GPSMotoRider

When i got my first gps my parents got me an instructional video with it. I thought it was lame but I sat through it and it jump-started the learning process. I would suggest finding an instructional DVD. It is worth the $30ish dollars. I found one at the link below. http://www.landfallnavigation.com/vn1339dvd.html I have not used this dvd and have never bought from this website but simply found it on an online search. So no guarantees. good luck.

Good luck!

That one looks pretty nice but I don't know anything about it. It does look a bit larger and heavier and I prefer to keep weight off my handlebars if possible. Fwiw, I always carry a radio in my Camelback when I ride just in case of an emergency where I can't get cell coverage. its about 3 oz heavier than the 60csx but from the discription on garmin.com its not just a radio but will send out the gps info to others also so it might be worth it the real issue i have is it seems to be less user friedly than the 60csx. i guess i'll just find a gps store near by and play with the different models. i do really like the looks and functions of the 60. im just cheap and want to make sure i get the most function for my money. btw does anyone know of a good cheap geocaching gps for my daughters girlscout troop preferable under $150 Personally i am "eyeballin" the Garmin 60csx or one of the Rhino series. The radio with GPS "buddy" location is cool if you get split up with another rider. The Rhino 530HCx is pricey and i think that is due to the 5-watts of transmit power (14mile straightline radio), color screen, and the expandable memory. As you go down the series, you shed features. The 14 mile radio with GPS location will only be necessary in emergencies and that is if you are in back-back country and your cell phone doesn't work. If you are riding with a buddy, then a 2-5mile radio should be just fine. At Garmin you can compare (side by side)the features on the models. Check it out and see which features you want and you could save a good amount of money. Now this is just my opinion through research, so if anyone has actually had one in their hands, let us know.

There is no "de facto" file format out yet, but .GPX is starting to be the growing format for sharing. Many of the manufacturers prefer you to stick with their format and that is reason for all the different formats. Many manufacturers are now realizing that they need to support .GPX so customers can have more uses for a gps. (here is a shameless plug) Since you are looking for repositories, at my website you can upload and download files for others to search. I have a small database now but I hope to see it grow. I stick to .GPX because it can be easily converted to your manufacturers file format, it is also the easiest format to use cool website features like google earth. I would expect to see alot more of the .GPX file format in the future. You can get a free tool to convert file formats at www.gpsbabel.org

These guys all have a point. Magellan is a pain if you plan to do any type of upload/ download of data. However most GPS units can get you to point A then B, but if you can't do anything with the information then it is like taking a picture and not developing it. I just did a review on a Magellan 500LE explorist and I could not even connect it to the computer. When I called customer service, the guy ran through the "script" then determined that I needed a new cable. FYI- it still did not work after the new cable. As for the Crossover, check out this link. Read the comments of the reviewer. Basically he said, just buy an inexpensive handheld for offroad, it will just make your life easier. Hybrid models can do the basic functions of an auto unit and an offroad unit, but it is not the best for either. http://www.gpsreview.net/magellan-crossover-gps/ The Garmin 60csx seems to be the favorite for offroad. Or you can get an inexpensive etrex and pick up a Garmin c330 for the wife.