Finding the Way
Written by Grizzly Adam // July 18, 2007 // Uncategorized // Comments Off
I unloaded a bit of used gear, and turned the proceeds into a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. The unit arrived today, and it is really nice looking. It’s super light, compact, and the screen looks great. I have messed around with it briefly, learning the basic controls and functions. First impressions are very good. It locked into a strong signal in my basement right out of the box. I think Garmin has found a way to put high end GPS features into a more consumer friendly package. Once I get a chance to really use the thing I will post my impressions. But out of the box, I am impressed.
I was looking at some of the gear I have recently put together, and realized that I am out of excuses. I have all the essential multi-day items I will need. I guess all that is left is to actually go ride one of these beasts. The problem is, I don’t think I will have a chance until ’08. Which gives me time to learn how to use all the gear, figure out a good strategy, and see if I can strap it all to the bike…good times ahead!
But, as I seem to be doing a lot of this year, I have gotten ahead of myself. Right now it is time to focus on Saturday, and the E50. I am going to try a new tactic in the race….going fast. 
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do abunch of over nighters were the focus isn’t mileage and test, test and more testing to see what works… hit hike a bikes to see how everything is to push…
Head out with some bad weather (with a bail out option if it gets to crazy) just play around with stuff…. Feel free to email if something comes up =)
I’ve had an eTrex for years and it’s worked well, but it looses location lock in the trees. I’m glad to see they have refreshed the eTrex line with a higher sensitivity receiver. Now I’m tempted to buy a new one. The features on your model look good. Didn’t you have an EDGE 305?
PCNation has a great price on that! Bummer they are out of stock now. I think Garmin nailed it with this one as I really like the size and functionality of the orig Vista. The better antenna and color screen will be great! What handlebar mount did you end up buying?
Kris, I still have the Edge, I just wanted something that had a longer battery life, and more robust navigation features. The edge will still be my primary bike computer.
Dave, yeah PCNation is where I got mine. I jumped on it when I saw the free 3 day shipping and the fact that it was in stock. I picked up the Garmin bike mount, so I will be testing that out next week.
I had a bike mount for my eTrex (until it was stolen along with my bike) and it worked OK. On rough terrain I did have a problem with the GPS shutting off due to the batteries loosing contact with the terminals. I was able to fix the problem by adding another spring behind the weak terminals to help them hold the battery better and stay in contact. I would hope Garmin has fixed this problem by now so you may not have this problem. Now I just put the GPS high in my CamelBak pack (so it gets a clear “view of the sky”) and use it for tracking my ride and occasionally I pull it out to navigate. My cyclocomputer is good enough for distance as I ride. The GPS is also better protected in my CamelBak than on the bars.
What’s it weigh sans batteries (or with lithiums)?
If the battery cutout issue is fixed I think this will be my next GPS. The Geko is still holding it down though. I fit the whole GLR in it.