Road Cycling - Garmin Edge 305..nice.

Well hell, I'm thoroughly impressed. After dealing with months of issues on my CS200 cad, I finally gave up and bought a 305 with HRM and cad.

It's just better.

The HRM strap is more comfortable, the CAD actually works (no 5 second delay), the speed and distance is accurate (no 35...22...0...15..33), and the display is whatever I want, plus a real memory (99 rides versus 7).
Rear wheel sensor is 100% functional and reliable, and no more ridiculous sonic data transfer.

...then all the other data goodies. Now that the prices have dropped, its hard to pick a better computer. Even the battery is rechargeable.

rear wheel sensor? what's that for?

rear wheel sensor is used when there is no gps signal, like indoors when i use the trainer.

ah. that makes sense. one of these days I'm going to pick me up a 305. right now I've been using my Garmin Map76 since I already had it. it's more for marine use but it's small enough and gives me the data I need. well most of it. I really like the 305 though.

rear wheel sensor is used when there is no gps signal, like indoors when i use the trainer.

Yep, works great to output speed, distance, time, HR, kcals, cad, while on a trainer.

Just one tiny, sealed, sensor reads both speed and cadence.

Yep, works great to output speed, distance, time, HR, kcals, cad, while on a trainer.

Just one tiny, sealed, sensor reads both speed and cadence.

Has anyone had any problems with their Edge? They're really cheap on Ebay but I don't think Garmin honors the warranty if purchased on Ebay.

Has anyone had any problems with their Edge? They're really cheap on Ebay but I don't think Garmin honors the warranty if purchased on Ebay.
I bought mine on eBay and Garmin was going to warranty it when I had a loading issue with one of the updates with no questions asked. They didn't want any info other than serial number.

That said other than that loading issue, which I got worked out on my own (there was a bug in one of the older patches), the unit has been flawless. I love it.

Has anyone had any problems with their Edge? They're really cheap on Ebay but I don't think Garmin honors the warranty if purchased on Ebay.
Garmin told me they will not honor ebay auctions, but will honor a "buy it now" sale for a fixed price. Still, I did not take the risk and just bought one from chumbo.com, great price, fast/free shipping. It's been sooooo cold here, however, I have not had a chance to use it outside yet!!!

Has anyone had any problems with their Edge? They're really cheap on Ebay but I don't think Garmin honors the warranty if purchased on Ebay.

I bought mine off eBay, registered for warranty no problem. I didn't save on purchase price, just shipping.

http://sterling-ranch.com/foo/ProductDiffusion01.jpg

Garmin told me they will not honor ebay auctions, but will honor a "buy it now" sale for a fixed price. Still, I did not take the risk and just bought one from chumbo.com, great price, fast/free shipping. It's been sooooo cold here, however, I have not had a chance to use it outside yet!!!

Ebuzz - Thanks for the tip on chumbo.com. Great price - Edge 305hr with shipping included $252.

The edge 205 uses a gps altimeter while the 305 uses a barometric altimeter.
Anybody have feedback on difference/accuracy?


Edge 205:
· Altitude: GPS based
· Elevation profile: yes
· Cadence: no
· Heart rate: no

Edge 305HR:
· Altitude: barometric altimeter
· Elevation profile: yes
· Cadence: yes with purchase of speed/cadence kit
· Heart rate: yes

http://www.chumbo.com/Detail/Mobile_Devices/Outdoor/GPS/Garmin_Edge_305HR/299627.html

-pd

You could also try Geo.Man, I have ordered from him before. His prices are great, fast shipping and he posts here occasionally.

http://www.geomangear.com/

Ebuzz - Thanks for the tip on chumbo.com. Great price - Edge 305hr with shipping included $252.

The edge 205 uses a gps altimeter while the 305 uses a barometric altimeter.
Anybody have feedback on difference/accuracy?
-pd
going by what others have said on here and my personal experience with the Alt readings on my hand held GPS, the barometric altimeter is more accurate.

