jasandalb

So, just scored one of ebay and before I go breaking the darn thing... any tips, tricks, or sites that you all recommend?

Thanks! Already registered on the garmin site to share rides

Garfield Cat

I broke the glass because I was carrying it in my pants pocket along with the car keys. As I sat down, I heard a crunch. I sent it back but got a different one in exchange, not just a glass replacement. Now, I have helicopter tape that covers the glass viewing part. It prevents scratches, but not accidental breakage.

The two ways to charge it: with the a.c. recharger or the USB port to the computer. Both work ok, but now I use the USB computer because after a ride, I always transfer data to the Garmin software. After the transfer, I shut down the Garmin and it begins to recharge.

One of these days, you will try to turn on the unit and nothing will happen. This happens just when you start to leave for a ride. The Garmin support told me to hold the mode and lap button down simultaneously for about 10 seconds. Then push the "on" button. Garmin support says sometimes the Garmin goes into a "safety mode".

The auto pause mode I use is set at "3". That's good for riding. I also use the Garmin for hiking. That auto pause should be disarmed for hiking.

The lap setting I use is "one mile". So when you download the data to your Garmin software on your computer, its all there for analysis. When you choose the "one mile" setting, it takes up a lot of data storage. Eventually your Garmin will run out of storage and will quit on you, just when you're riding. The screen will tell you but then its too late because you're already on a ride. This is why you really have to use the Garmin software on your computer and transfer everything there. Then you can go back to your Garmin and tell it to delete everything. By deleting the Garmin will have storage capacity.

houheightskid

you guys like the Edge 305? I see they are pretty cheap on ebay these days. Is the speedo wireless - meaning does it work using GPS, or is there a sensor on your wheel? a buddy of mine says the 310xt is the way to go, but i'm not a runner....seems that the 305 gives you all the data you want and you can upload it to your own personal site at garmin? thanks!

Garfield Cat

The sensor is for cadence. So its still not 100% independent on magnets. The speedometer is GPS. But there are no maps on this unit. To get to maps, you have to download your ride onto their software on your laptop or desktop computer. Then from there, it will connect to Google Earth. Even then, I would like to see my laps, expressed as a one mile marker. But I don't see that on the Google Earth.

chinarider

The sensor is also a backup to the GPS for speed (it is wireless). Meaning the unit first looks to the GPS, but if the signal is bad (tree cover, tunnels, etc.) it will use the sensor as a backup. You can manualy input the tire size, or set it to automatically compute tire size. Thats what I do.

Also, it is a good idea to turn the unit on after charging and then turn it off again. If you don't sometimes it will discharge the battery; I'm not sure why, but this seems to help. The mode/lap button trick is good to remember. Or you can hold mode, lap and power at the same time. Sometimes one way seems to work while the other doesn't.

Lastly, when you put the unit on the mount, make sure it clicks and then give it a little push to make sure it's on securely. People complain about it coming off during a ride, but I've had mine since '07 and never had a problem (and while I don't mountain bike, I've been on some pretty rough roads).

I do like mine. I don't have a power hub & have no need for maps, so it does pretty much everything I want it to do. For the current prices, it's a great deal unless you specifically need some of the features found on the more expensive units.