Maia, it might be more productive if you give an indication of the brand and model that you do prefer.

However, any brand that allows for the importation of gpx or tcx routes should be suitable. The devil in the detail is how to get the route onto the unit - via cable, via bluetooth, via a dedicated app etc. There can be a substantial difference between plotting out an entire tour at home on a computer then syncing up a gps device and adapting that tour 'on the fly'.

 Many devices have corners of the internet dedicated to them. A Google search may be able to put you in contact with users. 

If planning on using it abroad and, presumably, in unfamiliar areas, I'd recommend paying close attention to the ease or otherwise of downloading relevant maps - and the quality of those maps. Customer service is a strong second consideration.

Like you, I have no requirement for fitness statistics but I have found the route/ride recording to be invaluable as a memory bank. The ability to plot a route offline (Osmand app) and send it to my unit has also been very useful. My Wahoo unit has the ability to add Points of Interest on the fly (similar to markers in the CT app). This has been a very useful feature when arriving in larger towns/cities to mark off places to visit or likely stealth camping spots along the way. 

Well I haven't found anything that meets my requirements yet. Maybe it doesn't exist! First hurdle seems to be finding something that fits my handlebars. Tricky, it's an electric bike with computer, bell, handlebar bag and of varying diameter. Then, is it cycle.travel and Komoot compatible (what I'm familiar with now). Would Osmand be instead of these?

I take your point about transferring the route to the unit. The descriptions on the ads aren't very helpful there. Do you need to have Bluetooth and Wifi on to link your phone while you are riding? (that would defeat the object for me).

I tend to do things on the fly when I'm touring with limited Wifi and electricity.

Garmin and Wahoo seem very expensive but if someone tells me there is no alternative I might need to swallow it. However, I can't find the simple unit I imagine I want in any case. Would love a suggestion. Thank you.

First hurdle seems to be finding something that fits my handlebars.

If you google 'bike touring cockpits' images (carefully!) you'll get some ideas. There are extra bars that can be added. Does the bike computer already there do navigation?

Then, is it cycle.travel and Komoot compatible (what I'm familiar with now). Would Osmand be instead of these?

Osmand is an app but covers all kinds of navigation - foot, bike, car & boat! It is not very user friendly but works offline and therefore useful in strange places. I don't want to confuse you but 'compatible' is a vague term. For example, if I make a route on Komoot it will automatically sync with my Wahoo unit. That's very compatible. However, with CT I need to press approximately 3 buttons to do the same. Less compatible - but generally a better route. So long as the unit will allow the user to import GPX or TCX files should be enough. 

Do you need to have Bluetooth and Wifi on to link your phone while you are riding?

Generally no, only if you wish to change the route. Wifi connects the phone/device to the outside word (for example to download maps or plan routes), Bluetooth connects the device to the phone. 

I can't find the simple unit I imagine I want in any case. Would love a suggestion

Lezyne, Bryton, Hammerhead are some of the alternatives. You may find a wider and deeper audience on some of the cycling dedicated fora -both Cycling UK & Cyclechat have dedicated touring fora. Be warned - some people get very agitated! Speaking for myself, I have never come across a 'navigation only' device.  

I agree that a gps unit can be expensive especially when paying for features that we won't use. Second hand units are often cheaper.

Maia,

I too use an e-bike and have tried many ways of achieving what you are looking for.

If your cycle has a Bosch system, it is quite easy to use both cycle.travel and Komoot, depending on the head unit.

I have both the Hammerhead Karoo 2 and Karoo 3. Both excellent. Probably exceeds your requirement by some margin.

I have a Garmin Edge Explore 2. It is inexpensive and basic. Works well with cycle.travel, Komoot and Garmin Connect. Might be fit for your purpose.

Without doubt the kit supplied with the bike should meet your requirements. If you have the necessary interface. I use a Bosch Nyon. Plays very nicely! Most GPS head units would be expensive and more than you need. The possible exception being the Explore 2. Be aware though that the Explore 2 unit is quite long. I could not use the supplied mount for similar reasons to yours. Light, head units, etc. Resolved the problem by using a K-Edge mount, the longer one. Expensive but it is very well made and allowed me to use the Explore 2.

Hope this helps.

Ray

Thank you both for your very helpful and detailed responses. I will work on those suggestions.

My husband has just found a Garmin etrex HC series Vista HCX in the attic. Last used circa 2012 for boat navigation. It fires up fine but I need to see if I can update the software if I can find a suitable cable. Also if I can buy some land maps. You never know......

My husband has just found a Garmin etrex HC series Vista HCX in the attic. Last used circa 2012 for boat navigation.

Excellent! My understanding is that that unit is not specific to bike touring but can be used in a simple way. Given its age, it will probably require map & route transfer via cable and a computer. If you can set it up and use it locally on your bike it will give you a great opportunity to learn about digital navigation on your bike. It may not be your ultimate choice but it can be a great learning tool. 

Good luck! 

I have an igpsport bsc200 device and I can load gpx files on it via app.

It would be greate if you let the gpx be shared from your app to any another app (like my igpsport one i.e.) directly instead of making us download it and then upload it somewhere else