Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Garmin GPS watches that are good for running and biking

My wife is getting me a fathers day present and she brought up the idea of giving me a GPS watch since I like to track myself when running or riding my bike.

I currently use smart runner app for my smartphone and I have tried other similar apps but it is so frustrating to find out after a ride that the app was not accurate plus your battery has drained.

I am looking at the garmin 305 (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_c) and the garmin 405 (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Wireless-GPS-Enabled-Monitor/dp/B0011UNMIK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1307939456&sr=8-2)

Both with heart rate monitors and I will purchase a cadence monitor with them.

I was wondering if you guys have any experience with these or would you recommend another one for my needs.

Thanks guys!

Those watches are fine for runners, but bicyclists usually prefer the Garmin Edge models that have bigger screens, longer lasting batteries, and barometric altimeters (on most models).

thanks for the reply. Yeah I guess the best for cyclist is a GPS that is solely for bikes, but I am also running. I would like to have something that could do both.

The Garmin Edge 500 is compatible (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/11/garmin-edge-500-in-depth-review.html#scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:917b978a-ec59-47b0-93d9-2688429c2c66) with the 310xt quick release kit. I haven't used the Edge 500, though. My last GPS was a Forerunner 205 (also worked for cycling and running).

I have had the Garmin 305 for a few years now and like it. It does running and biking well, but does not have a big display like the newer ones. I think they are being discontinued and can be had for a good price. It does not have great maps on the bike but all the data transfers over well.

I have had the Garmin 305 for a few years now and like it. It does running and biking well, but does not have a big display like the newer ones. I think they are being discontinued and can be had for a good price. It does not have great maps on the bike but all the data transfers over well.


I care more for the data than the maps actually. seeing how far I have gone keeps me motivated to keep going farther next ride.

thanks!

This thread from March had me thinking:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/718731-HRM-for-both-bicycling-and-cardio-at-the-gym

Coincidentally, I've changed my mind away from Polar, Suunto, etc, and decided on Garmin (even though I haven't bought one yet). I figure that downloading data would only be worthwhile if it actually worked, which, for my Mac, means that Polar is out and Suunto is funky.

My pick right now? Forerunner 405CX; although the 405 will likely suite me just fine, too.

I was actually given the forerunner 305 with HR monitor as a father's day gift. plus a cadence sensor :D

its been great! :D

I was actually given the forerunner 305 with HR monitor as a father's day gift. plus a cadence sensor :D

its been great! :D

You got a great gift there, you should be happy with it for years to come. It's far more comfortable than the other wrist units from garmin too. As I have said before though, if you get a bike mount, don't trust it to keep the 305 on it. Always use another way to keep it on like tape or 0 rings. Mine got run over by a SUV when I hit a rough spot on a road and left the mount and bounced right under the wheels. Not a pretty sight.

i always have the garmin on my wrist. I don't think I will trust any mount on a bike with anything (well, maybe except bottle cages! :))

My wife just got me the Forerunner 410 with HR as an early Christmas present (the iPad 2 was an early birthday present :D). I'll think about getting the speed/cadence sensor later.

Glad to hear these good reports on the Garmin units. I was thinking of getting my wife a 405CX for our anniversary, but from your reviews, I think it will be a definite gift for her.