.gpx vs .tcx Garmin?

[makoti]

Did a forum search, didn't really find anything.
My 520 will take both. Which is most useful? I can download maps, so there is a base map for the route on the unit. The .tcx is a bigger file. RWGPS says "avoid .gpx", but the page is 5 years old.
Which do you use? What is the advantage of one over the other?

[zmudshark]

tcx holds more info, like heart rate, cadence, temperature and power.

[makoti]

For just following a route? Does it matter? Do they work differently on the 520?

[tourmalet]

In the 820, TCX files can include turn alerts and notes. GPX files just show you the path on the map but no direction prompts.

[Jgrooms]

Originally Posted by tourmalet

In the 820, TCX files can include turn alerts and notes. GPX files just show you the path on the map but no direction prompts.

This. TCX works the turn by turn.


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[djg21]

https://ridewithgps.com/help/export-file-formats

[fkelly]

You can open both types of files in a text editor such as Notepad. Try it: it will help you to visualize what's in the files. GPX is basically just geographic coordinates. TCX contains much more information.