Garmin 305 stinks
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Garmin 305 stinks
Best Buy has a few left for $55. I noticed that when I took my second one back. I was getting so frustrated with it, I said to myself it's not worth it.
Every time I tried to upload my rides I had to go through unplugging it 3 or 4 times. Soft reset, hard reset, reinstalling it on my computer and having it work for, maybe a week. Yes I took all the updates and it didn't change anything. I charged the battery after every ride, if it's 1 hour or 4. Today I jumped on my bike and I got a reading, that my battery was just about dead. I charged it the night before. I wouldn't own another one if I got it for nothing.
Anyhow, I'm going back to using my heart rate monitor and Cat eye computer. I know some of you really like them and swear by them, but I got tired swearing at mine. Good luck with yours.
Every time I tried to upload my rides I had to go through unplugging it 3 or 4 times. Soft reset, hard reset, reinstalling it on my computer and having it work for, maybe a week. Yes I took all the updates and it didn't change anything. I charged the battery after every ride, if it's 1 hour or 4. Today I jumped on my bike and I got a reading, that my battery was just about dead. I charged it the night before. I wouldn't own another one if I got it for nothing.
Anyhow, I'm going back to using my heart rate monitor and Cat eye computer. I know some of you really like them and swear by them, but I got tired swearing at mine. Good luck with yours.
__________________
George
George
#3
Dan J
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Iron Mountain, MI
Posts: 1,244
Bikes: 1974 Stella 10 speed, 2006 Trek Pilot 1.2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've got about 8000 miles on mine. A few occasional glitches, but no real problems.
#4
Old & Getting Older Racer
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,343
Bikes: Bicycle Transportation: 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
5 Posts
Hi,
I guess this is one of those YMMV stories. I used mine for about 2-1/2 years (Feb 2006 to Oct 2008) with very few problems. It did fall victim to the circuit board contact issue but I got a tremendous amount of use out of it and it was a very valuable training tool.
I now own an Edge 705 and an Edge 500 and both work very well. Most of the few problems that I've had were operator induced.
I guess this is one of those YMMV stories. I used mine for about 2-1/2 years (Feb 2006 to Oct 2008) with very few problems. It did fall victim to the circuit board contact issue but I got a tremendous amount of use out of it and it was a very valuable training tool.
I now own an Edge 705 and an Edge 500 and both work very well. Most of the few problems that I've had were operator induced.
__________________
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Space Coast, Florida
Posts: 2,465
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The 305 has some design trouble, especially the turning-off-when-going-over-bumps problem that Cleave addresses. The 500 is far better made.
#6
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
I guess you are talking about the Edge 305. My Forerunner 305 has been pretty reliable other than the altimeter being completely useless. The correction on the Garmin Connect site seems to be pretty good, though. I have had a couple of rides where the tracking mysteriously stopped during the ride, but I'm not sure it wasn't operator error.
#7
Version 7.0
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 13,127
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 297 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1340 Post(s)
Liked 2,482 Times
in
1,457 Posts
My 705 works great and fell off my track bike at 25 mph and hit the cement (my fault). It survived and works great. YMMV.
As I recall, some of the very early Garmin had problems. Maybe that is why they are $55.
As I recall, some of the very early Garmin had problems. Maybe that is why they are $55.
#8
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
There is a fella in Ca that for a pretty small fee will fix the contact issue on the Garmin 305 and will also install a battery with a much longer life for another small fee. It sounds like the OP's might be a different issue but for anyone else I can probably get his contact information if it's needed. He fixed a friend of mine's 305.
I have both the 305 and 705 and very happy with both-although I stopped uploading rides a couple years ago!
I have both the 305 and 705 and very happy with both-although I stopped uploading rides a couple years ago!
__________________
Ride your Ride!!
Ride your Ride!!
#9
Council of the Elders
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 3,759
Bikes: 1990 Schwinn Crosscut, 5 Lemonds
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
I've been using an Edge 500 for a few months and am very happy with it. My only beef is that it can only be moved between three bikes.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 830
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They sold for about $350 when they first came out. That $55 unit was probably manufactured 4 years ago. The battery is gone. You'll have to send it to Garmine and get a new battery put in. Sometimes even a $300 discount is not a good deal. On the other hand if it's "new", that is you've purchased it recently, they might give you a good price for the battery job. Even if they don't, it will still be a good buy compared to having bought it at my price which was around $250 I think for the wrist version.
I've heard that they charge under a $100 fr a battery/refurb. You likely don't need a refurb.
It's a great unit. Never fails, good manual and the automatic data dump of charts and graphics to the PC is first class.
I have had great luck for a number of years. It's a good idea to do a little research with Google before buying stuff.
Al
I've heard that they charge under a $100 fr a battery/refurb. You likely don't need a refurb.
It's a great unit. Never fails, good manual and the automatic data dump of charts and graphics to the PC is first class.
I have had great luck for a number of years. It's a good idea to do a little research with Google before buying stuff.
