cheap alternative to a Garmin?
09-26-10, 11:03 PM
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cheap alternative to a Garmin?
I am looking around for a new computer, and looking to take advantage of a unit with cadence and heart rate info. I've been looking to pick up a 305 on ebay, but missed out on a few deals. Are there any cheaper alternatives out there? I would like to save some money here if I can
09-26-10, 11:39 PM
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The Forerunner 305 is a cheaper option. I used one for 2 years before switching to the Edge 500.
09-26-10, 11:47 PM
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I say suck it up and invest the money in the real product. I love my 500 everyday when I ride, and then the 15 minutes I look over everything when I get home. It's really not that expensive for what you get, especially with the 305. A lot of bang for the buck. You may pay $50-$100 on something else, but for the little extra you could have spent on the Garmin, you would probably get a lot more.
09-27-10, 05:38 AM
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So the 500 is $250 THEN you have to add the Cadence Sensor for another $60?
09-27-10, 05:44 AM
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You can get 15% off your first order here: https://bicycleoutfittersindy.com/index.htm that is how I got my 500. Look into a Bontrager cadence sensor (if you only want cadence) they are around $30. Bontrager also has a speed and cadence sensor not sure of the price. I let the GPS determine the speed for me.
Edge 500 is nice!
Norm
Edge 500 is nice!
Norm
09-27-10, 06:31 AM
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I just bought a Edge 500 used on eBay for $160. Says it was only used a few weeks. We'll see.
I already have all the sensors I need. I believe the Edge will work with any Ant + sensors. So that's cool.
If you want GPS there really is no alternative to Garmin. They really have the market cornered.
The Forerunner will do Cadence by the way. You don't really need cadence, but I like having that data.
I already have all the sensors I need. I believe the Edge will work with any Ant + sensors. So that's cool.
If you want GPS there really is no alternative to Garmin. They really have the market cornered.
The Forerunner will do Cadence by the way. You don't really need cadence, but I like having that data.
09-27-10, 07:14 AM
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09-27-10, 07:21 AM
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I found cadence was interesting when I firts got it. But I quickly learned what my cadence is and I can just about predict what it is at any point. It all depends if you want cadence as part of thye data you use to analyze rides.
09-27-10, 07:39 AM
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Get the garmin, you will not regret it. There is really no equal, and the Garmin connect website is awesome: https://connect.garmin.com/
09-27-10, 11:05 AM
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You can buy the Edge500 bundled with an ANT+ HR strap and the Speed/Cadence sensor. Or you can just skip speed/cadence and use any ANT+ HR strap you have with it.
And although the various apps for iPhone/etc are fun, the battery life of smartphones makes them pretty useless for longer rides.
And although the various apps for iPhone/etc are fun, the battery life of smartphones makes them pretty useless for longer rides.
09-27-10, 02:34 PM
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You can get 15% off your first order here: https://bicycleoutfittersindy.com/index.htm that is how I got my 500. Look into a Bontrager cadence sensor (if you only want cadence) they are around $30. Bontrager also has a speed and cadence sensor not sure of the price. I let the GPS determine the speed for me.
Edge 500 is nice!
Norm
Edge 500 is nice!
Norm
09-27-10, 02:46 PM
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09-27-10, 03:24 PM
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09-27-10, 03:36 PM
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I have the 305 and love it. I have the bike mount and the wrist strap for running. Now about cadence. If you want to save your knees, shift by
cadence. I can easily see my cadence and when ever it gets to 79 I go to a lower gear. I go to a higher gear when over 100. Your cadence may
vary. You would be surprised (I was) at how far off I was in my shifting. I thought I "had it down to a tee". By the way if you want a wrist mount the
305 is by far the most comfortable as it wraps around your wrist. I bought several bike computers before getting the 305. Should had got the 305 to
start with.
Good luck.
cadence. I can easily see my cadence and when ever it gets to 79 I go to a lower gear. I go to a higher gear when over 100. Your cadence may
vary. You would be surprised (I was) at how far off I was in my shifting. I thought I "had it down to a tee". By the way if you want a wrist mount the
305 is by far the most comfortable as it wraps around your wrist. I bought several bike computers before getting the 305. Should had got the 305 to
start with.
Good luck.
09-27-10, 03:50 PM
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My new (used) Edge 500 just came today. I just got back from a ride with it.
Love it!!!! My Bontrager Node 1 computer was pretty decent as far as computers go.... But the data this thing harvests is way better!
So glad I bought it.
Works flawlessly with my Bontrager speed and cadence sensors too by the way... Really nice not to have to buy new sensors.
I know the GPS does speed as well, but if you are in an area of weak satellite reception there can be some gaps.
I have a Trek and they have the integrated sensors in the frame so it is nice that those sensors work with the Garmin so well.
Love it!!!! My Bontrager Node 1 computer was pretty decent as far as computers go.... But the data this thing harvests is way better!
So glad I bought it.
Works flawlessly with my Bontrager speed and cadence sensors too by the way... Really nice not to have to buy new sensors.
I know the GPS does speed as well, but if you are in an area of weak satellite reception there can be some gaps.
I have a Trek and they have the integrated sensors in the frame so it is nice that those sensors work with the Garmin so well.
09-27-10, 06:02 PM
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09-27-10, 06:13 PM
#24
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The cadence sensor is only $36 on amazon