GeoMan

Of the 660+ Garmin Edge Bundles (heart rate + cadence/speed sensor) we've sold in the last several months, we've dealt with installation or operational problems on fewer than 10 of them. I can't say that there has been a single problem that stands out but we have been extremely pleased with Garmin's QC. I can say that a few people have struggled with getting their cadence sensors paired with the 305 but that might be nothing more than them dealing with a new concept. We've never been asked for a return and refund from a dissatisfied customer.

I've personally ridden with my own unit for well over 1,000 mountain trail miles and it has never failed me. I sometimes ride in tandem with a 60CSx on my handlebar (see pic) and it suffered "battery bounce" on two occasions (rocky, rough, steep, fast downhill). Battery bounce is when severe shaking causes the battery connection to fail which turns off the unit. The handheld 60CSx uses AA batteries (more mass to throw around inside) and is far more expensive than the Edge (retail $530) so I thought performance (i.e. satellite tracking or accuracy) might be more precise. I can't discern a difference between the two when comparing their output side by side.

I used a Polar prior to Garmin's release of the Edge. I've never looked back. GPS enhanced training is where it's at, IMHO.

Kenal0

What is the other GPS you are using on the handlbars?
I recently purchased an etrex legend that I use on rides when I am in unfamiliar territory.
I used it last week on a 75 mile organized ride. It worked great in conjunction with the cue sheet.
I was very pleased.
Kenal0

GeoMan

KenalO,

That is a Garmin 60CSx. It uses the SiRF III chipset too (like the Edge). I run it loaded with my topos.

I'm sure the eTrex Legend is a fine unit. I used to have a Vista.

Enjoy!

stonecrd

GeoMan,

I think that is because most people go directly to Garmin. Many of the initial units had problems especially with the barometric altimeter. I had to return mine for replacement. There has also been a number of firmware issues including lockups, poor calorie algorithm, virtual rider issues etc. Most of these have been resolved with the 3-4 firmware updates that have been released, so again you would not hear of the problems. For a good discussions on either forerunner or edge go to the MotionBased forums.

Now I have had my unit since Feb and I would certainly buy it again. I have over 70 rides recorded and other than the ability to monitor power output the unit is a winner for me.

GeoMan

stonecrd,

You are probably right.

We do, however, maintain a high level of communication with all of our customers and spend lots of time discussing their pre and post-purchase questions in detail with them. That might be a reason why we have a higher success rate.

I'm still running the original firmware and have never had a problem with anything (I'm on a Mac). Lucky me!

Helifan

stonecrd, Geo.Man

I am really interested in purchasing the 305 but have been put off with the earlier postings revealing the problems people were having with them espessially with the barometer. Your posts has now given me the courage to finally place my order but one thing still niggles me - what if I am sold one of the orignal units that had the barometric problems, etc. Unfortnatly here in South Africa we probally dont have the same kind of sales turnovers as you do in the States or Europe and therefore the chances of me landing with 'old stock' could be quiet real. Can i check by the serial numbers to see whether I have the latest unit? if so what are they?

Thanks
Helifan.

GeoMan

Helifan,

I expect most issues have been corrected by firmware upgrades versus hardware ones.

It's been awhile since we've heard anything pertaining to the altimeter (barometer) so I suspect that inventory is long gone and corrected.

If you buy from a reputable seller, you will not have any problems.

stonecrd

Helifan,

I would expect that is this was as I suspect a bad subpart in the original mfg run, Garmin should have recalled any of the units at distributors for replacement. I can't confirm that to be the case though. Garmins support is good in the US, I have heard other reports from overseas that were not as positive. If you are really concerned, I do suggest you post in the MotionBased Edge forum, there are many overseas users who hang out in that forum. Or you may just want to post a question here in a new topic. This thread has been around awhile and I don't know how many people pay attention to it anymore.

Pro

I have been using the Garmin Edge for about 3 months nows, not the same unit though. I am now on my fourth Garmin Edge 305. It has really pissed me off that I basically had the same problem with every single one of them: The Barometric Altimeter. All the units that I have tried have frozen up on the barometric altimeter screen and no longer give proper grade %. It has been a long road of problems with Garmin but it's a good thing the store I bought it from are very supportive. I was going to cancel my last attempt on the 305 but then the Cadence sensor came in and I said to myself "one more time." So I'm now on my fourth unit and I really hope it works out okay. The first unit I bought worked really nice for about two weeks and then it began freezing. The second unit didn't work well right off the bat and once again, the altimeter was freezing up. The 3rd unit also didn't work well when I got it either. It had battery issues, bad satellite reception and of course, the altimeter didn't feel like working. Thanks Garmin =p I honestly think they sent all the faulty models to Toronto, Ontario. I just got my newer unit the other day and so far it is working well. I really like the Edge 305. It's such a neat training tool and has many features to take advantage of. All it's gotta do is *&%*in work!! When the Edge 305 works well, it's a dream and pleasure to own one.

