Polar CS200/Garmin 305 Edge
05-03-07, 09:16 AM
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Polar CS200/Garmin 305 Edge
I've ready many posts about the Polar CS200 hrm/cyclocomputer. I'd like to get one with the cadence feature. From what I've read, the biggest complaint seems to be uploading/downloading of data to and from the unit. I'm not sure if this really bothers me since I don't know what data one can get from the unit onto the polar website, but it would be a cool feature to have to store training data on my computer if I could get it to work. Exactly what data do you get from the unit when uploaded onto the polar website?
I've looked at the Garmin 305 edge as well, but of course it's twice the price. Another big drawback to me is the recharging of the unit. (My MP3 player has to be recharged, but I can never remember to do it so it always dies every now and again.) But, here's a really stupid question about the 305 - can the unit be used as simply a GPS for hiking and other activities? I thought that if I can come up with more uses for it, then I can justify the higher priced cyclocomputer.
Thanks for the input.
Cain
I've looked at the Garmin 305 edge as well, but of course it's twice the price. Another big drawback to me is the recharging of the unit. (My MP3 player has to be recharged, but I can never remember to do it so it always dies every now and again.) But, here's a really stupid question about the 305 - can the unit be used as simply a GPS for hiking and other activities? I thought that if I can come up with more uses for it, then I can justify the higher priced cyclocomputer.
Thanks for the input.
Cain
05-03-07, 09:32 AM
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I had a CS200 cad, now have a Garmin 305.
The data is uploaded by sound, it kind of works. You get averages for the ride only. HR, speed, cadence, distance, 4 numbers, with high/low for HR.
I do not recommend the CS200, it works poorly, and is poorly made. I had to exchange three parts over jut 9 months, and I could never get a reliable speed/distance measure and the HRM was finicky.
The Garmin recharges in about 1/2 hour for about 8-10 hours of life.
You can't really use it for hiking, it will map you to a route and you could carry it with you, but you won't see a detailed map, just a directional arrow. But, it works much better as a HRM and bike computer.
Check prices, the gap between the 305 and the CS200 is closing.
The data is uploaded by sound, it kind of works. You get averages for the ride only. HR, speed, cadence, distance, 4 numbers, with high/low for HR.
I do not recommend the CS200, it works poorly, and is poorly made. I had to exchange three parts over jut 9 months, and I could never get a reliable speed/distance measure and the HRM was finicky.
The Garmin recharges in about 1/2 hour for about 8-10 hours of life.
You can't really use it for hiking, it will map you to a route and you could carry it with you, but you won't see a detailed map, just a directional arrow. But, it works much better as a HRM and bike computer.
Check prices, the gap between the 305 and the CS200 is closing.
05-03-07, 09:35 AM
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I've used the CS200 on 3 bikes now for nearly a year with very few problems. I'm still satisfied with it overall. I do not use the upload feature as it seems a little too hokey to me -- using the sound/microphone. Otherwise, the data is accurate and works for me.
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18' Landshark Tandem - Custom
15' Wabi Special Single-Speed Road
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-\Brian
18' Landshark Tandem - Custom
15' Wabi Special Single-Speed Road
06' Cannondale Six13 TeamOne
06' Cannondale Prophet 3 "Lefty"
92' Trek 5200
05-03-07, 09:56 AM
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I had a choice of going with the 305 and an eTrex Vista (with the altimeter). I went with the Vista because it was a bit more versatile in the hiking and geocaching departments. However, it's pretty challenging to get fitness data out of the Vista. I'm going to assume that the 305 is better geared towards that end of the spectrum.
