the Mac version of Garmin Training Center adds comparisons, GPX import, and a smoother interface.

Garmin released the latest version of their free Training Center software for the Mac a few weeks ago and we have to say we’re pretty impressed so far. Some of the features we found in the Mac version aren’t even available in the PC version yet (last updated in February) – but perhaps this will serve as a preview of what’s to come. Here are some highlights mountain bikers will find useful:

Export single ride/workout: In previous versions of Garmin Training Center the only option was to export your entire history which didn’t make data super portable. The latest versions (both Mac and PC) allow you to export a single ride to share in either TCX or GPX format. You can still export your entire training database – though we’re guessing you’ll rarely (if ever) want to do that.

Import GPX files: The Mac version now includes the ability to import GPX files directly into Garmin Training Center – no external conversions necessary. Honestly it’s about time – the GPX standard has been around for years and is the most widely adopted format for sharing GPS data. Unfortunately the PC version can only import TCX data for now (though as mentioned above you can export courses in GPX format).

Ride comparisons: The comparison feature included in the latest Mac version takes Garmin Training Center to the next level as a fitness training tool. The software allows you to select two rides and compare them side to side – speed, elevation, etc. This is perfect for comparing your performance on a regular course or even seeing how two different trails stack up against one another.

viewing Garmin Topo basemaps in Garmin Training Center (PC version)

Basemap integration: The PC version of Garmin Training Center has had the ability to view detailed Garmin basemaps but now the Mac version gets the ability as well. As always, Garmin basemaps are sold separately.

Smoother looking graphs: Both the PC and Mac versions of Garmin Training Center have always looked a little clunky but the newest Mac version is definitely more Mac-like. You can even use built in-tools to smooth the displayed graphs to remove spikes caused by bad data. The PC version, on the other hand, still features chunky graphs.

If you use a Garmin Edge or Forerunner for mountain biking, make sure you’re running the latest version of Garmin Training Center to get the most out of these new features. Sharing and loading GPS data for mountain bike trails has never been so easy!

I’ve always been a fan of the Garmin Edge series of GPS devices for mountain biking but to be honest the color screen units (605 and 705) always seemed overpriced for the feature set. This year the company is planning to release the Garmin Edge 800 and at an MSRP of $449 (sans basemaps) it sits right between the Edge 605 and 705 – but adds a color touchscreen to the mix.

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably interacted with maps on your computer or even your phone where you can drag and zoom maps using a mouse or even your finger. In my opinion this is the most intuitive (and quickest) way to understand a map so I’m stoked to see the touchscreen make its way into a cycling GPS. At Interbike I got a chance to play with the Edge 800 a bit and found that it does a decent job, though the screen resolution looked a little chunkier than the 705. According to Garmin, the Edge 800 screen resolution is 160×240 while the Edge 705 has a 176×220 pixel screen – but the Edge 800 screen is more than 30% larger which means the pixels are indeed fatter.

The Edge 800 basically has just two buttons as opposed to the 705 which has 7 buttons and a joystick. Menus on the Edge 800 are navigated using on-screen buttons which could be a problem for gloved hands or sweaty fingers (though we need field tests to see if this is indeed the case). To drag the map screen to preview upcoming terrain you need to click a button on the map screen to “unlock” it.

Overall the Edge 800 is a good bit smaller than the Edge 705 and the screen essentially takes up most of the face of the unit. Like the Edge 705, the Edge 800 is ANT+ compatible with Garmin and third party accessories like power meters, heart rate monitors, etc. Images at garmin.com also show what appears to be a new connector mechanism – let’s hope it lasts longer than the bar clips the Edge series currently uses.

Garmin says the Edge 800 should ship sometime in Q4 of this year though don’t hold your breath – anyone remember how long it took for the Edge 705 to arrive after it was announced? And while the base unit is $449 you’ll need to pony up another $200 ($649 total) to get the “Navigation Bundle” which basically contains all the basemaps you need (it looks like there will be a separate version that includes topo data and trails). We’re stoked to find out more about the Edge 800 so we’ll do our best to keep you posted on the latest!

