Garmin Edge 305 Question [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

bikerHen

07-31-2007, 01:06 PM

maillotpois

07-31-2007, 01:10 PM

OK, I'm not a techie. I read the information, but it just doesn't seem to sink into my brain. I think a new bike requires a new Garmin cyclocomputer. Right? :rolleyes: I've looked and looked, but can't find the answer to this burning question.

The answer is YES.

If I get one, I want to use it for both my bikes. I know I need a second bike mount and sensors, but I'm stuck on the calibration. Does this thing calibrate wheel size automatically or do you have to program in the wheel size? Or do you even need a wheel size? My bikes have different size wheels. Will this be a problem? Is it even possible to change back and forth between bikes? Help! :o

I don't think it required any calibration in the real sense - like measuring out wheels. I don't remember programming anything in, although the user data section is very easy to use. You can program for different bikes, inputting weight of the bike, etc. - but I never even do that. I just switch the unit from one mount to the next (it came with 2 mounts).

I use it on both my MTB and road bikes. The GPS tracks speed and distance. The cadence/wheel mount sensor thing acts as a backup for that GSP speed/distance data. 2 of my 3 bikes don't even have the cadence attachment and all works well.

amelia05

07-31-2007, 02:23 PM

ooh...I just installed one of these--love it! I felt a little guilty spending that much money on a bike computer since my top speed average is like, 17 mph, but I love me some gadgets.

what maillotpois said is totally right--I just wanted to confirm that it does autosense your wheel size, but there's an option to configure it manually for each bike as well. There's a chart in the manual that tells you the numbers to put in based on your wheel circumference and thickness(? is that the right word). But like she says, the speed sensor on the wheel is only used if the GPS is unavailable or if you choose to turn it off for a trainer workout.

Overall, the installation/use is super easy and user-friendly. The biggest problem I had with the install was that the GPS "head" absolutely refused to see the cadence sensor. I turned the option off and on, rescanned, put the head right next to the sensor...nothing. My LBS guys were able to fix it by going into the settings for "Bike Computer 1" and selecting cadence as one of the display fields for that profile. After that, it went out and found the sensor and all was well. I guess it's a pretty common problem, so just a heads-up.

Oh, and mine came with two bike mounts as well, so all you'll need is an additional sensor to use it on two different bikes. And really, that's only if you want to measure cadence, or see distance or speed on indoor/stationary workouts.

(Also, if you need more incentive to take the plunge, you can get a $75 rebate on the Edge 305 for signing up for the Powerbar newsletter (http://www.powerbar.com/Newsletter/). The offer's good on purchases made from 6/1/07-11/30/07, so your friend's eligible too if she still has her receipt and original box/UPC.)

Thorn

07-31-2007, 02:29 PM

Yep, Malloit has the answers, but....just to vote...absolutely a new bike screams "buy me a GPS" :D

Only my primary bike has the pickup unit (cadence and wheel). My secondary bike just has the handlebar mount on it. I've even taken the second handlebar mount and GPS unit with me on vacation and used the GPS on a rental bike. Very convenient toy.

bikerHen

07-31-2007, 02:45 PM

You all are really stretching my resolve to wait just a bit before making another major purchase! :D It really is a cool and useful toy, isn't it! Thanks for your answers. It's good to know I get two mounts. And I'll be sure to tell my friend about the rebate, and maybe use it myself! :rolleyes:

Cadence is something I use all the time, and find it very helpful. I also need it for the winter months on the trainer. It's one of the reasons I like the 305, it's has everything I "think" I need. bikerHen

onimity

07-31-2007, 02:51 PM

I have the Forerunner 305 and really dislike it but the Edge is supposed to have better elevation readings which is one of my major complaints. That said, I'm thinking seriously of taking the Forerunner back and getting the Edge 305 though I am hesitant about the latter part at least based on my experience with the forerunner.

