How many out there have purchased the iBike computer system. I looked into it and it seems pretty neat. They're running a $199 special on the system (Reg. $299) and I'm considering going for it. I currently have the Garmin 500, but it would be convenient to have the iphone act as more than just a phone.

Any input would be appreciated.

Personally I like having my phone separate from my bike computer because of battery concerns.

your 500 is 10x better than using the ibike/phone setup

iBike is widely regarded as vastly inferior to real powermeter. A used Powertap is not much more.

Personally, I'd stick with the 500. I'm more of a Fred and I don't race however, I like race worthy equipment and I've counted numerous Edge 500 units in the TdF. I can't say the same for the iBike system though. The 500 is a tried and true design that works like a charm (w/o the battery concerns)! Good luck with your decision.

I would definitely recommend sticking with the 500. A dedicated device is the way to go. If you want power calculation, sign up for strava.

fixed

correct

I originally had the ibike. there were many times it would not charge my phone and it drains fast. I enjoy having my phone not dead on a ride. But i had never used a garmin. After getting my garmin, i would say i love my garmin and i love being able to use garmin connect and see my history, stick with garmin. I would take my garmin over the ibike anyday, and i am glad i sold the ibike on ebay

My experience with iBike 'power meter" was so abysmal that I wouldn't buy an extension cord from that stupid company.

If I take a shot each time I read "garmin", I'm gonna be real drunk.

Do it.

That's a challenge for next weekend.

Holy crap!, I did say Garmin a million times. I was exhausted and had just finished a century and was typing on my cell phone. Kinda like being drunk. My last post reads like a 5 year old. Needless to say from the other poster, i would not buy a extension cord from ibike either.

I'm looking at the iBike and giving my Garmin 305 to my wife. I don't have the iPhone, but do have the iTouch.

As for the battery drain, the thing has it's own on-board 7 hour battery. So that shouldn't be an issue.
The Power meter version is expensive, like $749... so that's out.
They are running a special for $199 for the regular computer (HR and Cadence are extra... trying to find the price of these)
I eventually will be getting an iPhone, but it doesn't look like it's iPhone OR iTouch compatible... it's one or the other. That's not good, I'd hate to buy one and have to buy it again for the iPhone.

Still thinking.

why not keep the 305 and have hr and cadence? thats more useful than speed.

I have the HR and Cadence with the Edge 305. I'm going to have to get something new so we can both have a setup.

BTW, the iBike with HR and Cadence is $299 at PerformanceBike. But I've been reading nothing but bad reviews.

For the $350 price range, the Garmin 500 w/HR and Cadence might have to do. I love my Edge305, but thought the screen and goodies on the iBike looked cool.