Hate to say it, but I told you so.

Ebuzz - Thanks for the tip on chumbo.com. Great price - Edge 305hr with shipping included $252.

The edge 205 uses a gps altimeter while the 305 uses a barometric altimeter.
Anybody have feedback on difference/accuracy?


Edge 205:
· Altitude: GPS based
· Elevation profile: yes
· Cadence: no
· Heart rate: no

Edge 305HR:
· Altitude: barometric altimeter
· Elevation profile: yes
· Cadence: yes with purchase of speed/cadence kit
· Heart rate: yes

http://www.chumbo.com/Detail/Mobile_Devices/Outdoor/GPS/Garmin_Edge_305HR/299627.html

-pd

This is wrong. The 305 also uses the GPS signal for altimeter readings. The barometric gauge is for calibration.

Ebuzz - Thanks for the tip on chumbo.com. Great price

My pleasure :beer:

No real problems on my first ride that I can attribute to the unit. However, I evidently did not charge it long enough as it petered out at around mile 90. Also during a couple of long layovers I did not turn the unit off and it counted the time and lowered my ave speed a bunch (it counted approx 3 hours of downtime as moving time). I would use my old computer until you get the hang of the garmin. I am very impressed with it however, especially that I just mounted the unit, the magnet and the sensor and it worked from the get go.

Also it does this:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2062697

No real problems on my first ride that I can attribute to the unit. However, I evidently did not charge it long enough as it petered out at around mile 90. Also during a couple of long layovers I did not turn the unit off and it counted the time and lowered my ave speed a bunch (it counted approx 3 hours of downtime as moving time). I would use my old computer until you get the hang of the garmin. I am very impressed with it however, especially that I just mounted the unit, the magnet and the sensor and it worked from the get go.

Also it does this:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2062697

I don't think your charge time is an issue. A fully battery charge will usually only provide about 9hr of run-time. It didn't peter out at mile 90, it petered out at 9hrs. ;) There are after-market solutions to charge the unit on the road if you need more battery life.
I assume you have found the preferences setting that gets the unit to stop recording when your speed falls below your specified setting? This will keep your ave speed from getting docked for street lights, stop signs, etc.

I just bought a Forerunner 305 for $249 from these guys. They also have the Edge 305 with HR and Cadence for $270 and the Cadence only for $236.

If you dont care about the barometric altitude or a bike only computer, the Forerunner has $50 mail in rebate, resulting in a $199 total. It is even capable of using the cadence unit (sold sep). I run too, so it made sense, but it mounts easily to a bike with the polar bike mount or a piece of pipe insulation.

I'm in love with my 305 with HR - had it for 2 weeks already and still discovering cool new features - especially all the uploaded info you can mull over using Training Center and Motionbased. I also really enjoy mapping out new, undiscovered routes and loading them up to the GPS - hit Navigate and off you go!

Unfortunately mine didn't come with the back wheel sensor, but the speed I get just from the GPS is pretty accurate.

Check out sportracks software. It is a PC based app that is basically the same as motionbased and it is totally free (same as BF - a donation is requested). I have been using for a couple years with my forerunner 201. It has been plugged here before, but one more time for the people in the back....

http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/

http://sterling-ranch.com/foo/ProductDiffusion01.jpg

When the marketing people come to give presentations at our R&D reviews, they always end up showing this to make their presentations "technical". One of my favorite graphics. Love your amendment.

I think there is no better than Garmin Edge!

http://img256.echo.cx/img256/1869/ditto8pi.gif

And the SportsTrack author is working on version 2.0 that will be extendable. Its free too!

I gotta add my support for geoman.com, I bought a 305 budle from them, and their service is great. I love the 305, but have not been able to do any road rides yet, as the Montana winter has been a bit cold and snowy. I have played with the 305 in my car, and on the trainer, and a little walkng about. So far its been flawless.

