Pitbull

Hey Garmin Edge 305 users -

I'm considering upgrading to the Garmin Edge 305. I like that's it's an all-in-one type cyclometer, it captures routes, climing, descending and that it's OCP compliant. I've found some prices in the $250

Can anyone comment on accuracy? Is it unwieldy (too big, awkward) for a bicycle. Is it compatible with other software than the stuff that it comes with? How is the software it comes with? Is it worth the money or should I buy some new boxer-briefs to wear under my shorts (j/k!) Experiences?

I'm really trying to expand my workouts into the week and identify some routes that will challenge me and document progress... All things that I believe the Garmin will do. Plus I dig GPS.

I plan on getting both the speed/cadence sensor and the hrm.

Thanks,
Andy

PS - I would've searched, but...

johnny99

It is worth it if you really want to use the workout and mapping features that make the unit unique. If you're just looking for a speedometer and heart rate monitor, then there are lots of cheaper alternatives.

Everman

I use one with cadence and hrm, it's nice to be able to compare all of the stats and track your progress. Best way to go is to buy it off ebay, there's a few good sellers there for the 305.

Mouton

Ive had mine for about a month and Im really starting to appreciate it. Its great to have a detailed record of all your rides. It does add a strange dimension to a ride in that it takes some attention to get a good clean recording of a ride, without long idle time recorded, good lap markers set, etc. but I think once you have a library of those done, its great to have them to compare against on future rides.

Gretzky

I can't say enough good thing's about mine! I bought the 305 bundle from https://geoman.xrayaudio.com/ for $295 shipped.
I am also using https://www.motionbased.com/ to track my progress

tcoop25

While I don't have the Edge, I do have the Garmin Forerunner 301. I think for me, the novelty wore off after awhile. I do think the included software, and motionbased.com is pretty slick. They both have endless features to help you manage your workouts. I just got sick of constantly taking my Forerunner inside to charge it up. I know Garmin made some big time advances with the Edge, but still, that price is pretty crazy. Especially if you get the HR monitor, and the Cadence. I think there are better ways to spend that much money, and stick with a cyclocomputer without the GPS.

DRLski

I just bought the Edge 305 from Chumbo today: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/223487-bit-bullet.html

I bought it primarily for the GPS function and to compare the elevation vs. my HR since I often find myself on team rides that were awesome but I had no chance of remembering. I had a HAC-4 but it broke, instead of buying another for the same amount as the 305 I decided to get the Edge 305 this time. I saw one on a teammates bike last week and it's MUCH smaller than I expected, not as builky as I thought it was.

40-Dan

+1 for GeoMan.

And I love my Edge. It's actually a motivational tool for me to add rides to my MotionBased account. And the fact that I'm a gadget junkie doesn't hurt either.

Dan

28105

I just did a long ride and every guy i talked with that a 305 said it frooze up at some point during riding. ouch 400 bucks for something that does work. Sort of like paying 2k for light weight climbing wheels when you wieght 200 lbs.

Biggziff

How long is "long"?

The latest rev of the code for the 305 supposedly has fixed the issue with the unit locking up. They should flash the unit.

Pitbull

I guess I'm missing your point... Clydesdales can't have expensive equipment? Lighter wheels will help you go faster - whether you're 200 lbs or 135 lbs - faster to you is faster to you.

I'm about 220 and routinely ride faster than friends of mine who weigh 180 and 140. And they have better bikes. It's all about power to weight ratio - I may be heavier but I'm a hell of a lot stronger.

28105

[QUOTE=Pitbull]I guess I'm missing your point... Clydesdales can't have expensive equipment? Lighter wheels will help you go faster - whether you're 200 lbs or 135 lbs - faster to you is faster to you.

I'm about 220 and routinely ride faster than friends of mine who weigh 180 and 140. And they have better bikes. It's all about power to weight ratio - I may be heavier but I'm a hell of a lot stronger.[/QUOTE


Sure that's pretty funny. I am sure i will see you flying past me on the next 12 percent grade climb.

28105

100 miles is long for me.

frog21

I got my EDGE 305 in March and it has been flawless for the 1600 or so miles I have logged on it so far. I used it yesterday on the Reston Century and it was perfect. I turned it on at 6:35 and off at 3:00 and it still had minimal battery power. I use the HRM and the Cadence Sensor.

