Just finished a couple tandem rides with a Garmin Edge 305 bike computer. I was very impressed with it. It’s wireless with cadence, heart rate and GPS. The nice thing about it for a tandem is that it has a 3 meter transmission range for the cadence and speed sensor so you can locate the main unit either on the stoker’s or captain’s bars. The CAD/SP sensor is very small compared to the Cateye 300DW.
The Edge collects a lot of information and the two user definable screens (plus map screens) can display any of the information. The information can be downloaded to a computer and the route displayed on a map and the other information displayed on a graph. The main unit holds about two years worth of data but I have been downloading it to a computer. I have replaced the computers on our tandem and two of my ½ bikes since it can connect to 3 different CAD/SP sensors.
It’s expensive, however, some dealers are selling it with substantial discounts. The main unit is larger than most bike computers but not overly large. I haven’t used the map display on the main unit since it is relatively primitive and small for my eyes. Supposedly, the rechargeable battery only lasts 12 hours but I have not come close to that yet.
I read the linked to thread and it has only reinforced the opinion I had of the Edge when it was still an advance unit. My opinion is: if you want a bike computer, buy a bike computer, if you want a GPS, buy a GPS, if you want both, buy both. IF the Edge had the kind of GPS that the Quest has then it would be a harder choice. As it is, I bought a Quest and a Cateye Astrale 8 and am happy with both. I use the GPS as much when walking as when biking and it will also be available to use in rental cars or other vehicles. A GPS is much too useful to have tied to only one vehicle IMO.
H
rmac
I don't think the Quest and a Cateye Astrale 8 are comparable to an Edge. The Edge is more of a training tool in that it records location, speed, cadence, HR and other information for later analysis. It can be used for primitive navigation but that is not it's strength. There are other options, like I guess the Quest, for navigation.
regomatic
I agree with rmac.
I bought one too but with HRM only, no cadence. I know most of the routes we ride regularly and was more interested in the training features on the Edge than its nav cababilities. If we ever decide to do more touring we get a might get a different, second GPS mounted in the stoker/navigator cockpit.
There are a couple of group rides that I do regularly on the single or we do occasionaly together on the tandem. The ability to lay your speed and HR across a graph of miles or time is an awesome tool. Comparing one or both on the same route for two different rides is also very useful.
I also like the fact that I can see all of the data fields that are important to me on one screen on one unit. I know you can get a combination HRM / Speedo but they're not that much less $$ and don't do as much as this GPS. You can chose up to 8 data fields that you want to show on the main screen, and arrange them in any order you like. I've been showing speed, Avg Speed, Time from start, Direction and HR. In the Summer I'll do some more hill work on the other side of town and will replace Direction with Grade. A chart that lays out my Speed over my Heart Rate laid out over the Grade along the Miles ridden will demonstate in the most graphic way possible, just exactly how much I suck at bike riding. I can't express in words how much I'm looking forward to seeing that or why I'd pay more than $300 for the privilege, so you'll just have to accept it as one of those strange things that cyclists obsess over. I know a couple of guys who spent a lot more to measure Watts and are still in the dark on how it helps them go faster.
The Edge is different from a regular bike computer and takes some getting used to. I plugged it into the PC after one ride and was a little suprised to see I had a maximum speed of 58 MPH. I'd neglected to hit the stop button at the end of the ride and recorded the drive home with the bike in the back of the truck.
I think the small size of the unit might also be an issue dictating some limitations to the capabilities of the receiver antenna. Some larger units with bigger antennae can consistently get signals even indoors in smaller buildings of light construction. On a Rails to Trails ride a few weeks ago I was getting inaccurate readings intermittently, in some sections that had a lot of heavy over-hanging tree cover.
Bottom line- if you really like your toys, this one is pretty cool, you'll either get one or lust for one. You If you're the minimalist type there's no way this thing will get anywhere near your favorite fixie. Everyone else falls somewhere in between the two and can decide for themselves.
kevinedc
I understand the Garmin 305 has a HR monitor. I am think of putting the GPS in the back for my stoker and continuing to use my flight deck and polar HR monitor for the front. Anyone know if the HR signals will be a problem between the two? We tried to both use our polar HR monitors in the past and found the signals crossed and it was a mess. I am hoping they are on different frequencies and thus no interference. Thanks
Medpilot
I understand the Garmin 305 has a HR monitor. I am think of putting the GPS in the back for my stoker and continuing to use my flight deck and polar HR monitor for the front. Anyone know if the HR signals will be a problem between the two? We tried to both use our polar HR monitors in the past and found the signals crossed and it was a mess. I am hoping they are on different frequencies and thus no interference. Thanks
The Garmin and Polar HR signals are not compatible. In other words, a Polar transmitter will not work with the Garmin unit.
WheresWaldo
I just got an Edge 305 w/cadence for our tandem. I currently use a FlightDeck on both of my ½ bikes and the tandem. There is nothing like it and with the gearing display and virtual cadence it works for our purposes. I also use a Polar HRM so I do not need another HRM although the features the Edge has does make it attractive. We both have Polar HRMs but we use the coded transmitters and never have interference issues. I bought it mainly because my Stoker needed a gadget to play with and it will give her all the info she/we wanted. It will be nice to track routes with the Edge, I use Delorme Topo USA and FastTracks to keep a record of my workouts, I will certainly look at the Garmin Software also.