intence

I need to get a new computer, and prefer to get one that's wireless, and that has cadence. What advantages does the 305 have? I understand that the 705 had a color display with maps and everything else that a typical GPS have, but what does the 305 provide that I wouldn't get from a regular trainer?

Also, is there a rear wheel sensor on the 305, so i'd be able to use it on a trainer in the winter?

ripperj 

The 305 has lots that a regular computer does not. As well as the obvious GPS functions it has barometric elevation,heart rate and cadence. It has a function where you can race yourself from your last ride, basically tells you wether you are ahead or behind last trip.
The sensor is on the rear wheel.
There are various packages without one of the sensors, so make sure you know what you are buying.

MONGO!

Te 305 is a big step up from a regular cyclocomputer, especially with the speed/cadence sensor and HRM.

You can record your rides and view the data, speeds, grade, heart rate etc.

You need the cadence option if you want to use it on a trainer.

Phantoj

You can get some kind of refurbied deal on Ebay for not much over $200, which is what I'd go for. Then you get the cadence/rear wheel sensor, so you can use it on your trainer, and the HRM.

The 305 has some pretty good data logging ability, and some pretty weak navigational ability. For $200, it's hard to get wireless with cadence and altimeter, so I'd say "go for it".

2WheelFury

I tend to think so. I just bought a 705 after researching the features and determining that it'll be worth it for better targeting my training, so I was able to convince myself that it's worth it, if that means anything.

Yes, it's a toy and ultimately you can ride your bike without it, but it's still pretty cool and it will make for more useful/productive training sessions. Therefore it's money well spent IMHO.

cinegabe

I've heard battery life is not so good if you're into distance riding...
https://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000BS4PZW/

Carbon Unit

I have had a 305 for a year now. I find the battery life acceptable for me. Garmin claims 12 hours and I think that is about right. The unit has four bars and if I ride for 6 hours, it will drop down to 2 bars remaining. However, I was having problems with the battery life on my first unit so Garmin replaced it with a new one in January. The new one works much better

Here is what I like about it.

I like that the display is large, you can display 8 fields if you choose and they are readable.

I have three fields on one screen and 6 on the other. Pushing the button on the side toggles between screens.

My screen one:

Speed
Heart Rate
Cadence

Screen Two:

Time
Distance
Avg Speed
Grade %
Time of Day

However there are probably 30 or 40 fields that you can program instead. I also have it set to stop the time counter when I come to a stop. You can have two counters if you want. One to measure riding time and one to measure the amount of time you are stopped.

It also comes with software for mapping your rides and tracking your performance.

It has also have a back light which make it easy to use at night.

I don't think is another cycle computer on the marketing, other than the 605 and 705, that will do as much as the Edge 305.

That said, I am just about to upgrade to the Edge 705 and sell my 305 on eBay. The 705 has a larger higher def screen that will be easier for my old eyes to read. The other useful feature for me is that I can load a route into the 705 and get turn-by-turn directions, which I would use.

merlinextraligh

Blackburn Nuero 6, wireless, cadence, altimiter, HRM, available at REI for $169.

However, for full disclosure, I had problems with mine and sent it back. (and ended up with a Garmin.)

rjh299

305 is a good product. The training centre records all your rides and you can make up workouts with lots of options.
The sensor being on the back wheel, so can be used on a trainer, is a big plus IMO.
The battery life is affected by what 'ride recording' you use. Smart recording is every five seconds, not constant so improves battery life. Not sure what exact battery life is off top of my head. Search on internet or Garmin website should say.

IAMTB

Will the 305 log your HR throughout a ride? Then provide a HR graph on the computer after you'll pull in the data?

nachomc

I'm very happy with my 305. I've had it just over a year now - one of the best cycling purchases I've made.

ripperj 

"Will the 305 log your HR throughout a ride? Then provide a HR graph on the computer after you'll pull in the data? " YES

Phantoj

Yes, it will log HR, as well as cadence, location, and speed.

I like to use SportTracks for looking at the data. It is NOT web-based, and it is "free" shareware.

Psimet2001 

I bought the 305 on sale with a rebate last year for around $190. Worth every penny. The 305 is a data-logger. Your cyclecomputer is not. Big difference. Means you can see how data changed over time instead of just the main facts like current/min/max/average/total.

It has been very valuable during interval work, race diagnosis, etc. Even though the 305 does not have maps you can map online and download courses giving you a generic map that is really easy to use when going on a ride in an area you have not ridden in before.

This said I generally feel that Garmin has always made pretty sketchy/glitchy hardware. My 305 is currently experiencing the all too common powerdown over bumpy roads that seems to have affected many of us owners. So if spending that much and ending up with a unit that you will most likely have to send in for service at some point is something you can't stand then steer clear.

sojourn

Got mine from WalMart for a reasonable price, upgraded from the 205 to the 305 in May..........it's worth it!

steaktaco

Yes. You can also purchase Ascent which is a much more robust app—you can view elevation, heart rate, speed, peaks, and whatever value you' like in a customizable graph. And view all that alongside your route laid over a choice of five maps. Well... that is if you're screen is big enough.

+1 on the Edge 305. I'm not going back to a non-ANT computer. Ever.

nachomc

Thanks for mentioning that software. It looks sweet - I'm going to d/l it tonight

aham23

i have had an edge 305 since Sept 2006. i paid $250 back then for the complete HR/CAD package. i have never had one single issue with it. i just recently logged a 9hr 30min ride and still had one battery indicator showing. i find the battery life to be more the acceptable. later.

intence

Thanks for all the responses. It really isn't much more expensive than a quality wirless computer with Cadence, so now I think i'm convinced

It really is a toy, but so is the bike to some degree, and everything else that goes along with it

Flash

I like the specs on this device as well. Can owners let us know if the auto-pause feature actually works? It's supposed to stop the timer when you "slow down or stop" according to Garmin. What does this mean during real-world use? thanks

kblacy

I've never had any issues with the auto-pause. Also, racing your last ride is just about the coolest feature ever.

Psimet2001 

Yes...works great. It was recommended to me to set it at 3mph and that has worked wonderfully except when climbing ultra steep grade. It will sometimes start pausing and unpausing....telling me how slowly I am climbing and how much I suck.

BTW - the remedy to that is just setting it to the "when stopped" setting on a steep climbing day....or ride faster.

varian72

Mine became afflicted with the dreaded shutdown. I got so pissed this last ride I hit it and broke the LCD screen adding insult to injury, of course.

So, now I am without computer. I figure I have 6 weeks of biking left till hockey and running take over before the snow flies here in VT. I'll wait and see what sort of schwag Garmin comes out with next year and if the prices drop on the 305. I've heard the 705 was glitchy...did they fix that?

Oh...and yes it is WAAAAY worth the money. Highly motivational. I've come full circle on "just an unneeded geek tool" to it makes me want to ride.

Psimet2001 

Also...I found it critical to have during the winter on the trainer...screw the GPS - but you can program in your training sessions and set custom intervals, rest, titles, alarms, etc.

Takes the thinking out of the session and lets you go all cross-eyed.

steaktaco

I wish there was a permanent GPS-off function for the trainer bikes. As it is you always have to set it during power up.