Originally Posted by
JohnJ80
You got me thinking about this. I guess to quantify what I think of this, I’d rate it as a 3-3.5 stars out of 5 for use with the Garmin bike computers. As a standalone system, I’d give it a 2.5-3 stars.
I think that the speed differential measurement and the loss of threats when speeds are identical is a fatal flaw (pun intended). It’s going to be hard for most users to keep this in mind and failing to remember or understand could have potentially fatal or at least disastrous consequences.
I take another star off for the standalone system version since it’s utility is dramatically decreased without the audio warning that you get when used with the bike computer. I, for the life of me, don’t understand why Garmin didn’t put in the same crappy little beeper they put in their computers - those piezoelectric speakers are dirt cheap.
But, it does help. Just understand it.
The drivers who wait patiently behind you for an opportunity to pass are the ones who are least likely to hit you if you move out into the lane. I agree it's not good, but it's probably not very fatal either.
I like using mine with a wrist watch for the reason you mention about an Edge beeping while the bundled head unit doesn't. The Garmin watches can vibrate on your wrist. If you configure them so they won't vibrate for any other reason while you're riding a bike, this is even more noticeable than the beep.