The Garmin HRM isn't always accurate, especially going downhill. You can get big jumps in your readings if you wear synthetic jerseys and they flap in the wind (!). The HRM band is also way too big for me even at the smallest setting which means I have to tie a knot in it and so can't wear it if I am carrying anything on my back. Not typical for most people's training rides, I realize.

The Garmin software also leaves a lot to be desired and they are VERY slow to update it, including motionbased, their web-based software. BTW, I'd be very hesitant to sign up for that. I did and the site is down a lot, but worse I've gotten unnerving login errors from other accounts. :eek:

The good stuff...it's great to be able to look at a map of your rides, see totals, averages, etc. It captures just about everything, the accuracy just leaves a lot to be desired in the case of the Forerunner. They are really cool devices in theory but they are not without their bugs. I just don't know if there is anything better?

The Edge 305 has a barometric altimeter auto-calibrated by GPS, but I've still read a lot of reports of elevation jumping suddenly by thousands of feet, etc.

Can anyone confirm/deny these accounts?

But in short, a definite yes to the new bike deserves new toys rule! :)

Anne

keeper

07-31-2007, 02:55 PM

SadieKate

07-31-2007, 02:58 PM

From talking with Edge 305 owners (and sometimes comparing their data to my own Polar and ciclo), it appears that after running the elevation data through the Garmin Training Center software, cumulative elevation gain/loss reports compares consistently with other barometric altimeters such as VDO, Polar, Ciclo, etc.

Forerunner 305 data which only uses GPS for elevation can report the elevation correctly, but not the cumulative gain/loss. I've had it report as much as 3x the actual.

maillotpois

07-31-2007, 03:16 PM

The Edge 305 with barometric and GPS has very accurate elevation data when run through Garmin Training Center (the standard software that comes with the unit). Running it through something like Motion Based will give you an artificial increase in your elevation data.

I have only had one weird elevation anomaly with the Edge - and 7 of 10 people I was riding with that day had Edges and all reported this weird anomaly. We were climbing and the units showed a steady descent. We figure we must have been in some sort of satellite black hole. Overall, the data given after the ride was accurate (the mileages and GTC climbing data were consistent with prior Polar and Ciclo readings for this ride - just this one stretch of road (with no tree cover even) where the readings were wonky. That's the only time I have seen something funky with the elevation for the edge.

7rider

07-31-2007, 03:39 PM

Oooo... freaky mp.

I've heard that the Edge 305 is much more accurate vs. the Forerunner for elevation. But - even the Edge has its idiosyncrasies - like and out and back route showing different start and end elevations when you are in the same place. Overall, it's been pretty good.

I didn't think you could put wheel sensors on more than one bike. I currently use my Edge 305 on 3 bikes - the road, the commuter, and the mtb. I have the sensor only on the road (plus the cadence pickup). I would think if you DID have two sensors, you would need to switch the bikes tracked, so it could auto-sense the proper wheel. Or, maybe since it's automatic, it wouldn't matter? Not switching the bike would not really alter key metrics like speed or distance, since that would be tracked off the satellites, whether you had the sensor or not.

SadieKate

07-31-2007, 03:46 PM

But - even the Edge has its idiosyncrasies - like and out and back route showing different start and end elevations when you are in the same place. Overall, it's been pretty good.I think that's true of any barometric altimeter and just reflects the air pressure changes through out the day.

This year every one of us using different barometric altimeters got consistent readings on Party Pardee. However, they were different than we all received the year before with barometric altimeters. Weather was very different a year apart.

Alex

07-31-2007, 03:47 PM

Yes, BikerHen, you need a new computer for the new bike! After all, you didn't buy new wheels for your road bike!

Costco's website has the bundle at a very good price. With the rebate, it's practically free. :D

Incurable romantic that I am, I suggested that the Edge 305 would make the perfect 20th wedding anniversary gift. :p (Isn't a bike GPS the traditional gift for the 20th anniversary?) :rolleyes: (The order was placed today so I will have it before the anniversary, but in time for the 111-mile Utah Lake Century Epic Ride.)