Al
Last edited by alcanoe; 05-07-11 at 07:07 AM.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I agree that's it's a nice gadget, when it works. When I try to upload my ride, it freezes at different points in the upload. I don't know how I could fix this, other than unplugging the unit. If anybody can tell me, please tell me and I'll go back to the store and get. It's the Garmin 305 forerunner. The first one I had was freezing up all the time. I called Garmin and they said they had a bad batch that came out in August. That's when I took it back and got a newer model. It worked great for about 2 weeks and the freezing up started again.When I tried using it yesterday it indicated that the battery needed charging. I just charged it the night before. The screen said it was completely charged. The unit with the battery issue is a month old. I was over on the Garmin forum and it seems like a lot of people are having the same problems. If anybody can give me some hints on how to rectify these issues, I'm all ears. Thanks.
__________________
George
George
Last edited by George; 05-07-11 at 08:45 AM.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
There is a fella in Ca that for a pretty small fee will fix the contact issue on the Garmin 305 and will also install a battery with a much longer life for another small fee. It sounds like the OP's might be a different issue but for anyone else I can probably get his contact information if it's needed. He fixed a friend of mine's 305.
I have both the 305 and 705 and very happy with both-although I stopped uploading rides a couple years ago!
I have both the 305 and 705 and very happy with both-although I stopped uploading rides a couple years ago!
__________________
George
George
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 830
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can't believe they are still making new ones nor that new ones would sell for $55.00. They would be deliberately undercutting sales of their newer replacement units like the 405. I've indicated on this site before that I distrust Garmin and found their tech support folks ignorant and misleading if not out right dishonest.
The warrenty is like for a year or two. Send it back ad get Garmin to fix it free.
Al
The warrenty is like for a year or two. Send it back ad get Garmin to fix it free.
Al
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
When I spoke to a Garmin rep, they said they would send me a refurbished one. I told him that the unit is only a month old and I wanted a new one. He said they couldn't do that. I really think I'm going to go with the regular Polar, or Timex HRM and my Cat eye.
__________________
George
George
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tonawanda, N.Y. 14150 " Gateway to the Erie Canal"
Posts: 120
Bikes: 2008 Fuji Obey Track Bike,Fuji SL1 RC Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is a fella in Ca that for a pretty small fee will fix the contact issue on the Garmin 305 and will also install a battery with a much longer life for another small fee. It sounds like the OP's might be a different issue but for anyone else I can probably get his contact information if it's needed. He fixed a friend of mine's 305.
I have both the 305 and 705 and very happy with both-although I stopped uploading rides a couple years ago!
I have both the 305 and 705 and very happy with both-although I stopped uploading rides a couple years ago!
I have replaced my battery and used the advise here about the contacts issue and everything works great.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 830
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a hard drive fail on one of my early Dells. They sent me a refurb. I didn't like that, but it ran for many years until I junked the computer. Many warranties these days only provide for refurbed parts.
Al
Last edited by alcanoe; 05-07-11 at 10:02 AM.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 1,501
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#20
gone ride'n
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 4,050
Bikes: Simoncini, Gary Fisher, Specialized Tarmac
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
George,
I have an old forerunner unit, no HRM but gives me stats on the ride. Since it tracks the course I can load the data into my computer and get the elevations and speeds over the course that way. However like jppe I have not uploaded since Last Sept. I pretty much know how I am doing since I have ridden these same routes year after year. Since I don't have any other instruments on my Tarmac I still use it all the time.
Hope that at least helps in some of your usage questions.
I have an old forerunner unit, no HRM but gives me stats on the ride. Since it tracks the course I can load the data into my computer and get the elevations and speeds over the course that way. However like jppe I have not uploaded since Last Sept. I pretty much know how I am doing since I have ridden these same routes year after year. Since I don't have any other instruments on my Tarmac I still use it all the time.
Hope that at least helps in some of your usage questions.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I just got back from Best Buy and they are out of the 305s now. They have one in another store for $75 so I ordered it. I wont see it for 2 weeks they said. Good service huh. Anyhow maybe I'll get Lucky with this one that's coming. If not, maybe I'll do as Al said and just send it to Garmin and have them change out the chip. I was told that Best Buy doe's not sell refurbished anything.
__________________
George
George
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
George, I had the exact same issues! When you get it completely resolved, please post the resolution. Mine is collecting dust right now.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
How's the eye doing? Fine I hope.
__________________
George
George
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Vision is returning. I'll know more after the check-up this coming Wednesday. Thanks for asking.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 885
Bikes: 2011 Trek SOHO Deluxe, and 2010 Specialized Roubaix Expert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I guess you are talking about the Edge 305. My Forerunner 305 has been pretty reliable other than the altimeter being completely useless. The correction on the Garmin Connect site seems to be pretty good, though. I have had a couple of rides where the tracking mysteriously stopped during the ride, but I'm not sure it wasn't operator error.
My wife still uses hers mostly for walking and on the stationary bike.