It is certainly worth the money if you want to use all of the data it is capable of.

bigd

I've had the 305 for about a month now and just love it.

Pros: easy to use, very customizable, altimeter function, virtual partner, tons of ride data
Cons: +- 8hr battey life, can freeze during map view on long rides, altimeter data discrepancies, crappy calorie calculation, mediocre training center software, $295cad

Although the Motion Based software is good it still has its limitations (like needing subscription for the interesting map data) I found some free software called Sport Tracks that handles the GPS data very well and does a better job with the maping than the training centre or what MB has to offer for free.

Pitbull

I still don't get your point. You still haven't explained why big riders can't pony up for the good stuff.

Eyeseeu

I love mine, but doing 24 hour events, the battery life was too short. I made a separate battery unit for it though, that as long as you connect it before you power up, it works fine. Try to connect it mid-ride and it locks up.
The unit I made for it gives me 30 days (yes, days) of battery life and works great. Maybe I should make them and sell them!

28105

Hey buy whatever you feel like buying. But i am saying why pay 7000 bucks for full carbon bike and 303 zipp set up when you weight 220 thats what i am saying just lose 20+lbs and save the cash.

DRLski

Bah! Payed for overnight shipping for mine but it's held up in TN due to weather, won't get it until tomorrow now!! Bah!! Talking about Mother Nature screwing you over.

Pitbull

I'm still missing your point.

Can we all agree that if you're 135 lbs a full carbon bike with zipp wheels will let you ride/climb faster. Let's set an arbitrary number here: 30% (Probably high, I know but for the purposes of this experiment)

Now a 220 lb rider will get the same 30% (again using my ARBITRARY number), correct?

While the speeds won't be the same, why can't a larger rider benefit from better gear - he still gets the same boost in efficiency?

I'm a big guy - I weigh 220 and stand about 5'9". I'm not fat by any means, but wear a 46R suit and have a 17.5 in neck. In other words, the LIGHTEST I'll ever be is about 180/190. I have no aspirations of going pro or racing. FWIW, I ride a pretty much stock Trek 1500 - but if I wanted to go buy a Madone or even a Seven to either race or just squeeze some really great times out of centuries, etc. why shouldn't I do that. I'd get the same gain in efficiency, speed, etc that a 135 lb girlie man ( ) would.

This argument has happened time and time again on here with everyone dumping on the big guys. I can count numerous times when someone made fun of someone who is a little overweight in a bike shop buying a 5K carbon bike. The argument is constantly "just lose 20 lbs and buy a cheaper bike." Okay - but when he DOES lose the 20 lbs because he's motivated to ride a sweet bike (instead of a cheapo aluminum Forte branded bike that), then he's STILL got a sweet bike and 20 lbs less a$$. Your argument makes no sense.

But back to the Garmin. I'm quite sure that doesn't care how much I weigh...

Gretzky

Sorry to hear, but's IMO it's worth the wait! Enjoy

DRLski

Yes, but I was hoping to use it on a team ride tonight, heaven to bid that this was something important that I needed today, what's the point of paying overnight shipping if you don't get it overnight?

Sooner Rider

Had mine w/ CAD & HR since January and it's great. Rode HHH on Saturday and recorded every frikkin inch, pedal stroke, foot of elevation gain, minute on the road, minute on the SIDE of the road, and speeds. If I'd have remembered my HRM at 4:00 a.m., I'd have recorded every time my heart pumped one more beat towards stoppage. And in the middle of nowhere on Hwy 240, it showed me where I was. And all data were uploaded to MotionBased for review and analysis, where it pulled weather information from Sheppard AFB to tell me how hot & windy it was. I'll never ride without it.

aham23

Man I really want one of these. However, I have two issues; I already have a Polar CS200cad that works flawlessly and I want something for running too. So I am thinking of dropping around $175 for a seperate running HR/Distance Watch. BUT, I get so juiced thinking about all the numbers the 305 spits out. What to do. Later.

msheron

Is it worth it? Does a bear take a crap in the woods? Why sure he does and hence forth, the Edge is worth the money!