I'm going to have to upgrade the OS on my Mac, however...

Alex ("A GPS is Forever")

7rider

07-31-2007, 03:50 PM

I think that's true of any barometric altimeter and just reflects the air pressure changes through out the day.

Really?? Wow. Hmmmmmmmm.....

maillotpois

07-31-2007, 03:55 PM

And that air pressure change might explain my "issue" - we were transitioning from a rainstorm to sunny weather.

bikerHen

07-31-2007, 03:59 PM

Yes, BikerHen, you need a new computer for the new bike! After all, you didn't buy new wheels for your road bike!

Yet! :D There is always next year. :rolleyes: bikerHen

SadieKate

07-31-2007, 04:11 PM

Bicycles need birthday gifts also. :p

tygab

07-31-2007, 05:50 PM

BikeDutchess

07-31-2007, 06:38 PM

The Edge 305 with barometric and GPS has very accurate elevation data when run through Garmin Training Center (the standard software that comes with the unit).

Is the standard software Mac-compatible?

SadieKate

07-31-2007, 07:20 PM

Looks like it.
http://www8.garmin.com/products/trainingcenter/

There is a forum on www.motionbased.com which a ton of info also.

I just ordered an Edge 305 from Amazon for a great price. Thanks, bikerhen, for getting this thread started so I found out about the rebate. Edge prices are the lowest I've ever seen them.

Lifesgreat

07-31-2007, 07:52 PM

BikerHen, I hear your new bike screaming for an Edge 305. :eek:

I got one a few months ago through Amazon and LOVE it. I am a total hillslug and slowpoke (see avatar) and I know I am not using it to its full capability. If I were a "techno-geek with time" rather than just a "techno-geek", I would figure it all out. :rolleyes:

I splurged for the HR monitor/cadence features and recommend it. For me it was "duh, I KNOW my heartrate climbs as the elevation climbs", but it was interesting to see it on a graph. I learned it doesn't climb as much as I thought it would. It is also fun to see progress.

Do it, do it, do it. . .

Mr. Bloom

08-01-2007, 02:41 AM

Best Father's Day gift I ever got!

silver

08-01-2007, 04:51 AM

I have a forerunner 305 and love it. It is a tad large in both size and chest strap, but I've never had either slip once tucked/set where I want them. I am 5'3" and thin build. I have heard other women simply hack a piece off the elastic strap and resew it. I don't know how to sew but if the band ever stretches I will do that. I use the last hole on the watch band but it never moves around which was my initial fear. I got the Forerunner since it is a bit more multisport friendly.

I use Motionbased's free service, and have it set to topo correct for my GPS altitude (it is one of the upload preferences). I have had a few errors here and there with MB but nothing that waiting a little while didn't solve. I want to get a bike mount for it. I think either one offers a lot of features.

Extremely glad I got it and I bet your bike will love an Edge too. ;)

I have the forerunner 205. So I don't have the HRM. But I have freakishly thin wrists. I can adjust the watch on my wrist by using the triangle past the last hole. But I've found it's more comfortable the wear a sweat band on my wrist and wear the forerunner over the sweat band. I do the same thing to mount it to my bike. Fold the sweat band over the bar and then strap the forerunner on.

SouthernBelle

08-01-2007, 05:08 AM

Agree with all the plus recommendations above.

As to MB, they got slammed with the sudden big demand exceeding their expectations. I know they have added servers and thing s seem to have calmed down.

onimity

08-01-2007, 08:13 AM

Thanks everyone. Everyone here is so knowledgeable and I really appreciate it. It makes sense that it would have little blips and that's probably unavoidable, I just get frustrated with the Forerunner because the elevation figures are *so* inflated, even with the Motionbased 'correction'; It just seems like the elevation gain/loss 'feature' shouldn't be included if its so wildly inaccurate.

