This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Garmin Edge 530

Former Member
Former Member over 3 years ago

Hi

I've read about how superior the Garmin is to a phone with google maps. Having the emergency incident notification feature was the biggest selling feature. After that, it's weather resistance. But I'm having some issues with the directions it generates for a commute.

For some reason, I thought I could use the Garmin Connect app, put a destination in and have it route a nice route home and send it to the bike unit. Instead, it routes me on the most direct route home which involves some very busy roads whereas Google Maps has prioritized routes with bike gutters and bike paths.

My commute is 40-60km in the Toronto area. Is there something else that I should be doing?

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Use BaseCamp app from Garmin, or Komoot web site, instead.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Garmin Connect can use popularity (heatmap) routing, but I'm not sure if it does by default or not. If you aren't using heatmap routing you should try that and see if it helps.

  • 0 over 3 years ago
    Is there something else that I should be doing?

    It can be really frustrating when you first get your Garmin, it can be really frustrating when you have had a string of them over the last 10+ years, with all their faults, they can do the job though but have a biggish learning curve and a not great user interface. The first thing you should be doing is watch some videos about using them so you know what to expect and how to, almost, bend them to your will. VeloGPS has some good ones on YouTube and there are others, DC Rainmaker and GPLAMA, probably thousands of them.

    You can build/plan a route on Garmin Connect, Ride with GPS (use the free membership) or other sites and then load the route onto the Garmin. You can also have the Garmin build the route on the device as it has its own maps. Both options will allow the setting of various road type to avoid and can use popular cycling routes.

    Just take it easy, step by step and it will, mostly, come good. You will end up with more specific how-to questions you can ask the forums, good luck.