I've read on BF that the 305 will give navigation instructions. Can someone post a shot of what they look like? Also, can you download a route or do you have to ride it first to get the waypoints set?

Heh...I got mine to ditch my craptastic, look for it in an eBay auction soon, CS200 cad as well. I think just the before and after of going from that POS makes the Edge look like perfection. But yeah, I am liking mine a lot too. :)

[vague attempt at humor]

I never buy something like this when it's introduced, it was overpriced and had software bugs. Now, its reasonable and reliable. Thank god for the 'innovators' who overpaid and worked out all the bugs.


for the last question, you can either trace paths from a ride, or download paths. See Garmin site for pics.

The altimeter is more accurate than the one in my Nike Lance watch.

I had the first few charges not last long, but after three charge cycles, it's lasting over 8 hours. Some Li ion batteries behave like this.

Tip: if you're installing for the first time, don't use the CD, download the latest software from Garmin.

You can also lay out your own routes using MapSource. Old versions can be had for cheap off of Ebay. I havent carried in a cue sheet in 6 months. If my Edge broke, Id be on the phone buying another one. I dont think I could ever go back to having to follow a cue sheet.

[I am thin-skinned and easily insulted]

Contact patentcad...he still has the boob.

This is wrong. The 305 also uses the GPS signal for altimeter readings. The barometric gauge is for calibration.

I agree. This was the first time I had seen info that the 305 uses a barometric altimeter.

Thanks
-pd

Contact patentcad...he still has the boob.

Wtf is up with Texans on BF? You can at least try an act like you don't come the one of the fattest, poorest, most violent and poorly educated state. It generates negative stereotypes.

Either contribute something useful, or
http://static.flickr.com/51/131083714_7d796af454_m.jpg

This is wrong. The 305 also uses the GPS signal for altimeter readings. The barometric gauge is for calibration.

I don't believe this is true. Why use an "accurate" barometric reading for calibration and then only record the less accurate (http://gpsinformation.net/main/altitude.htm) GPS altitude from that point on? My understanding is that the barometric elevation is in use throughout the ride, which is why you will see elevation shifts when the weather changes.

I don't believe this is true. Why use an "accurate" barometric reading for calibration and then only record the less accurate (http://gpsinformation.net/main/altitude.htm) GPS altitude from that point on? My understanding is that the barometric elevation is in use throughout the ride, which is why you will see elevation shifts when the weather changes.
It uses GPS to correct the barometric altimeter for accuracy. Word is that GPS is used to calibrate (nudge) the barometric readings every 15 minutes.

I've read on BF that the 305 will give navigation instructions. Can someone post a shot of what they look like? Also, can you download a route or do you have to ride it first to get the waypoints set?

The navigation instructions appear in 2 ways - a compass that shows you what direction you should be going according to the route you've uploaded and a "line" map. I was a bit dubious of this sort of navigation at first as it doesn't look like a car GPS with all the road names shown and a 3D profile. But its beauty is in its simplicity.

You can create a route using a web based mapping site and export the route to your Edge as a GPX file. The best site for me is www.walkjogrun.co.uk and I think it also covers the states, though there are other sites that look better and do cool things, but this site pumps out GPX files which is what you need in the Edge.

You can also take a ride and just let the Garmin plot your course. After your ride you can use Garmin Training Center or the web based Motionbased to analyze your ride. You can then take this ride and convert it into a route that you can navigate afterwards or indeed share with someone else with an Edge.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/391542686_bebadcdf44_o.jpg


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/391542685_443fde0eea_o.jpg

Well hell, I'm thoroughly impressed. After dealing with months of issues on my CS200 cad, I finally gave up and bought a 305 with HRM and cad.

I love riding with my 305 while my buddy uses his CAD200. Constantly all I hear is beep beep beep beep beep beep while his computer cycles from pause to unpause over and over and over again.

i love my edge, but previously had the CS200CAD and experience no issues at all. good thing about that unit was i never had to worry about the battery running out on a ride. later.

i love my edge, but previously had the CS200CAD and experience no issues at all. .

