 "Great Techno-Bike Geek Device!!" | 2009-09-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2OCCV329X1VKH |
| I must admit that I had high expectations for this product even with some of the less than stellar reviews that I had seen on this site and others. I am very pleased to say that my expectations were met and greatly exceeded. I had been using a Specialized wired bike computer and had long wished for an integrated heart rate monitor and altimeter since I live in the Rockies and do a lot of climbing. The first couple of rides I found that the heart rate monitor numbers were all over the place and very innacurate. After a little research I found the suggestion to utilize a litte gel on the band instead of saliva or water and that has made all the difference. I purchased Spectra Electrode Gel from [...] and haven't had a problem since. As to the many complaints about battery life, I did a 4 hour ride today with 'every second' data recording turned on and the battery meter did not move from the full position. One little complaint that I do have is the lack of a persistent odometer on the device, but as others have pointed out, this information is available in the Garmin Training Center Software. |
| |
| "Great training tool" | 2009-09-05 |
| - Reviewed By User: A13E8P6PQQY4RP |
I'm very happy with the edge 305. I'm still trying to figure out a way to plan out a route online and put it on the unit, but following other peoples routes from [...] or similar is fairly straightforward.
In my opinion, the most impressive feature is completely unrelated to the unit's GPS abilities: zone based heart rate training workouts. Once you have definied your hear rate zones, you can create workouts based on these zones. For instance, you could create a workout in which you do a 10 min interval in your lactate threshold zone followed by a 10 min recovery in your endurance zone, and the unit will tell you to raise or lower your hear rate accordingly.
I have also been using the edge for running. I bought a cell phone arm strap and wear the edge on my forearm, where I can view the display. Its a little bulky for this, but not too bad.
Overall, this is a great product.
|
| |
| "Great bike computer" | 2009-08-22 |
| - Reviewed By User: AVMUUS0LSSSKU |
This is an absolutely great cycling computer. HR and cadence work flawlessly so far. It is extremely helpful for training to be able to track (literally) every second of your ride. You can see HR, CAD, altitude, speed, etc for your entire ride and see how they interact. Previously, I've used Polar and was very displeased with the HR and CAD often dropping out during the ride. The Garmin sensors are much better, they have replaceable batteries (unlike Polar# and the speed/CAD is a single sensor on the rear wheel. I might also add that the unit finds satellites and is ready to go in only a few seconds.
Minor down sides include: it has the same issues as most GPSs, namely coverage under trees isn't too great and since it is using this to calculate speed the speed reading can jump around as you go into and out of trees and GPSs aren't very good at altitude. It has a barometric sensor to determine altitude gains as you're riding but total gain and loss is often off a bit #since I usually ride loops the numbers should be the same). I'm not sure why Garmin doesn't use the wheel sensor to determine speed, but ... These are really minor compared with the value the unit gives.
I might also add that maps, as in the 705, would be really cool but they can be had for a price. At this point I am 100% satisfied. |
| |
| "Garmin Edge 305 - Great for cycling" | 2009-08-19 |
| - Reviewed By User: A39N85HA9NN56P |
| If you are into keeping track of your cycling workouts, the Garmin Edge 305 is great. Just turn it on and start the timer. It keeps track of everything, including altitude and feet ascended and descended, percent of grade and calories. When you are done just plug it into a USB port on your pc and download all your stats. It even shows your route in Google Earth. The only two minor issues I have are the display isn't as crisp and clear as some newer lcd displays. It's ok but could be better. The other thing is the software doesn't let you export data into a spreadsheet. I got a factory refurb with heart rate and cadence for a great price. Could not tell from brand new. |
| |
 "Pretty much what I was looking for...almost perfect" | 2009-08-19 |
| - Reviewed By masa_masuyama |
Basically, this does everything it advertises to do very well, and for the sale price I paid for it, I got an incredible value. The only criticism I have is that you cannot have the speedometer switch to the magnetic mode when the GPS signal gets weak (under an overpass, etc.) -- but, having said that, the ability of the device to maintain a GPS signal is pretty admirable. The software that comes with the device is sufficient.
I do like it over the other 305 model (Forerunner?), just by virtue of the fact that it has a bigger screen, and I can carry it with me whether I'm biking, running, or even playing hokey (for the HR monitor). |
| |
Expedited Available
