GPS

[Jyrays]

I been out from biking Navigators for a while, what should I select?

[zebulon]

Seems there are 2 schools: tomtom & Garmin , I'm in the second one ... 

[numptyspence]

Can I suggest a third option.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/gps/nexus-7-gps/using-a-tablet-as-a-gps.htm
Though I do use a garmin.

[zebulon]

In my opinion, Phones or tablets are not durable proposition for bike navigation 

[jackyork]

In my opinion, Phones or tablets are not durable proposition for bike navigation 

For sure. The one to try, I would say is the £50 Chinese option by I think @Lazyrider.

I've gone from Garmin, for years to TomTom, much better.

JK

[Two Plugs]

In my opinion, Phones or tablets are not durable proposition for bike navigation 

Agree on using a tablet or phone. Don't.

TomTom rules. The latest TomTom Rider IV is awesome, dureable, livetime map updates, bluetooth, interface with your cellphone (Dail on Command), comes with this unique feature 'choose most twistiest road' (and that really works!), comes with a full Western Europe map (including mainroads in Turkey, Russia, Ukrain, Belarus).
And the TomTom Rider IV does unlimited tracklog too these days, is (far) quicker in navigation and has more detailed maps. Unless you're planning to do some proper offroad, the TomTom rider is your choice!

I have been using TomTom Riders on the bike since the first model was released and I simply love it. If you are not used to GPS navigation, and looking for a device for your fist steps on the digital road, its (far) easier to use and navigate than the (more complicated) Garmin Zumo.

[Bruvex]

I recently bought a Garmin Zumo 390lm. It does the trick for me. You can connect to your phone but you can't listen to music.
Not that both off them matter too me, I enjoy the pure driving.

[zebulon]

Sure Garmin have "particular" philosophy , but not so difficult to use when you have understood how they work  I use for years Zumo 660 and before a Nuvi in an Otterbox to protect; and they make the job; you have possibility to choice also twisted roads, prepare your trips before (as asked to such a device...). Perfect for me! 

[Jyrays]

Thanks, I used Garmin and loved it 

I never tried Tom Tom, maybe because I was out of europe 

[Two Plugs]

TomTom does world coverage as well, these days Jyrki! They own TeleAtlas.

In the old days, 'Garmin' admirers pinned down TomTom because TomTom did not do 'tracklogs'. They do win every custommer satisfaction test however... And anno 2014, come with Tracklog as well!

[jolly green giant]

Soon after buying my Vara I bought a Garmin Zumo 660 because it had better features than the TomTom. The Zumo was compatible with Google Maps while TomTom was not. I use the Zumo as a multi-system communications platform in that  I integrate my mobile phone and my blue tooth device to it while I also use it as my music player.

[SB]

They do win every custommer satisfaction test however...

Ohh no they don't 

[meine dicke]

I live with a NÜVI 2495LMT. It's a car GPS, but has all the features you (I) need. If it's raining I take a freeze bag to cover it AND it's cheaper.

Rainer

[Two Plugs]

TomTom is compatable with Google maps. The new rider even comes with a programm to make your own routes - Tyre - and Tyre allows to import ANY route, made in Google Maps, or even Mapsource/Basecamp. As long as it is stored in *GPX format. The only difference... Tyre is sooo user friendly what you cant say from Mapsource.

Its funny... despite that TomTom has done a great job in solving the complains from the past (Tracklog function added, unlimited waypoints added, free live-long map updates) and still is the best (and fastest) SatNav for A-B navigation in Europe, the Garmin Boys still do their best to give it a real good bash... 

I have been travelling around Europe and South Africa for decades (from which the last decade with the TomTom Rider 1, II, Urban and currently the Urban with IV update) also together with Garmin users and in a direct comparing, the TomTom does it good. Ask Jess. His Zumo tried to get him lost from Essex to Wales where my TomTom rider saved the day - not once, but on several occasions.

There is only one device which is better (with 3D!) and that's an Magellan GPS.

And sorry Stewart, but TomTom rider IV has won every direct comparing test after its introduction. Even in Germany, a country in which Garmin had a long history... 
Maybe not in the good old UK... but you still drive on the wrong side, and use those silly measurements... 

[zebulon]

The war Tomtom vs Garmin started here too