Hi folks,

I'm thinking about getting an in-car GPS unit in the sales for using on my bike as the on bike units are, for some reason, three times more expensive. I have a plan that involves making a waterproof housing for it out of a clear peli-case I have, so water resistance shouldn't be a problem.

However, I've noticed you can buy bike/motorbike mounts for the TomTom One and Garmin Nuvi. Does this mean they are weather proof? They don't seem to be made by TomTom or Garmin, but by independent manufacturers, so am a bit sceptical.

I have no experience with in-car GPS so wonder what difficulties I might have using an in-car system on a bike? I realise the touch screen would not work with gloved hands, so am expecting to set the unit up with its journey at the start of the trip and not have to touch it much during the trip. Is this a practical expection?

What difficulties might arise from not being able to hear the unit? Are they still useful when you can't hear them? I don't really want some velvety voiced bint yelling directions into my ears when I go for a ride anyway, so am not bothered about getting a unit that has the capability to use with earphones.

The model I particularly like is the Garmin Nuvi 250 with UK/Ireland and Europe programmed in.

Matt

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http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

Halfords are doing some really good prices on the in-car systems at the moment. I wasn't going to take one and work solely off maps but at these prices I am beginning to wonder.

I am having a good think about this one. I figure I could keep it in my pocket and get it out when needed. ie looking for camp grounds, petrol stations that kind of thing.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...dkey=ClickInfo

PS I don't work for Halfords.

Hi,

I admit, I'm a bit of a map-loving curmudgeon, but I was thinking about going on a short trip to europe this year and it's sometimes quite hard work staying off the motorways and on the nice little A roads when you have somewhere to be. I'm thinking a GPS might stop me from being tempted off the nice roads and on to the 'easy' ones (i.e. boring bloomin' motorways!). I also think it will encourage me to slow down and ride longer, with the knowledge that my GPS will help me navigate my way to accommodation at the end of the day!

Halfords do seem to have some good prices and that Becker does look good. Also, there's one near me so I can go down and have a look at them before buying, which is always good. Haven't heard of Becker before, what's their reputation?

Matt

__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

I agree with trying to stay off the motorways and see more of the country. You are right about that for sure (maybe this is the evidence I need to convince the other half to buy one?), I have a 2008 Michelin Europe atlas but as expected because it covers the whole of Europe so the detail is not great, not bad but not great.

I haven't heard of Becker either and a quick google search only revealed that they make a lot of in-car systems, as in integrated into cars at manufacture. I as yet have not got a hold of one. So I would be very interested with what you think of it. The map coverage looks good.

Yep, might toddle along to Halfords this evening and see if they have those two (the Becker and the Nuvi) and let you know what I think.

I hadn't realised that these units have 'Points of Interest' programmed in, including hotels etc. which is fantastic. When all you've got is a map, it often takes lots of riding around to locate a hotel, and I've often found one that's a bit out of my budget and thought "Sod it, I can't be bothered riding around any more on the off chance of finding a cheaper place." and stayed there. If you can look at your GPS when you near a town and ride directly to several hotels in order to compare prices etc. it would save a lot of bother and you'd probably save a fair bit of cash too. I reckon a £100 unit would pay for itself quite quickly in this way. There: I have justified it to myself! It will save me money!

Matt

__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

mmmm, Spend a £100 to save money, time and bother on the trip. I think you have convinced me too.

Cheers