mzeffex 

Okay, so I'm probably going to get one.

I don't care about heart rate, but want cadence. I have to buy the cadence thing separately right? What's that called, and how much is it? Figured it out

Second, to find out your wattage - how does that work? Does the unit need anything additional (like the cadence thingy) to figure it out?

On Garmin's site on the in the box bit I don't see that it includes computer software..? Where do you get that and what is it called?

That is all.

Mike84

The cadence option comes with something called the GSC 10. It goes on the rear chain stay, with a sensor going on the back wheel and another on the crank arm.

To get the wattage, you would have to get a Power Tap, or other Ant+ compatible power meter.

mzeffex 

Crap, that's what I wanted to know. Why one of these than a $30 sigma? (Which I have)

Mike84

I have the 705, mainly for the GPS - I like to look at my ride data online. I was using a Garmin Forerunner 405 watch to capture the ride data, and a Sigma for speed. I got a good deal on the 705, so I just have one device now.

I will say, I did not think I would use the heart rate monitor, but have found the info great for training rides.

tspek

Frankly, without power, you're better off with a 305 with the exception of a few minor things->battery life, shnazy interface, mounting system, size, etc

mzeffex 

Well I work in a shop so I can get Garmin at cost, but we don't stock them so I want to know more about it before I order one. I've only heard bad about the 305.

So you can just view your rides online? You don't hafta purchase any software?

khill

I have a 305 and love it......

tspek

What's bad about the 305? That thing is the bee's knees.

mzeffex 

MSRP is higher - and the 500 is supposed to improve what was wrong with the 305. Why pay more for less?

tspek

You can snag a 305 for dirt cheap if you look around and buy used.

The 305 does have an issue with the battery connection but if you're hand you can fix it (so can garmin, and they do). The 305 offers workouts, the 500 doesn't (yet).

nitropowered

I would just get the 500. You can upload your rides to garmin connect and look at it there. Yes you need the GSC10 for cadence.

mzeffex 

Alright thanks.

Why when I ask questions about one thing would I get told to be a lesser quality and/or used computer?

Wait, this is bike forums.


What exactly is garmin connect?

tspek

I own a 305 and a 500. I've used both extensively. When you remove power from the equation, the 305 does more. You can buy a 305 for $100. Do whatever you want though.

Why do people ask for advice and then get pissy when they don't hear what they were hoping to?

Wait, this is bike forums.

Ironic that you work in a shop and have to refer to bikeforums.net for information on the products you sell. Scary. Helps explain why the LBS is becoming a relic.

mzeffex 

Did I not make it clear we don't stock those? In the time I have worked there I personally have not sold one and not been asked about one. I have bigger concerns IE getting into college.

"Why do people ask for advice and then get pissy when they don't hear what they were hoping to?"

Wow, really? Why do people get pissy when they get an answer to a question they didn't have? Hmm.

Sorry if I came off as obnoxious - it's late and I'm just trying to figure out about one before I potentially put in the order tomorrow.

tspek

I can't imagine why.

Oh. Well there ya go.

mzeffex 

I added this by the way

tspek

I'm still curious what this is referring to.

mzeffex 

Mostly about the battery. I've heard of lots of warranty issues concerning that.

Not only bad, that was an exaggeration. None the less the 500 is an improvement.

umd

The 500 serves a different purpose than the 305. It's more a cheap version of the 705 to get the power meter head unit capabilities without ANY mapping, not even the 305's crude breadcrumbs or uploaded routes.

Stop being an ass and appreciate the useful answers you got.

mzeffex 

Thanks, and point taken. I did apologize after all.

Beaker

Buy the 500. You'll be glad you did, and you can use power when you get a power meter down the road (much more $ than a 500). Once you start exploring the capabilties of downloading your rides you'll love the analytical side.

If you're on a PC, check out SportTracks (free from www.zonefivesoftware.com), for Mac Ascent is similar.

connect.garmin.com is the standard online site for sharing that Garmin uses - nice looking but not very instructive.

www.strava.com is a blast, but requires a subscription beyond your first 10 free uploads - however it's a pretty neat site as it allows you to upload your rides, calculates power for you, and maintains an online leaderboard and KOM tally for the climbs/segments that it recognizes from your routes, allowing you to see who else has ridden your routes and what their performances were and how you rank.

mzeffex 

Alright thanks. A PT is a long way away, don't feel that I need one now as it is.

So garmin connect is the standard, that's what I was looking for.

Do you have a 500?

rydaddy

I'm not sure what I'm more excited about... my new Edge 500, or the powertap I bought along with it. Even without power, this thing is awesome. I really like the auto lap feature for crits.

Beaker

I use a dreaded 305 with HR and cadence. It's been great for me.

mzeffex 

Ah okay. Did they discontinue those or what? I know from the bf thread about best buy having them really cheap.