Helifan

Hey guys thanks for the feedback.

Ordering my Edge and will let you know how I get on.

Helifan

40-Dan

I am SO on the "edge" about whether to get one of these.

Part of me (the gadget part) can't stand not having it.

The other part of me (the part that has to explain the checking account balance to the wife) can't do it just yet.

Is it the ESSENTIAL training tool that I can sell her on? Some one help me out, please!!!!

Dan

johnny99

There will probably be an upgraded or new model in a year or two making the current version obsolete. Buy it if you can use most of the features now. If you're not using most of the features, you can probably find something much cheaper that will work for you. The Edge is very expensive if all you need is speed and HR.

Helifan

Hi again,

Can someone post a picture of how the Cadence unit gets attached to a mountain bike. Also is it advisable to have the cadence unit attached when doing off road riding - ie. how robust is it.

thanks
Helifan

GeoMan

This is a pic of my cadence sensor (and a few others). In it you can see the speed sensor magnet attached to a spoke and you can see the cadence sensor magnet attached to the crank.

I only ride mountain trails and it has been sitting there perfectly on some very tough technical rides since February. You can see that I've not been very careful with it and it just keeps sending signals.

Enjoy!

Helifan

Geo,

Thanks for the pics. I didnt realise that the cadence and speed sensor was one in the same unit with two magnetic pickups respectfully - wow really neat.

Thanks again
Helifan

GeoMan

Helifan,

I agree, it is neat. I can't really believe how tough it is too.

Johnny_Racer

What are some of the better units that are cheaper than the Edge providing just some of the more basic funtions such as speed and HR mentioned here?

johnny99

You can get a basic bike speedometer for around $20 and a basic HRM for around $50, if those are the only functions you need. The batteries on those the basic units will last for a couple of years with no hassles, unlike the Garmin battery that needs to be recharged every 10 hours (or less).

shoerhino

The Blackburn Delphi computers look like they provide quite a bit of functionality. It seemed like the high end model was $100 and did all the major features except GPS and it was not wireless. You may want to look into those. Polar also makes a computer that is about half as much and has almost as all the features of the Edge

That said, I have an Edge and really like it. Mine never developed an elevation problem until a few days ago which seemed to coincide with my upgrade to the 2.7 firmware. Not sure what to do about that..

CraigOn2Whls

Well..

Thanks to all the stuff I read here and much back and forth with the Polar 725X...

I ORDERED my Edge 305 today... I should have it by the end of the week.. I CAN"T WAIT..

GeoMan.. thanks for those battery plans again, they will come in handy.

-Craig

GeoMan

Craig, that's terrific! I bet you're going to love it.

No problem on the plans, glad to help anytime.

hammond9705

I have a Forerunner 301 and really like it. It syncs easily with the PC. When I come back from a ride you connect it to the PC and in less then a minute you have a map of the route as well as detailed info like elevation profile, speed, distance, and detailed heart rate info. Polar makes a great HRM (I have 3 of them) but I don't think they have a good PC interface. With the 301 I can see things like max hr, as well as time spent in each HR zone, and it is all saved easily in the PC. I can also see heart rate compared to the elevation profile along the route. Nothing you have to have, but it's fun too look at if you like that sort of thing.

I also had a problem where the HR just quit working after 6 months. I talked to Garmin and they sent me a new belt right away. That didn't fix the problem, and I had to return the entire unit to them. They sent me a replacement, and I had the unit back in 11 days including shipping. Summary, it did break, but they were very good with the service.

Bob

stonecrd

I think the big advantage the edge gives is combining the geo information with the stats. You can get cheaper units that will give you the same instantaneous info or the same average or max info but they can't track these values against specific geographic segments in your workout. For me I like to look at 1mi splits and see cadence/HR/Speed avaerages or compare course areas and performance over time. If you want to do that you need this type of device.

Helifan

Purchased the Edge 2 days ago and so far AWSOME!!!! - thanks Geo for the heads-up.

I have been familiarising myself with the features and have already created a number of history files. This morning I recorded my first track that I have transferd to my PC and a viewed using the Training Centre sofware - Wow really impressive and so accurate. I have 'saved' the track as a course and will ride it again tommorow using the training partner option - should be quiet a gas.

I have one query though - how do I individually delete the many track history files in the unit that I initially created without deleting tracks that I would rather keep? I have deleted the unwated tracks from the history menu on TC but they are being replaced every time I upload data from the unit.

Thanks
Chris.

sfrider 

Does Garmin provide Mac software yet?