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  Tarheel Trailblazers Message Board › Mixed Bag › Gear & Tech › GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
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Normal Topic GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ?? (Read 932 times)
Dallas920
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GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
10/07/15 at 2:04pm
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Hello all,

First off, I apologize if this has been brought up before. I tried searching the forum but found nothing regarding my question. 

I have a Polar M400 watch that I ride with to track heart rate and distance on. I know for a fact that the distance aspect is off. For the full loop at Sherman, my watch claimed 9.5miles which we all know is around 2 miles short. I have heard that GPS cannot track the tight switchbacks and 180 corners that you come across on the trails. 

My question... Does anyone have experience with say a Garmin 520/510 or 810 GPS and can say that they feel it is accurate for distance? I'm sure Garmin has more satellites than Polar does but I just wanted to make sure. I can use my Cateye Padrone and it typically tracks distance fine. But i'd like to have a one stop shop for everything if possible.

Thanks for your help guys
  
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asuprice
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Re: GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
Reply #1 - 10/07/15 at 2:55pm
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You need a speed sensor to get accuracy.  I've found that my iphone GPS tends to be very accurate too, but my garmin 620 with the wheel speed sensor works perfectly.

Phil
« Last Edit: 10/07/15 at 2:55pm by asuprice »  
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Dennis
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Re: GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
Reply #2 - 10/07/15 at 5:00pm
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I have an old scool Cat Eye wireless with a front wheel sensor that gives me current and average speed and miles ridden. More data than that makes my head hurt.
  
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Dallas920
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Re: GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
Reply #3 - 10/08/15 at 11:52am
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Thank you for the replies. 

The speed/cadence sensor certainly makes sense. Looks like Garmin sells some of their models in bundles which include both of those. 


Dennis while I agree with you I love the ability to be able to analyze my ride and the Strava integration is pretty awesome. I also use a heart rate monitor too so that would eliminate the need to wear the watch. The newer GPS's at least from Garmin have the ability to customize what you want to see on the home screen now which is certainly a plus b/c i'm with you. I screen FULL of information will be too much.

Thanks again guys!
  
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QueenCity Bicycles
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Re: GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
Reply #4 - 10/08/15 at 12:26pm
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also make sure to roll out and measure your wheels diameter for the best accuracy
  
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rob1035
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Re: GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
Reply #5 - 10/08/15 at 2:06pm
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Related topic with some relevant info: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
  
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Rob M.
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Dallas920
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Re: GPS Accuracy on MTB Trails ??
Reply #6 - 10/08/15 at 3:26pm
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Thanks QueenCity.

Rob, thanks for the link. This is very helpful.
  
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