Sarah, your comment about the grade had me laughing because my sister & I were riding this weekend in a mountain canyon and when the pain got too bad we took our minds off of it by comparing Garmin grades (she has a 205). 35%. -2%. -15%. 29%. 2%. -5%. 135%. Funny, it felt like steady climbing to me. :D

SadieKate, I think that you are right about the elevation data itself being pretty accurate. I took my Forerunner to South America with me to mark points so that I could map them when I got home and found that the elevation was pretty close to what was marked.

I just ordered an Edge 305 and am so excited to be able to set real climbing goals this month. Now if only I can figure out what they should be...

Anne

Lifesgreat

08-01-2007, 08:31 AM

I just ordered an Edge 305 and am so excited to be able to set real climbing goals this month. Now if only I can figure out what they should be...

Anne

Just remember when calculating your climbing, if you are riding into a headwind while climbing (like I was this morning-a huge "canyon" wind), remember to double the total elevation to determine how much you actually climbed :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
:p :p

SadieKate

08-01-2007, 08:42 AM

. . . I just get frustrated with the Forerunner because the elevation figures are *so* inflated, even with the Motionbased 'correction'; It just seems like the elevation gain/loss 'feature' shouldn't be included if its so wildly inaccurate. Tell that to Garmin. I talked to them earlier this week as the Forerunner is clealy marketed to multi-sport athletes including cyclists. They said that they "had so many products" that there was no way to state in the software manuals or make it clear on MB's website that gain/loss data obtained from Forereunner data (GPS only) is completely useless. I loved the "only way to keep up in the marketplace was to go to market with known problems and try to address them later." And "if you had called us we would have told you not to use it for cycling if you want gain/loss data." So I asked him why it had biking settings at all. As you'd expect, more BS.

I asked how to get release notes that tracked bug fixes. "We don't do that. We have too many products."

I told him (in nicer words) that he was full of it and that the company I worked for could put him in the shade with software products and ability to track changes, and had the financial success to prove it could be done.

However, other than this guy's BS, the reps have all been ready and willing to help. They replaced my original Forerunner when it had problems. They helped with the software updates on my new one when I told them I was a bit gun-shy after my first experience. The MB folks have emailed me back when I sent questions. I've also had good experience with a borrowed Garmin 60csx. Because of this I'm willing to take a risk on another Garmin product.

I'm going to go find an email from a geeky friend who explains the GPS-only elevation gain/loss problems and post just because someone may find it interesting.

SadieKate

08-01-2007, 08:51 AM

gw_12 (whom I like to call geek_12) over on bikejournal sent me this explanation of GPS-only elevation gain/loss problems:

Consumer grade GPS is just not very good for accumulated elevation measurement (that’s why survey grade GPS units still cost about $5000). As you probably know consumer grade GPS can be off in the horizontal plane by 5-10 meters or so at any time. In the vertical plane they can easily be off by 2 to 3 times that much. While that drift in the horizontal plane may not produce an unacceptable error in the distance measurement of a bike ride (lots of horizontal travel vs relatively small errors), 2 to 3 times that error in the vertical plane over the same amount of time and much less vertical travel makes the accumulated elevation data practically worthless. Note that the indicated elevation is typically with 50 feet of actual, but varies over the ride from -50 to +50. The system has no way to discriminate between actual climbing and descending and error drift.I, personally, have experienced gain/loss data 3x the actual with the Forerunner. So the deals to be had on the Edge make it worth having both.

The FR has been useful to Izaak the Wonder Poodle as he is currently racking up the mileage to the coffee shop and back. And I'll use it for snowshoeing once we move to Bend. It will definitely come in handy. Besides, I'm sure that yellow has dreams that someday she'll convert me to trail-shuffling.

