cheap alternative to a Garmin?
 

I am looking around for a new computer, and looking to take advantage of a unit with cadence and heart rate info. I've been looking to pick up a 305 on ebay, but missed out on a few deals. Are there any cheaper alternatives out there? I would like to save some money here if I can

The Forerunner 305 is a cheaper option. I used one for 2 years before switching to the Edge 500.

Am I missing out if i go with a unit that doesnt have cadence?

I say suck it up and invest the money in the real product. I love my 500 everyday when I ride, and then the 15 minutes I look over everything when I get home. It's really not that expensive for what you get, especially with the 305. A lot of bang for the buck. You may pay $50-$100 on something else, but for the little extra you could have spent on the Garmin, you would probably get a lot more.

Spring for the Garmin, you won't regret it.

So the 500 is $250 THEN you have to add the Cadence Sensor for another $60?

You can get 15% off your first order here: http://bicycleoutfittersindy.com/index.htm that is how I got my 500. Look into a Bontrager cadence sensor (if you only want cadence) they are around $30. Bontrager also has a speed and cadence sensor not sure of the price. I let the GPS determine the speed for me.

Edge 500 is nice!

Norm

yes

road map?

I just bought a Edge 500 used on eBay for $160. Says it was only used a few weeks. We'll see.

I already have all the sensors I need. I believe the Edge will work with any Ant + sensors. So that's cool.

If you want GPS there really is no alternative to Garmin. They really have the market cornered.

The Forerunner will do Cadence by the way. You don't really need cadence, but I like having that data.

Yes if you want that information. I personally find it very valuable. YMMV.

I found cadence was interesting when I firts got it. But I quickly learned what my cadence is and I can just about predict what it is at any point. It all depends if you want cadence as part of thye data you use to analyze rides.

Get the garmin, you will not regret it. There is really no equal, and the Garmin connect website is awesome: http://connect.garmin.com/

you can try blackberry or apple.

You can buy the Edge500 bundled with an ANT+ HR strap and the Speed/Cadence sensor. Or you can just skip speed/cadence and use any ANT+ HR strap you have with it.

And although the various apps for iPhone/etc are fun, the battery life of smartphones makes them pretty useless for longer rides.

nashbar has a 20% off coupon now so you can also get this there for even less. considering it myself.

pie?

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I have the 305 and love it. I have the bike mount and the wrist strap for running. Now about cadence. If you want to save your knees, shift by
cadence. I can easily see my cadence and when ever it gets to 79 I go to a lower gear. I go to a higher gear when over 100. Your cadence may
vary. You would be surprised (I was) at how far off I was in my shifting. I thought I "had it down to a tee". By the way if you want a wrist mount the
305 is by far the most comfortable as it wraps around your wrist. I bought several bike computers before getting the 305. Should had got the 305 to
start with.
Good luck.

My new (used) Edge 500 just came today. I just got back from a ride with it.

Love it!!!! My Bontrager Node 1 computer was pretty decent as far as computers go.... But the data this thing harvests is way better!

So glad I bought it.

Works flawlessly with my Bontrager speed and cadence sensors too by the way... Really nice not to have to buy new sensors.

I know the GPS does speed as well, but if you are in an area of weak satellite reception there can be some gaps.

I have a Trek and they have the integrated sensors in the frame so it is nice that those sensors work with the Garmin so well.

U can't beat a map and a compass in the price dept :D

I don't use the Garmin for navigation. The edge 500 doesn't really have maps...

I like the data!

The Edge 500 has maps via the courses feature, but it doesn't have turn by turn directions.

The cadence sensor is only $36 on amazon

If you have an Android phone, the "My Tracks" + "Maps" apps do everything a Garmin does, for free.