Southern California - Best Bike Computer for Double Centuries?

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.

Is an extra battery an option?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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.

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

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

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

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

pretty good price, thanks

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

Jim

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.

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'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....

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

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

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

I think she read the manual instead! ;)

I think she read the manual instead! ;)

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

I think she read the manual instead! ;)

Nah. That can't be it.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

: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 ... :)