7rider

08-01-2007, 09:02 AM

So wait.
Let me state what I think may be obvious to some, but not to me.
SadieKate...
the gist of what you are saying is:
ForeRunner: GPS elevation only. Much variation/error. Essentially worthless for elevation readings.
Edge: GPS and barometric elevation readings. Some variation/error. Generally more accurate than GPS alone. Not perfect, but okay for consumer grade.

(that is the general sense I've gotten from other folks over the year I've had my Edge, at any rate).

kelownagirl

08-01-2007, 09:07 AM

I love my Edge and have had very few "anomolies" other than a few artificially high heart rates. The elevation data has been fairly accurate so far and I run my data thru the garmin software as well as Motionbased. Motionbased has never been down when I've been online yet although I have not yet upgraded to a full account yet. I may once dh starts using his garmin as well.

I DID set my garmin up with my bike data and it was fairly easy to input the weight of the bike and the wheel size from their chart. It is possible to set it up for 3 different bikes so next time I use my MTbike, I'll add that as well. I also use my garmin for running - I just carry it in my hand or pocket. It was awesome to have it on our bike tour in France this summer - so cool to be able to see the graphs and maps online.

FWIW, DH and I bought two Garmins for ourselves as a wedding present last March... :D

Enjoy yours!

SadieKate

08-01-2007, 09:12 AM

silver

08-01-2007, 10:36 AM

Regina, I've done a little editing. Make sure you differentiate between the measurement of the elevation of a certain point on your route (i.,e., at the top of Mt Diablo it is X feet high) and the calculation of the total feet you've climbed (i.e, I just rode up Mt Diablo and climbed X feet total). These are two different things.

ForeRunner: GPS elevation only. Much variation/error on gain/loss calculations (only available once you've downloaded your data to the Training Center or MotionBased). Essentially worthless for elevation gain/loss readings but fairly accurate for measuring the elevation of a certain point.

Edge: GPS and barometric elevation readings and gain/loss calculations. Some variation/error. Generally more accurate than GPS alone. Not perfect, but okay for consumer grade.

I agree. like I said, I got myself the forerunner 205. I don't really care about elevation and climbing data. I don't like to be bothered with HRM and cadence. On the bike I really only want to know distance and speed, so I really only use my cateye. I've strapped the forerunner on a few times to map out a route. I got the forerunner because I wanted it for running. Good basic GPS for distance and speed and easy to wear when I run. Anyone buying one of these products needs to understand their abilities and limitations and know what they want from them.

onimity

08-01-2007, 01:20 PM

Hey SadieKate,

I did write to Garmin about the elevation gain/loss issue and their suggestion was to use Motionbased :( but I will write to them about the way they market the product and why I'm returning it. If you look at the feature lists you would not understand that the Forerunner doesn't track elevation gain/loss accurately. I would have purchased the correct device in the first place if they had been clear about that or not included that as a 'feature' of the device.

I agree that simple things like release notes would be nice. You'd think that with so many products they might have some organization or standard processes... :rolleyes: Actually, I've always been really impressed with their device software.

Lifesgreat,

Don't I wish it could track the wind speed!! It should count as uphill when you have to pedal going downhill just to keep going!

tygab

08-01-2007, 05:15 PM

This is from their help page:

Choosing to apply the Tune-Up features here will apply the information automatically when submitting from the Inbox to the Digest. You may always override this preference by choosing to edit the activity.

* GPS Corrections - cleans up location information that can sometimes produce erroneous values
* MB Gravity - cleans up elevation information by cross-referencing the location with an elevation dataset

Please note that MB Gravity is not necessary with the Edge 305 as it has a built in Barometric Altimeter.

I think the algorithms are probably well done. I suppose the only way to know that for sure is to do a side by side with the Edge. But, for my purposes I am believing it as accurate enough.

Edit: haha we just may get to do this as I am convincing my husband to get his Edge with the good deals out there... [he has been coveting my Forerunner data].

