For the first hour or so of messing around with the Triton 500 and trying to understand the instructions we thought this unit was aimed at GPS geeks, but once you get used to it it’s actually an amazingly simple system to use.
It just takes a little time to get accustomed to the functions and menu system. The whole thing can be operated one-handed and brings up the information you’re after in just a few clicks, which makes it a doddle to use when riding. It’s also incredibly rugged.
The Magellan comes preloaded with a basemap of Europe, so to test it we uploaded a route based on the course of the Berlin Wall and used it to both navigate and log our ride.
It performed brilliantly, and tracking back along sections of the route to our hotel, in darkness, avoiding bonkers German drivers, only served to highlight how user-friendly the Triton 500 is. If you want an affordable unit that works well and is easy to use when riding, you won’t go far wrong with this one.
- Casing: Well sealed and really tough with all controls easy to access.
- Display: Not the biggest but clear and bright, with easy to customise brightness and dimming options.
- Buttons: Although small, they can be operated with gloves on and used easily when riding.
- Batteries: Two AAs in a sealed compartment last a very long time and are quick and easy to change.
- Zoom buttons: Much more useful than you might initially think, easy to use, and the maps zoom instantly.
- SD card slot: For adding maps or downloading away from the unit, the slot is under the well sealed rubber cover.