Edge 1000 Refurb.

Well - after 3 weeks my refurb'd 1000 died. Fortunately, it was an Amazon Prime purchase and I was able to return it for a full refund. Maybe I was just unlucky, but this refurb. unit wasn't a bargain after all. I'll likely buy another - brand new - soon. It was a great unit while working. I was only beginning to appreciate how useful it is for gravel riding (or any riding for that matter).

Bummer to hear that, Do you think they are truly worth the high price tag? I remember years ago when  I could get a good handheld for hiking or my boat for much less money. Can't seem to find a reasonable priced unit out there now.

RoverAl wrote:Bummer to hear that, Do you think they are truly worth the high price tag? I remember years ago when  I could get a good handheld for hiking or my boat for much less money. Can't seem to find a reasonable priced unit out there now.

Good question. Answer- it depends! The Edge 1000 is an excellent device, and perhaps  indispensable if you frequently venture out into the boonies and need a reliable map to  get back home. But, if you don't mind getting lost occasionally, then I would suggest the Edge 500 or it's current version as a very good alternative. The other big advantage for me and my 73 year old eyes is the 1000's large and very easy to read screen. Of course, the downside to a large screen, is that it is more difficult to find space on your handlebar for it. A nice place is on the stem; but this requires at least a 10 cm stem. You can mount it directly on the top of your bars -- but may be a problem if you also want to mount lights and other devices. Garmen supplies an out front extension, but mine was too short for the 1000. K-edge sells an extra long extension for the 1000, but costs $40. I liked mine enough, that I will probably buy a new one soon. In the meanwhile I'll put the money into components for my new Ritchie Swiss Cross Canti I'll be building up soon.

Thanks, I am just wondering if I really need to be constantly looking at a gps when riding. I don't mind pulling over if I get lost and get a fix and back on track, that's what I do hiking or kayaking. What I do like is having a crumb trail to find my way back to a point. Base maps are nice also and I suppose for exploring new areas  too.
Garmin sure has a lock on this category, I'd rather buy a new frame like you did with the money. That Red Ritchey sure looks nice.

RoverAl wrote:Thanks, I am just wondering if I really need to be constantly looking at a gps when riding. I don't mind pulling over if I get lost and get a fix and back on track, that's what I do hiking or kayaking. What I do like is having a crumb trail to find my way back to a point. Base maps are nice also and I suppose for exploring new areas  too.
Garmin sure has a lock on this category, I'd rather buy a new frame like you did with the money. That Red Ritchey sure looks nice.

Yup - had to focus on not spending too much screen time on my new toy- especially when figuring out how it worked. TMI!! Things happen fast on a bike, and you should always pay attention. I know from hard experience. I have the scars to prove it. Rode with my old Edge 500 this morning. It really told me all I needed to know, and took up much less space in my bike cockpit, and much less eye time while riding. I'm a smart phone Luddite. I do have one -- a cheap Android Tracfone. I use it mostly for emergencies, and texting family and friends. We have very poor cell phone coverage in our area, but usually enough of a signal to send and receive text messages. The phone has a built in GPS, and comes with Google Maps pre-installed. Haven't tried to use Google Maps on the Android phone, but my wife uses the GPS function on her i-phone all the time. It seems to work well - even hiking the local trails. If you have a smart phone with GPS, that may be a cheap solution when a bit lost out on the road.     

bobknh wrote:
Yup - had to focus on not spending too much screen time on my new toy- especially when figuring out how it worked. TMI!! Things happen fast on a bike, and you should always pay attention. I know from hard experience. I have the scars to prove it. Rode with my old Edge 500 this morning. It really told me all I needed to know, and took up much less space in my bike cockpit, and much less eye time while riding. I'm a smart phone Luddite. I do have one -- a cheap Android Tracfone. I use it mostly for emergencies, and texting family and friends. We have very poor cell phone coverage in our area, but usually enough of a signal to send and receive text messages. The phone has a built in GPS, and comes with Google Maps pre-installed. Haven't tried to use Google Maps on the Android phone, but my wife uses the GPS function on her i-phone all the time. It seems to work well - even hiking the local trails. If you have a smart phone with GPS, that may be a cheap solution when a bit lost out on the road.     

\n \nI use a 1000 but have found its battery life frustrating. It's a great unit if you go back to a place where you can plug it in each night but that's not always the case. \nDon't get me wrong, this is a well designed and well made unit but I'd love to find one that has less functions and uses AA batteries.