SadieKate

08-01-2007, 06:33 PM

Tygab, these are the notes from two rides I did recently. I've called Garmin about the inaccuracies and they confirmed that the ForeRunner gain/loss data is incorrect whether you run it through GTC or MB.

Mt Tam mtb ride of 24+ miles:
FR 305 in GTC = 6,456
FR 305 in MB with gravity correction = 4,613
maillotpois' Edge 305 = 3,247 (and based on similar rides and my legs, this is correct)

Lake Solano road ride of 21+ miles on a nearly flat road:
FR 305 in GTC = 1,551
FR 305 in MB with gravity correction = 1,139
Polar and Ciclo data from past rides = 400-405 (and verified by the almost flat road)
MP's Edge 305 = 547

Jobob and Trekhawk could probably give their results from this last ride also if you feel that you need more stats for comparison. I've used a Ciclo and a Polar for a few years now. All of my results are comparable to Edge results. Forerunner results are from another galaxy far, far away.

tygab

08-01-2007, 07:32 PM

Hmm. That's unfortunate... thanks for posting the stats. Might have to chat with the folks in Olathe about this...

:(

onimity

08-01-2007, 07:50 PM

Yea, my ride last Saturday was similar. It was an organized ride and the listed elevation gain was 5,500 feet. Seems about right given the terrain, it was pretty much flat then straight up.
Garmin Training Center gave me 11,846 ft
Motionbased rounded that down to 8,932 ft.

That's a good idea to convince your husband that he needs the Edge. :) The deals are really great, especially with the rebate. (Thanks for that!)

Anne

lisakinsel

08-02-2007, 04:56 AM

I've spent most of the day researching bike computers and I just ordered one. I can't wait until it gets here and I can play with it:o :) There is a $75 rebate http://www.powerbar.com/nirf/cm2/upload/DAF91EB5-A696-4635-AA2D-BB7600D008C9/GarminRebate.pdf Just under $200 for the cadence/HR combo.

Hi there,

I am bikerhen's friend who rode with her on her on Monday night with the Garmin Edge. I had no idea there was a rebate! So, thanks! I still have my receipt and box and I am learning a little more about my new toy every time I ride. Other than having to remember to push "start" every time, which I'm not used to, the gadget has been great. I love the computer charts! Now that I am going to get money back on this, I love it even more! Also, thank you to Bikerhen who sent me the e-mail telling me to check the posts here. You guys are great!

SadieKate

08-02-2007, 11:24 AM

bikerHen

08-02-2007, 11:34 AM

Well I did it! :D Ordered one this morning! Thanks for all your encouraging words! :eek: :D :D The new bike wants it and the mount is broken on the computer on my road bike. So I really do need a new toy! I mean computer! :rolleyes: bikerHen

DrBadger

08-02-2007, 12:11 PM

Ooh, tres kewl news.

I own a Forerunner with HRM. I just bought the Edge with cadence.

According to the Garmin web site and some sleuthing on motionbased, I can pair the Edge with the same HRM strap.

In spite of my own ignorance, I lucked into something good.:)

so SadieKate-
Is this the one that you ordered? http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-305CAD-Bicycle-Monitor-Cadence/dp/B000BKJZ96/ref=pd_bbs_4/002-7227839-0741613?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1186084594&sr=8-4

And then you are just going to use the heart rate strap from your Forerunner?

Hmm.... I have a Forerunner 305, and I like it a lot, but have been tempted by the Edge also... and at that price with the $75 rebate it seems too good to be true! Might have to spend a bit more $$......

E.

SadieKate

08-02-2007, 12:19 PM

Yep, that is it.

The thread on the HRM strap is here.

http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php?topic=6199.from1186085068;topicseen#msg39907

DrBadger

08-02-2007, 12:23 PM

Yep, that is it.

