Garmin gps bike mount

Using the Garmin Foretrex 401 for a while on the bike I wanted to see the speed and directions screens a bit better so decided to get a bike handlebar mount kit. The clip is an accessory for the Forerunner but works fine with the Foretrex.

The Garmin part number is 010-11029-00 and I bought mine from Amazon for £9.35. The clip is made from rubber and fits over the handlebar quite snugly. The Foretrex velcro strap will hold it but it does twist round particularly when riding over rough ground, so I suggest using the two black tye-wraps (supplied) to anchor the unit to your bike before putting the Garmin on. Fitting them is a bit fiddly though.

I was reluctant to perminantly attatch the clip to the bike in case it came off or was stolen but it’s not been a problem. I would not suggest leaving the Foretrex on the clip when folding the bike though!

Garmin Foretrex 401

I’ve had a Garmin Nuvi 250W about 2 and a half years now. Although it has some shortcomings I wouldn’t be without it. The receiver is not very sensitive. During one of my trips to London it failed to lock on to anything. Whether that’s due to the massive amount of RF floating about or the proximity of many tall buildings I don’t know. I was indeed lost! Another niggle, my old GPSIII had the ability to “Track Back” to a start point and mark waypoints. The Nuvi cannot do this and I miss it! I decided to buy a small Foretrex 401.

The Foretrex is just a very basic GPS with no maps. It has no concept of roads. There are two versions – the 301 and 401. The latter has a digital compass and a couple more gizmos.

Both run off two AAA batteries. There is a USB connector to transfer data to your PC. The GPS comes up as a new hard drive letter. You are able to upload or download Waypoints / Routes / Tracks to your PC in “GPX” format. In the box you get the GPS, extender wrist strap, quick start guides (multi languages), a USB cable and a CD with the manual. That’s it. No other software. I have been using Garmin Mapsource to transfer my Wayspoints and tracks to see where I’ve been. It is very sensitive and did indeed work ok in London. The only slight quirk it used up a set of AAA’s quite quickly. I have since acquired a pair of Sanyo “Eneloop” cells which have a much better shelf life and can be recharged easily.

I need a bike!

I decided to get a bike and knowing very little, did a bit of investigation. I did see the Brompton featured on Channel 5′s “The Gadget Show“. Jon Bentley tested one and it got quite a good score. That was it!. I wanted one. After hours of perusing I decided on a Black M3 and ordered it March 2010 from a dealer in South London. There apparantly was a two month waiting list but I received it in June.

I got the beast home and spent a while playing at folding and unfolding it. Once I got the hang I went for a spin. The bike was more difficult to ride than I thought. Having smaller wheels I would guess is the reason.