Garmin MapSource is a popular software tool for transferring maps and trail data to Garmin GPS units but it can be confusing for first time users, particularly when it comes to loading singletracks trail data. Here’s a quick guide for getting the most out of Garmin MapSource and your singletracks membership.

Load the appropriate basemaps

Most Garmin GPS units don’t have enough memory to store topographic maps for the entire US so MapSource makes it possible to transfer just the maps you need for your trip. Use the “Map Tool” to select the grids you need before heading out or even better, load up topographic data for the areas you use the most (your state, region, etc.) so you can skip this step for local trips. The map tool can be found in the toolbar below the main menu and the icon looks like a polygon.

Once the map grids are selected, click the “Send to Device” icon (looks like an arrow pointing down toward a GPS) and choose to send the Maps. Depending on the size of the area you selected this may take a while.

Loading GPX data

Singletracks offers GPS in a data format called GPX. After downloading a particular GPX trail file, choose “Open” from the “File” menu in MapSource and change the “Files of Type” menu at the bottom of the dialog to “GPS eXchange Format.” Find the appropriate file and click the “Open” button.

To view the track data, click the “Track” tab on the left side of the program, then right click on the track name and choose “Show Selected Track on Map.” The track will be highlighted in yellow and should show all the trackpoints and waypoints in the file.

Next, right click on the track again and choose “Track Properties.” Many popular Garmin GPS units, including the GPSMap 60 series, can’t handle tracks with more than 500 data points so unfortunately you’ll need to eliminate some of the track detail before transferring to your device (otherwise Garmin simply truncates the file after 500 points). Click the “Filter” button and choose to “Filter by” the “Maximum Points.” Set this value to 500, then click OK. Click OK again to return to the map (see below).

To transfer the modified track and associated waypoints to your device, click the “Transfer to GPS” button and be sure to check both the “Tracks” and “Waypoints” buttons. Once the transfer is complete trail maps will be available under “Saved Tracks” on your device (GPS menu navigation and actual title may vary by GPS device).

Some Garmin GPS devices may limit the number of saved tracks (the GPSMap 60 only stores up to 20 tracks at a time) so at times you’ll need to delete tracks before transferring to your device. It’s always a good idea to preview the trail map on your GPS before you leave the house to make sure everything looks good.

Transferring GPX-formatted trail data to your GPS may seem a bit confusing at first but it definitely gets easier each time you do it. Make the most out of your GPS and singletracks membership – get out and explore!

There’s been a lot of discussion about GPS and mountain biking around here lately so we thought we’d put together our first ever Mountain Bikers’ Buyers Guide to help you make the right choice. Look for more buyers guides for other MTB products coming soon!

Basic Features Most GPS Devices Include

While there are a wide range of GPS choices available, most will at least include the basics:

• USB connection: Older GPS units used serial connections but today’s devices include a way to connect to your PC or Mac.
• Speed and distance tracking: Standard on 99.9% of GPS units.
• Ability to mark points of interest: These are called waypoints and most devices give you a way to mark your current location and add a short title to help you remember what you marked.
• Elevation tracking: GPS devices have varying degrees of accuracy around elevation/altitude readings but almost all are accurate enough for consumer use.
• Path tracking: Most GPS devices are constantly marking where you are on screen so you can follow your path back to the start in case you get lost. This series of data points showing where you’ve been is called a “track.”
• Basic navigation: At a minimum, most GPS devices will help you navigate (via straight line) from point A to point B.

Beyond the basics, you need to decide what you want to use your GPS for on the mountain bike trail.

Navigation or Fitness… or Both?

There are two main uses for GPS devices on the trail: navigation and fitness training. Of course many of us want a device that does both and that’s certainly possible – but it’s generally more expensive than a single-use device.