The thread on the HRM strap is here.

http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php?topic=6199.from1186085068;topicseen#msg39907

Cool, thanks.... off to ponder.
E.

sarahkonamojo

08-02-2007, 01:09 PM

I have a Forerunner 305 with cadence and hrm. I am happy with it. I use it for relative comparison of my own performance and don't worry about absolute data. I use a polar hrm bike mount to mount the FR on my road bike. I wear it on my wrist when on the mtb. I use it for skiing, etc.

Garmin is not very Mac friendly. To track my workouts, I use Ascent.
http://www.montebellosoftware.com/index.html
There is also a Garmin beta version of gps unit software updater. You will need to search the garmin site. It worked for me.

Best of geekiness,
sarah

Alex

08-02-2007, 03:41 PM

It's here! It's here! It's here! (DH wants one now, too!) His and hers 305s, just like Kelownagirl! :D

Alex

melissam

08-02-2007, 04:35 PM

Once again, I've caved into TE peer pressure. :o

My Garmin Edge 305 arrives some time next week.

SadieKate

08-02-2007, 04:43 PM

Deanna, you are so weak. :rolleyes:

melissam

08-02-2007, 04:54 PM

Deanna, you are so weak. :rolleyes:
Yeah, I'm no superhero, that's for sure. ;)

Aggie_Ama

08-03-2007, 04:59 AM

sandra

08-03-2007, 05:12 AM

FYI, you do not have to be a Costco member to order from Costco online. You pay a little bit higher percentage if you are not a member, but if you are not going to shop there much, it may be worth it.

keeper

08-03-2007, 05:22 AM

And would anyone be so kind to tell me which of the Edges on amazon would be the right link to send a hint to someone? I am not seeing the difference in the $379 and $319 list price, there must be something! Thanks. :)

They come 3 different ways - 1) the Garmin with a HR monitor and a speed/cadence monitor 2) the Garmin with the speed/cadence monitor and 3) the Garmin with the HR monitor.

The Garmin is the same in all 3 packages, just the accessories are different. If you get the one that only has the speed/cadence monitor you can add a HR monitor later.

I just looked on Amazon and it looks like the one that has a $379 list price (but is actually cheaper than the other one!) does not have the speed/cadence sensor. If you scroll through the description part there is a small section 'What is in the box' that will help. They do not make it clear at all.

Blueberry

08-03-2007, 05:32 AM

The Edge 305 + HR and Cadance is currently listed at $274.49 on Amazon ( you have to click to see the price).

Just FYI:D :D

onimity

08-03-2007, 05:33 AM

Looks like it (Edge 305+HRM+Cadence) is 269.99 at Costco

the same (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-305HR%2B-Bicycle-Monitor-Cadence/dp/B000BS4PZW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-8840770-2747624?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1186146634&sr=8-1) is 274.49 at amazon:

the model without the cadence sensor (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-305HR-Bicycle-Monitor-Heart/dp/B000BKP80G/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-8840770-2747624?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1186146634&sr=8-2) is 244.92

Just got mine last night... WAY cool to be able to have accumulated elevation as a field. :):):)

Anne

onimity

08-03-2007, 05:39 AM

P.S.,

For those of you that have just ordered an Edge, you might want to have a couple of spare 2016 batteries around (the round ones slightly smaller than a nickel.) The battery in my HRM was dead when I got it and the one in the cadence sensor was too weak to function (though it lit up the lights on reset.) My first ride out with it was to get batteries, with zip ties hanging off my bike. But it tracked my elevation gain. :D
So much nicer than the forerunner!

Anne

Aggie_Ama

08-03-2007, 05:39 AM

Thanks everyone!! I want the one that does it all but I couldn't figure it out. Maybe I shouldn't try to decipher this stuff half asleep. :D

bikerHen

08-03-2007, 01:03 PM

I am not a Costco member, but considering becoming one. How much is the bundle at Costco?

