Only needs to come out on the bike when it's actually needed.
AA batteries mega convenient for touring or to thwart forgetfulness (providing there's spares in the bag or a shop nearby!)
Won't have loads of wires up the fork and charger unit cluttering up the place
Cons:
- Will have to find cockpit space for GPS + route sheet holder + bike computer and maybe, on occasion, HRM too. Reet mess, probably not possible without looking like peewee herman accessorised it.
I'm struggling to see any other cons
Am I missing anything here in terms of potential ball ache/annoyance? The whole e-werk/dinamo lighting swapping thing really doesn't appeal but mightn't be that bad if I