Originally Posted by
Carusoswi
. . . I have watched long enough to see the computer smoothly run through the numbers as you accelerate while the Garmin has yet to sense that speed has changed more than a mile or two per hour.
I don't know quite why that should be . . . but it is.
If you are in the forest, it is most likely due to poor satellite reception.
Originally Posted by Carusoswi
Turn the GPS on as one of your first steps in preparing for a ride, and it will be finished acquiring as you mount the bike.
The major benefits of newer GPS units (e.g. Edge 205/305) which use the SiRFstar chipset is a substantially reduced Time To First Fix (TTFF) and a much improved ability to stay locked onto satellites in poor coverage areas (forest, urban canyons, etc.).
Originally Posted by Halfast
I just cannot understand why any biker would want one without the full mapping functions and display. To each his own I guess.
I ride primarily for aerobic training in areas that I am very familiar with. As such, I have no need to see a map but the performance data from a unit like the Edge 305 is highly informative. If I were touring in an unfamiliar area, being able to see maps would be very useful and I would prefer to have an eTrex type unit. It really comes down to what information you are interested in and how you think you will use the device the majority of the time.