Stray Cat

So I'm looking at getting a HRM to help my training. Have been looking at polars for a while now and was between the two...

S150
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...estore_ID=1102

RS 100 (when I had my hands on one, wasn't as frustrated as the S150)
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...estore_ID=1102


After reading a couple of recent threads I've been considering ponying up and replacing my Trek Incite 11i all together with a Garmin 305. It already has cadence which I love but so does the 305. (I might also be able to sell it to my riding partner who wants a cadence computer)



Is it worth the extra $120 or so for the 305? I am a data junkie and love being able to have everything in one unit, but is it that much better?

Any opinions from either side is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Zack

DocRay

you are comparing apples and oranges. The Garmin does things the Polars can't.

The Garmin is a data junkie's shooting gallery.

biffstephens

https://biffstephens.motionbased.com

My vote for the Garmin....Geek + Data = fun.....a great way to share rides and data..

100% it is worth the money in my opinion....

Stray Cat

I'm basically just wanting to add a HRM but either need to add another system to my wrist (Polar), or put it all in one with the 305.

Just wondering if those extra features on the 305 are going to make it THAT much better.


Also, it has GPS correct? Can you get maps for say New Zealand or Amsterdam? I have family there and visit 2-3 times a year.

Dubbayoo

i have a polar S120 and I find it very hard to use. I like my old Accurex better.

Grasschopper

Garmin. Edge 305 is rock solid.

aham23

it is a data junkies wet dream. if you were one you would know this and have one! the garmin, not a wet dream. later.

wolfpack 

+1,000,000 on the Garmin Edge bundle.

Blue Jays

Hi Stray Cat-

Yes, the Garmin Edge 305 you've described does have GPS onboard. See the hyperlink for additional detail.

~ Blue Jays ~

DocRay

If you can find it on Google earth, you can map it. but I'm sure some wank er will flame in complaining about lack of support on Mars.

Ritterview

If you step back and look at bike components and accessories, you are unlikely to find any change for $100 dollars or so that you'll really notice. Change out your crankset, or stem, wheels or seatpost for something $100 more expensive, and if it was masked, you probably couldn't tell the difference.

For an extra $100 or so dollars in comparision to a Polar watch/wireless cadence computer, you'll get something that is several quanti higher in quality and performance. With extra features you will specifically use every minute of every ride (e.g. % grade), in discussing the ride with the people you are riding with ("We've ascended 1545 ft"), after riding analysis, etc.

What is more, if you check, you'll see that the Garmin is likely a few score grams lighter than the Polar/Cadence computer combo you would otherwise use. It was so with my Cateye. So, there is justification if you only look at it from a weight weenie perspective.

If you are planning any upgrades to your biking armamentarium, moving up to the Garmin Edge 305 deserves consideration at the top of the list.

jeffremer

Say it with me: Garmin!

It'll rock your socks off.

BetweenRides

Never used a Polar, but I love the Edge w/ Cadence and HR. Good riding buddy has the Polar with the Power attachment - has been a constant pain in the ass and a lot of junk hanging off the bike on the chain stay, rear derailleur, etc. Seems like he has to adjust it frequently too. Garmin has one sensor and the unit allows for a lot of measures which can be changed on the fly. It's not perfect, but they do issue new firmware fairly frequently, so it just keeps getting better.

Tappets

i'm with dial_tone,
at lest for me, the s150 is hard to use. i can get it to work for me sometimes, but i really have to fidget with it. maybe i'll get used to it.

btw, if someone has a remedial s150 tutorial, please send it my way.

Blue Jays

I prefer the fact the Garmin has the speed/cadence unit at the rear wheel. I've never been a fan of clamping things to the front forks as with the Polar unit. It's a nice touch in my view.

GeoMan

Thanks for the support, Jeff!

spdrcr5

I had a Polar F11 and Cateye CC-CD300DW double wireless. I hated the Polar, very uncomfortable and the downloads were horrible. The battery died pretty fast on both pieces as well.

I got the Garmin and have not looked back. There is no comparison.

As to your question regarding maps for New Zealand, etc. The Garmin Edge 305 doesn't use maps at all. You create or download courses that you want to ride. Check MotionBased.com and see if people have uploaded any courses near you. Or you can create them yourself.

DocRay

Works with trainers too. Very few computurds do this.

(mis-typed, but I'm leaving it)

DocRay

There are many free mapping sites that use Google Earth-based software than can upload to the 305.

There are a few threads already about this.

JayC

+1,000,000.5

Take that!

dno

what about the battery life of the Edge 305 - my only hesitation to getting a Edge 305 is that I hear the thing is very hard on battery.

Most training rides are in the area of 4-6 hours, but some epic one day events are aproximately 9+ plus (double centuries, Death Ride in CA etc) so I need something that can last a long time on battery

thoughts or feedback????

JayC

4-6 hours is no problem. For something longer, you can rid up some kind of external battery. I built a Mintyboost for mine.

wolfpack 

yea...well....i've got the wheels and you don't

can you say wheel envy?

dno

How long does the minty boost give you??

NOSE

Google's Mars DEM