Navigation

If you want a GPS to use for trail navigation, you’ll want to choose one with a color screen, the ability to load detailed maps, and support for an external memory card. Keep in mind that detailed “basemaps” may or may not come pre-loaded with your GPS and can cost up to $100 each. Some manufacturers make a distinction between topographic and driving maps so if you want turn-by-turn directions like the ones you use in the car, make sure you get driving maps in addition to topo basemaps for the trails. Almost all basemaps show things like bodies of water, roadways, railroad tracks, cities/towns, and other landmarks which are useful for navigation.

Fitness

For workout and fitness level tracking, choose a GPS unit that can be paired with a heart rate monitor, power meter, etc. Also consider the included and compatible fitness training software for your GPS. There are plenty of fitness tracking websites that allow you to upload your GPS data directly via web browser for analysis.

Other considerations

Beyond general usage, consider other features you may find useful:

• Battery type: Some devices include an integrated rechargeable battery while others require AA or AAA batteries that must be replaced.
• Form factor and bike mounts: Larger units, like those designed for use in the car, can be mounted to bike handlebars but they’re often awkward. Scope out compatible bike mounts before you choose your GPS.
• Other usage: If you’re into outdoor activities other than biking (say hiking or running), look for a device that can do double (or triple) duty. Just remember, cycling-specific GPS units perform better on the trail than multi-purpose devices.

Recommendations for Mountain Bikers

With all those considerations in mind, here’s a list of our top picks for mountain bike GPS devices in three categories: cheap and good, mid-range, and money is no object. Also be sure to read all the reviews here on singletracks to find out what mountain bikers are saying about other devices we didn’t include.

Cheap and Good GPS Devices for Biking

• Garmin eTrex H: Does all the basics but doesn’t include navigation or fitness functions. No matter, it’s available for less than $100 and is the only GPS we used for years before upgrading.
• Garmin Forerunner 205: This wrist-mounted fitness device is great for both biking and running. Consider getting a bike mount for the Forerunner since it tends to impede wrist motion on the bike. For heart rate monitor compatibility, you’ll need to spend a bit more for the Forerunner 305.
• Garmin Edge 205: At $249 MSRP, this is the most expensive of the “cheap” devices but it’s also the best suited to mountain biking. Still, it doesn’t contain robust fitness or navigation features so you may find the need to upgrade sooner rather than later. Includes bike mount.

Mid-range GPS Devices for Biking

• Garmin Edge 305: One step up from the Edge 205, this device adds support for a wireless heart rate monitor and other fitness tools. Bike mount included.
• DeLorme PN-40: Available online for less than $300, the PN-40 includes a color screen and basemaps for navigation. It’s a little bulky on the handlebars but is a great choice for color navigation on a budget and does double duty as a great hiking GPS.
• iPhone: We weren’t sure where to place this one but if you already have an iPhone you can get decent mapping apps for less than $10 each. Of course the iPhone is a bit more fragile than devices specifically made for outdoor activities and you may not have access to basemaps if you’re out of cell tower range.

Money Is No Object

• Garmin Edge 705: If you have the coin to spend and are looking for a GPS to use primarily for biking, go for the Edge 705. This GPS does it all, from color screen navigation to wireless fitness tracking, all in a convenient and easy to use package for mountain or road biking.

Where to Shop for Mountain Bike GPS Devices

While more and more local bike shops are stocking GPS devices these days, you’ll generally find the best selection online at electronics retailers like Amazon.com. You’ll also get the best prices at Amazon, in some cases lower than what cycling retailers pay. Of course it’s always a good idea to support your LBS so check there first to see if they have what you need.

Summary

Choosing and buying a GPS for mountain biking takes a bit of research and planning but it’s well worth the effort. The right GPS can help you say on the trail, find the best singletrack, and elevate your training to the next level. Happy trails!

