newleaf,
I've bee looking at those bars, I am leaning strongly in that direction. Also like your Garmin, nice large display. Which model is that? Most of the ones I have looked at don't have that large display.
Katz,
I wouldn't trade my trekking bars for anything I've seen so far. My Garmin is the GPSmap 60CSx - I got it in 2008. It's NOT touchscreen, but I prefer the buttons for use in inclement weather. It runs on 2 AA batts. I use rechargeables and usually get 10-20+ hrs out of a set.
It's mounted with a model-specific handlebar mount intended for a motorcycle. I don't remember the manufacturer, but I found it on Amazon last season. I'll be glad to shoot/post a couple of pics if you'd like to see it in detail. The mount has ball-swivels in two places to allow for a wide range of movement/mounting position. Once adjusted, it locks down nice and tight for use.
The screen on the GPSmap 60CSx actually isn't all that big - a little under 2x3" - but great for displaying the data screen pictured earlier. Also easier on the battery life since running the screen is typically the biggest power draw on any of these devices. Bigger = faster drain.
The map view is decent for exploration - works best if you recon the route on a computer and download waypoints to the device in advance. I have found that with practice, I can glance at it and back to the road quickly enough it's the equivalent of checking your speedometer while driving. It's sometimes harder to do that with the map view, but with good waypoints or re-tracing an earlier route, it's worked out well.
I hope the setup you decide on works as well for you as mine has for me