Could be the powerlines around here but my Polar constantly would pause un-pause just as my friends Polar does.

My Polar would lose signal when cars passed me or when I went over about 35MPH. I was glad to get rid of it.

We sell some units on eBay and everything works out just fine. Garmin warrants these sales. The thing they say is "buyer beware". If there are parts missing on auction sales they won't replace them. Other than that, new units carry a one-year Garmin warranty.

You can avoid the eBay issue if you buy from a reputable website directly... ;)

BTW, thanks for your support. We sincerely appreciate it.

bought mine off ebay. had problems with the HRM strap on arrival, garmin sent a new one overnight, no questions asked.

Garmin Edge 305..nice.

glad to see you got one. how sweet it is.

My girlfriend is starting to do some more serious training, so she's inheriting my CS200cad (which I was perfectly happy with, no problems BTW) - my Edge 305 arrives tomorrow. I'm stoked :D

My only (minor) concern would be remembering to charge it everyday, or finding a way to charge it on multi-day events where I might be camping out at night. Not a big deal, I'm such a big data nerd I can't wait to get my hands on this thing.

My girlfriend is starting to do some more serious training, so she's inheriting my CS200cad (which I was perfectly happy with, no problems BTW) - my Edge 305 arrives tomorrow. I'm stoked :D

My only (minor) concern would be remembering to charge it everyday, or finding a way to charge it on multi-day events where I might be camping out at night. Not a big deal, I'm such a big data nerd I can't wait to get my hands on this thing.
Carry an Ipod/MP3 player external battery, something that uses 4 AA's, it will charge the Edge on those multi-day trips and you wont need to find AC power.

Just got an Edge 305 as well. Played with it in the car today. Absolutely fantastic. I will install it on the bike tomorrow.
I am also testing a great piece of software for Mac users that imports Edge data: Ascent from Montebello software. I highly recommend it.
http://www.montebellosoftware.com/index.html

My girlfriend is starting to do some more serious training, so she's inheriting my CS200cad (which I was perfectly happy with, no problems BTW) - my Edge 305 arrives tomorrow. I'm stoked :D

My only (minor) concern would be remembering to charge it everyday, or finding a way to charge it on multi-day events where I might be camping out at night. Not a big deal, I'm such a big data nerd I can't wait to get my hands on this thing.
and for remembering to charge it, when you upload the data after each ride, just leave it plugged into the USB...that charges it. which also means that if you have a way to bring a laptop on the multi day trips (have a support car?) that will do it also. if not use waldo's idea.

Does anyone know if the American based 305 could be used in Australia?

They are still $489 here and looks like I can get one for $237USD. At 80c exchange rate plus delivery still much cheaper. Any help would be great, cheers.

Does anyone know if the American based 305 could be used in Australia?

They are still $489 here and looks like I can get one for $237USD. At 80c exchange rate plus delivery still much cheaper. Any help would be great, cheers.
There is no base map so as long as you can see the GPS satellites you are good to go.

Never mind, just read for domestic US Market only.

Never mind, just read for domestic US Market only.
There are generally two issues with GPS receivers used out of market. One is the base map. In general US market GPS do not have any map coverage outside of North America. The second like it is warranty, you will have to send it back to the US for warranty issues. The second one cannot be changed, but the first is not really a problem with the Edge. As I said above the Edge is not a navigation device and has no base map, nor does it have the ability to add one. All it can do is record where you are and some of what you were doing at the time. It doesn't really care what part of the world you were doing it in. It is simply a GPS data-logger. Even the Time settings on the US version allows you to set the time zone to one of several Australian cities.

There is one other issue, the charger that come packaged with it is set up for US two prong plugs. Good thing is that it will accept 100-240 VAC input, so a plug adapter may be all that is needed to get it to work.