If you’re tired of getting lost on the mountain bike trail or are just looking for a new toy to play with on your ride, 2010 is the year for you to jack into GPS. I’ve been taking a GPS with me on every ride for 8 or 9 years now and I recently got a chance to demo the Colorado 400t from Garmin. The Colorado 400t is a good choice for anyone who likes to mountain bike but also likes to lace up the hiking boots every once in a while.

Hardware

Like the other Garmin outdoor handhelds before it, the Colorado 400t ($599 MSRP but $300 at Amazon right now) is ultra-rugged and designed to take abuse on the trail. It’s waterproof-rated for submersion up to 30 minutes which means creek crossings and unexpected downpours are no problem. The color display is optimized for direct sunlight viewing, though in the shade I found I needed to flip on the backlight from time to time.

Many of the Garmin GPS units I’ve tested have featured somewhat flimsy and awkward bike mounts but the Colorado 400t seems to offer a huge improvement. And while the bike mount is not included, it does make use of the sturdy metal slot integrated right into the battery cover for a rock-solid fit. No more busted clips or heavy, bulky attachments!

The Colorado 400t is the first Garmin handheld GPS to feature the Rock ‘n Roller input wheel which allows you to navigate screens using just one hand, even with gloves. And while I found the wheel to be super easy for inputting text on the ground it was difficult to master while riding the bike – bumps forced me to accidentally turn the knob too far.

Some may be surprised to learn the Colorado 400t doesn’t include a rechargeable battery, instead making use of regular old AA batteries. The reason? If you’re in the field for days at a time (backpacking, say) you don’t have anywhere to plug in for a recharge. Of course for trips closer to home you can pop in your own rechargeable AAs but sadly those rarely work as well as the disposables. A USB connection, SD memory card slot, and barometric altimeter round out the hardware specs.

Software

One of the big changes Garmin is pushing with the latest devices is built in basemaps. Previously if you wanted to view topo maps on your GPS device you needed to pony up another $100 or so to get the software, and even then you could rarely fit the entire US on your device at one time. The Colorado 400t comes pre-loaded with topographic data covering the entire country and also features roads and other points of interest. The topo software does not include tools for turn-by-turn navigation, though this is possible with additional software.

Loading GPS tracks and waypoints onto the Colorado 400t is a cinch – just connect the USB cable and drag/drop GPX-formatted files onto the device (no desktop software required). Navigate Where To -> Tracks on the device and you can see a map and elevation plot of your GPX file. Sadly Garmin seems to have done away with the TracBack feature on the Colorado series so “navigating” really just consists of seeing a track and waypoints on your map (no audible turn alerts but distance/time to finish is calculated). I also couldn’t find a way to change track line colors which makes it hard to distinguish between your current track and the saved track you’re trying to navigate.

Creating tracks on the Colorado 400t is improved over previous devices, though it may take a little practice at first. It’s a good idea to reset your track data before mapping a new adventure but if you forget, the track saving tool makes it easy to select the beginning and end points of the track you’d like to save. The data is stored neatly in a GPX file for easy retrieval at your computer.

Custom map of Captain Jack’s overlaid in Google Earth.

Perhaps the coolest feature included on the Garmin Colorado 400t is the ability to use custom base maps. Custom maps are saved in KMZ format (Google Earth uses this) and are also added to the device via drag-and-drop. Garmin has a good tutorial on their website describing how to make your own maps and we created this map of Captain Jack’s MTB trail in Colorado Springs as an example. Who knows, if more folks start using custom-map-capable GPS devices we may just start to offer these with our trail map subscriptions…

There are literally dozens of screens and features included on the Colorado 400t beyond what was mentioned above. A few notable standouts: 3D map view for visualizing terrain, brilliant elevation plots, temperature gauge, sunset / sunrise calculator, and a geocaching app.

Summary

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose, rugged GPS for all your outdoor activities, the Garmin Colorado 400t may be the device for you. Just add a $10 bike mount and you’ll be ready to navigate and map like a pro!

