surfengine

so I went to one of my LBS to check out bike computers and such and the guy was so clueless he was looking at the internet to find stuff out.

I'll probably check REI later this week, but they may not know enough about bike specific items.

so here are the items I would like to be able to do:

• current speed, altitude and distance
• current heart rate and cadence
• stores my route so I can analyze it on my pc and upload to a website to share with my freinds (like trailguru)
• current RPM

I'm a data freak, so the more data the better.

just assume that price doesnt matter (thats not true but just for the sake of this thread I want to learn the best features).
I also dont care if its a wristwatch type or one that mounts to my bike.

GTALuigi

i use my cellphone for that
WM6.1

Falchoon

Polar 600 or Garmin 705

socalrider

If you do not need GPS features the Garmin 305 would fit your specs..

surfengine

what cellphone tracks cadence and rpm?

surfengine

in order to post tracks to the web and review the route and data later, then I would need GPS.

Nestor

Probably Garmin 705

surfengine

the problem with the 705 is that you are paying extra for garmin's vehical navigation system, which is something that I don't need.
I dont need a map showing me the road...just the data.

DennyV

Then a garmin 305 Seems like your best bet. I bought a referb with all the accessories off ebay a couple months back for under $150, and really like it. A very cool toy and darn if it isn't useful too.
Denny

socalrider

The 305 allows you to upload your rides and see a lot of data, everything on your list..

surfengine

How does the 305 show cadence? I didnt notice it on any of the screenshots I saw.

socalrider

There is a model that comes with a cadence option.. When you install the cadence option you just have to make it one of your data options to see in real time.. This info is also downloaded to the Garmin motionbased website to give relevant cadence data..

You can also buy the cadence option after the fact, they are around 40-45.00

https://cgi.ebay.com/Garmin-Edge-305-...lenotsupported

kabersch

This doesn't make sense. The Garmin 305 has GPS. It just doesn't show a map while you are riding. It gathers all the data asked for and you can upload to your PC and/or the web (where your track is shown on a map). I really like my Garmin 305. You can buy the 305 with both a heart rate monitor and cadence included.

The 705 will also give you a color display, the map while riding and an interface to a power meter (sold separately) as well as everything the 305 has. I don't have one, so it may give you more. Others who own one can tell you.

surfengine

im really leaning towards the 305 (based on all your comments), but 1 thing is kinda holding me back.
On the garmin website it lists: Heart rate-based calorie computation: NO

so that means it just puts up some random number just as if I put my distance and time into a website?
I was hoping for something more accurate based on my physical activity levels.

socalrider

Not sure what it uses for calorie computation but it runs a little on the high side, about 10% over what my Suunto or Polar HR's for similar workouts..

There is a BF member: GEOMAN that sells lots of gps based computers.. PM for more info.. Here is his website

https://www.geomangear.com/index.php?...dex&cPath=1_28

leamcorp

Please forgive me as i'm posting this from my memory and product that is not based on 305/705 but on a forerunner (one with bike feature though). So it might not apply but you should see if this is still true.

The Garmin I've tried didn't calculate the calories based on heart rate but from average derived from your speed/cadence? Fortunately I bought 3 different products (garming, polar f6 and timex) and garmin was way off on calorie count. There' were other features that I found wanting but can't think what it was right now.

One thing that really bothered me about the model I've tried was that if I stop and got off the bike, the calculation stopped also. So you had to keep the bike moving/pedaling to keep the HRM active. I thought this was highly limiting as you still burn calories even when you stop. I also wanted to use this in gym, so it went back to the store. I kept the polar and timex though as both are pretty good.

Again, 305/705 might be different but do check to see if they use similar method.

GTALuigi

the gps is what is really doing all the work, the rest is just the software you pick
in my case i use cyclo computer and GPS meter, also TomTom maps, and Google maps

if you input the data in the veloroutes.org or gmap-pedometer.com it'll give you everything else.

surfengine

you are probably correct becuase on the garmin website the only product (that I could find) that did use heart rate calculated was the 300xt.

I know if I buy the 305 that will drive me crazy. Seems like it has every feature that I want but I really want to know about the calories I am burning.

diesel01

the 305 does calculate calories. as others have stated it tends to run a little high

surfengine

any reason to NOT buy the refurb edge 305?
It's $100 cheaper and available on amazon so I can also return to them if there is a problem.

socalrider

I've had a couple friends buy refurb units and they work fine.. Only expect about 10 hours of battery life with the 305 for longer rides..

surfengine

10 hours is fine for me. longest ride has been 4 hours so far.
the battery is rechargable right?

either way...it will arrive tomorrow!!

socalrider

yes rechargeable with ac adapter or just plug into usb port, which is what I normally do to charge..

surfengine

so i received the edge 305 last thursday and used it every ride since.
does everything I was wanting it to do.

I am hoping the calories are accurate since it said I burned 2300 on an hour and forty minute ride and about 1200 on an hour ride.

thanks for everyones recommendations.

BWI-Sheldon

As others stated, the calorie count is way high. I compared it to my Polar F6 and studies based on what it should be for my age/weight/HR.
Who really cares about the calorie count? Hungry? Eat! Gaining weight? Stop! It's the HR training and the GPS functions I want.