GPS has become all the rage in recent years. People love using them in their cars to keep them safe and to know the time they are away, but it is also especially useful for adventure sports, specifically mountain biking. GPS, also known as Global Positioning Systems, use global coordinates to track your location over a period of time. It’s a health device and a great data collection device. Let’s take a look at what you can do with GPS on mountain trails. The first can be safety from a GPS device. While “street-view” is most common in GPS devices, it is also possible to insert or use topographical maps that are more useful for them biking GPS records data that tells the rider where they have been and where they are going. Most GPS systems have built in “back tracking” capabilities that allow the user to trace their root back to their original location. If a rider is lost they can simply go back to the starting point. Most GPS systems also have landmarks. Users can set points on the ride as well. For example, if a rider wants to leave a track, he or she simply sets the point where they left off as a limit. When you are interested in retracing the steps simply go back to the endpoint and are shown how to get back on the right line, simply do it.
Also, the safety of a GPS device allows the riders a constant view of their movements which can later be compared to the maps of the trail park. This feature allows the user to see if they have stayed on track and can also help to assess how much of the track has been completed and how much is still left.
While the GPS device provides advanced safety, it is also useful for individuals who are interested in collecting information about their rides. The GPS system will collect average speed, time and elevation data. This data allows the rider to review their riding, speeds and times to better understand their overall performance. Self-proclaimed “data junkies” will love this feature.
Data junkies can also use the data collected by the GPS to estimate how long it will take them to complete the rest of the trail. Since a lot of that information was guesswork based on the riders previous works and the amount of footprints they left behind it’s a nice tool to encourage those who struggle a bit through difficult trails.
Garmin eTrex Legend is a GPS system that will work for most mountain bikers. It is a high sensitivity receiver which makes the accuracy much better when it exists in more remote areas. The device is small enough to fit comfortably on the rider, but still has a relatively large screen that makes reading easy. The device is also expandable via microSD slots. At $289.00 the Garmin eTrex is one of the most affordable units.
Megellan, a leading name in GPS devices, offers a pretty bare bones GPS for users who don’t care about the options other devices offer at all. The Triton 200 is a simple, easy-to-use machine built into a waterproof casing. It allows users to describe a destination and get there, but this is usually the case unless the user is interested in moon phases. >, but for $119 it’s a usable device that you don’t have to worry about much.
Garmin also offers the GPSmap 60CSx. The replica unit is around $500, but it offers a world of great features for those inclined to play games. Not only does the device collect the data they wanted, but it is one of the fastest GPS-linked devices available. It also provides quick access to many functions through the predominant short buttons displayed on the face of the device. New tablets can be loaded quickly via the USB connection and the MicroSD slot offers expansion possibilities. On top of all that, the device is also made of rugged materials and is waterproof, making it the best choice for mountain bikers who might encounter rocky terrain and water.
The Garmin Oregon 400t handheld GPS is one of the nicest in the business. It’s a touch screen GPS that does route planning and retracing by simply touching the screen. The device allows users to use different profiles depending on their location on the device. It comes with all the standard options that GPSmap does, but also allows users to hook heart rate monitors that show users extensive information on the front screen. This device is a bit more fragile than the GPSmap add-on, but the added features and functionality make it well worth the $600 price tag.
The USGlobalSat GH-615M GPS Sports Watch is another GPS device that is useful for those who are athletically inclined. The device tracks the location of frequent users and allows for a set of routes. The main feature is that it is nicely packed in small games. The cover is waterproof as an added bonus and comes with a highly sensitive receiver that ensures tracking accuracy. Overall’s a nice device for those interested in the small and compact local positioning system. At $169 it’s well worth what it does.
