Best Bike Computer for Double Centuries?

[JoshTalley]

I love my Garmin, but I hate it that it craps out after 10 hours in the midst of double centuries such as last weekends Eastern Sierra Double. Is there some sort of fix for this? I imagine not. I'm riding the Terrible Two next weekend, and I want a more reliable computer. So can anyone suggest favorite cycling computer alternatives to the short-lived Garmin? The VDO 1.0 seems like a good alternative. Any other suggestions? Or comments? Thanks.

[VanceMac]

Is an extra battery an option?

[blue_nose]

There is always the option of finishing in under 10 hours so your Garmin will be fine :D

In all seriousness, do a search on BF or the Motion Based forum. Lots of info out there about getting an external battery that can give you as mush as 16-20 hrs of use.

[Seamus]

I read somewhere (perhaps on this forum) about external battery packs that come with several different connectors (including the mini-usb used by the Edge. You could stick one of these in a Bento box behind the stem, running the wire to the Edge. Not the most elegant solution, but would get you the additional hours you need.

Jim

[jpconrad]

I love my Garmin, but I hate it that it craps out after 10 hours in the midst of double centuries such as last weekends Eastern Sierra Double. Is there some sort of fix for this? I imagine not. I'm riding the Terrible Two next weekend, and I want a more reliable computer. So can anyone suggest favorite cycling computer alternatives to the short-lived Garmin? The VDO 1.0 seems like a good alternative. Any other suggestions? Or comments? Thanks.

Buy one of these, plug it into your Garmin when it's about out of juice, it'll then re-charge as you ride along.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_4/601-5371338-0440925?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000IOKLZM

[jpconrad]

I've used the above for the Solvang, Central Coast, and Eastern Sierra Doubles and it worked great.

[JoshTalley]

It's rechargeable, so it doesn't even open. No place to put a replacement battery.

[DaveSANYYZ]

You plug the battery charger thing into the mini-USB port of the Garmin; as if charging from a wall socket/computer. :)

[JoshTalley]

Thanks. I'll do it. Anyone use the VDO 1.0? If so, how do you like it?

[PlanetU]

I really love my VDO MC1.0+.
:-)

[Minemee]

Same thing happened to me at Davis! You'd have thought Garmin would have had a solution for this. A lot of cyclists ride Doubles.

[Extort]

Buy one of these, plug it into your Garmin when it's about out of juice, it'll then re-charge as you ride along.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_4/601-5371338-0440925?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000IOKLZM

The only thing that I dislike about this is the short cable that connects the two devices. I am positive that I can pick up a better cable at Radio Shack, that way I can stash the charger in my bento box...

[jpconrad]

The only thing that I dislike about this is the short cable that connects the two devices. I am positive that I can pick up a better cable at Radio Shack, that way I can stash the charger in my bento box...

I just throw the Garmin in the Bento Box, as well.

[Extort]

I just throw the Garmin in the Bento Box, as well.
now that is a perfect solution! Thanks!

[Scootcore]

the energizer thing and a bento box is the way to go if you rock the garmin....zero issues here...

[jsigone]

anyone know the cheapest place to get the 205? I don't REALLY need another HRM....

[mtblurkr]

anyone know the cheapest place to get the 205? I don't REALLY need another HRM....
Some people here bought theirs from Geomangear

http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=23

[jsigone]

pretty good price, thanks

[Seamus]

I got the 305 package (HR + Cadence) for $270 from pcnation.com.

Jim

[DaveSANYYZ]

Unrelated to Garmin, but if you're going for a data logging device, remember to look for one with sufficient storage too. Mine lasts only 7 hrs at 1s intervals and I need to bump it up to record every 2s to get 14 hrs.

[merider1]

I've finally decided I like the Garmin. It does overestimate, but now that I "get it" and can operate it, I think it's great and works well.

[Scootcore]

I've finally decided I like the Garmin. It does overestimate, but now that I "get it" and can operate it, I think it's great and works well.


and the angels sang....

[merider1]

and the angels sang....
:p :p :p Whateva. :D

[thomson]

I've finally decided I like the Garmin. It does overestimate, but now that I "get it" and can operate it, I think it's great and works well.


I thought you threw that thing away eons ago. :D

[jpconrad]

I thought you threw that thing away eons ago. :D

I think she read the manual instead! ;)

[thomson]

I think she read the manual instead! ;)

Wow, I am amazed. Well, NOW what are we going to talk about during the SB rides???

[Indolent58]

I think she read the manual instead! ;)

Nah. That can't be it.

[VanceMac]

More like... you guys fell for the "golly, can one of y'all big strong (single) boys help me understand this e-lectronical contraption?" :p

[thomson]

More like... you guys fell for the "golly, can one of y'all big strong (single) boys help me understand this e-lectronical contraption?" :p

You are probably right.

[socalrider]

The best external power source I found is the APC Mobile Power Pack.. There has been some serious discussion on the garmin site that the energizer battery pack exceeds the specs of the Garmin and even a few people who have had problems with them.. The apc would easily give you many days of use.. I bought mine at Circuit city.. It can easily fit in a bento box or you could use a topeak phone pack and run the cable to your Garmin, this is what I do.. +1 on Radio chack for a shorter mini usb cable.. You need just 12 inches of cable.. The power pack is about the size of a razor phone, just a little wider..

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/APC-Mobile-Power-Pack-UPB10/sem/rpsm/oid/164356/catOid/-13011/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[ronjon10]

I use this battery extender from APC

http://www.techdepot.com/product.asp?productid=5510809&affid=10000485

The thing is tiny, and uses 4 rechargeable AAA batteries which puts it right at 5V. Lasts longer than I'd ever last on a bike.

[zymans]

I love my Garmin, but I hate it that it craps out after 10 hours in the midst of double centuries such as last weekends Eastern Sierra Double. Is there some sort of fix for this? I imagine not. I'm riding the Terrible Two next weekend, and I want a more reliable computer. So can anyone suggest favorite cycling computer alternatives to the short-lived Garmin? The VDO 1.0 seems like a good alternative. Any other suggestions? Or comments? Thanks.
I use the Tekkeon and works great!
http://store.tekkeon.com/productdetails.php?sid=14668be887a121&product_id_int=157

[merider1]

More like... you guys fell for the "golly, can one of y'all big strong (single) boys help me understand this e-lectronical contraption?" :p
:rolleyes:

Look it, I have to use what I've got left these days to sucker men into taking care of stuff. It worked for awhile, anyway...:p

[umd]

anyone know the cheapest place to get the 205? I don't REALLY need another HRM....

You are much better off getting the 305. You can buy it without the HR option.

[spingineer]

:rolleyes:

Look it, I have to use what I've got left these days to sucker men into taking care of stuff. It worked for awhile, anyway...:p
That's what women do ... :)