Things were a little hectic at Interbike last week but somehow we still managed to push out more than 20 posts – and there’s more where that came from! Look for posts covering Pivot, Scott, Niner, Hydrapak, THE, Straitline, ITS, Bike Armor, and an interview with Leadville 100 women’s winner Rebecca Rusch later this week.

New cycling GPS from Garmin. The Edge 500 seems like it’s mostly a roadie GPS but it does have some cool features and sports a smaller enclosure than the Edge X05 units. Aside from the regular speed/distance/elevation stuff, the Edge 500 also tracks temperature and has a built in alert that warns you if you’re moving but the timer is off (I could certainly use this). The Edge 500 features ANT+ which means it’s heart rate monitor and power meter compatible.

Stella 300 light system. This two light system from Light & Motion is lightweight and gives you both a spot and flood light in one package. The Stella 300 is all about the threes: 3 hours of battery life, retails for $300, weighs 300 grams, and packs 300 (total) lumens of light. Now, guess how long it takes to charge? Trick question, it takes 5 hours (but that’s still pretty darn fast!).

Introducing Morpheus carbon mountain bikes. This is a brand that just launched this year with some beautiful carbon mountain bikes. Like most companies, Morpheus sources its frame construction from Asia BUT parts like linkages are machined right here in the USA. This means super tight tolerances and beautiful machine work. The carbon fiber and paint are impeccable as well – these bikes are almost too pretty to ride This year Morpheus is offering a FS rig called the Oracle and a hardtail called the Cyclops.

Cove mountain bikes. At Interbike you see a lot of cool stuff but you don’t expect to see it in the hallway outside your hotel room. The guys from Cove were doing some last minute assembly on Wednesday morning when we snapped this pic. I’m thinking someone was sleeping with bikes in his bed the night before

Monkey light – how’d they do that? Ok, so this isn’t something you’ll ever see on the mountain bike trail (I hope) but it sorta blew my mind. Keep in mind that the words you’re seeing are illuminated on the spokes of a wheel that is spinning. I didn’t get the lowdown on how this works but it certainly seems high tech for bike bling.

We’ve heard this question more than a few times on our GPS forums: Which GPS is best for mountain biking AND everything else (like hiking, driving, etc.)? Garmin addressed the question on their very own blog and despite the fact their recommendations are all Garmin units (image that ) it’s actually a helpful post for anyone considering a do-all GPS unit for mountain biking+. They mention the Edge 605 and 705 as possible candidates for a multi-sport GPS but I say skip these. While they’re both incredible GPS units for mountain biking they suck for hiking and are too tiny for driving.

If you’re planning on using your GPS more outdoors than in the car then I say go for a GPSMap 60CSx. With a software upgrade it can give you turn-by-turn directions, the screen is large, and it has great outdoor functions like marking waypoints, sunrise/sunset calculations, and support for topo maps. The GPSMap series is also super rugged and takes AA batteries – great for long days in the field.

We’re wrapping up testing on the PN-40 from DeLorme and so far it’s also looking like a great candidate for multi-sport GPSing as well. The PN-40 has a color screen, multiple map compatibility (including support for aerial and satellite imagery), turn-by-turn directions out of the box, and a rugged case for biking or hiking.

Of course a multi-use GPS will do a good job at most things but won’t be great at any one task. If you have the dough to burn, stick to cycling specific GPS units for riding and auto units for the car – that way you can’t go wrong!

Bet that headline got you excited – unfortunately this is only an incremental upgrade, and even that’s stretching things a bit. The latest model of the Edge 705 comes in the Garmin/Chipotle team colors and includes all the same color mapping features as the regular 705.

One new item from Garmin is the US Topo 24k map software series that gives you even more topographic detail for US terrain. The software even enables 3D views of terrain on certain GPS units like the Colorado and Oregon – a first for Garmin GPS units. Hopefully we’ll see this trickle down to the smaller cycling GPS line in the coming years…