And would anyone be so kind to tell me which of the Edges on amazon would be the right link to send a hint to someone? I am not seeing the difference in the $379 and $319 list price, there must be something! Thanks. :)

I ordered mine from Costco yesterday. Came to $294.?? with tax. It's advertised as the Garmin Edge 305 combo and has heart rate and cadence. I'm a member and don't know if that effects the price. BikerHen

DrBadger

08-04-2007, 11:21 AM

Well, I broke down and bought one too..... at this price I just couldn't say no! :rolleyes:

Helped that my extended family had another graduation party for me yesterday, so I was able to justify using some of my haul from that to buy myself another toy that I TOTALLY didn't need :D

Looking forward to using it on my first century in 2 weeks!

Pedal Wench

08-05-2007, 08:09 PM

My birthday is next week, and I was just visiting my BF -- and noticed the Garmin rebate form on his desktop... maybe I can join in this conversation in a week!:D

jobob

09-18-2007, 08:19 AM

My birthday isn't for another month but I just ordered one. :o
I found a great deal on Amazon, and with the $75 PowerBar rebate it comes in around $175. Sweeeet.

SouthernBelle

09-18-2007, 01:00 PM

Before you buy the 305, check out the newer models!

li10up

09-19-2007, 11:20 AM

The REI price is $399.00! I like ordering from REI because of their replacement policy...they just gave me a brand new replacement tent on a 2 year old tent! with NO hassle! But the price on Amazon is soooo much better.... If you get a lemon from Amazon would you have to deal with someone there or would you just go through Garmin, anyone know?

SadieKate

09-19-2007, 11:32 AM

I've dealt directly with Garmin but you should read the Garmin site for the best source of info. Register the product on their warranty page.

Jiffer

09-19-2007, 02:43 PM

I love my Garmin! I use the same one on both my single road bike and the back of the tandem (while Dh has his own on the front of the tandem).

Someone mentioned it was like a guilty pleasure, since she doesn't go very fast, but I'm not sure what that has to do with anything. It tells you how many miles you've gone, your cadence, how long you've been riding, pauses the timer when you stop if you program it to, etc. Why should only "fast" people get to know all that information? ;)

At a rest stop on the century we did a week ago, Dh said he was asked why we had two computers on the bike. Why does the stoker (me) need a computer? Hello? Do I not get to know how far we've gone and still have to go? Do I not get to know how fast we're going? Should I have to ask Dh all this information every time I want to know it ... or just stay in the dark wondering? We also use it to try to stay at a certain cadence. Dh will say "let's try to keep it at 85 cadence" or "let's try to stay at 25 mph" ... and I can watch my computer and know how hard I need to pedal. Also, as the official directions giver on the century, I was able to know when our next turn was coming up based on how many miles we had gone, and let Dh know.

When I switch mine from one bike to the other, I have to reset it to read the cadence differently, but that's easy.

GET ONE!!!!!!!!!!! :D

jobob

09-19-2007, 07:17 PM

Before you buy the 305, check out the newer models!

Eh, I looked at the 605 & the 705, but it'll be a few weeks before they come out & then there are bound to be software quirks to work out. And I hate paying top dollar for electronics.

easterbird

10-19-2007, 06:34 AM

I can get it to display while I ride? perverse,yes? AND I can get it to show up as a graph that is barely readable vs elevation in GTC. Is there any way to get the data in tablular form. I know there's a lot of data in there but it doesn't seem all that easy to find istructions(Ha) on how to retrieve it.

Suggestions(other than that I am braindead in retirement:) )are welcome!

SouthernBelle

10-19-2007, 07:34 AM

Are you using Garmin Training Center or MotionBased? I find the info easier to find and understand on MotionBased.

Mr. Bloom

10-19-2007, 03:24 PM

I can get it to display while I ride? perverse,yes?

Yes, you can display it and NO, it's not perverse (Silver says "obsessive, but not perverse":D)

I think this is what you're trying to do:

Hit MODE until you come to Main Menu

Hit SETTINGS /enter

Hit DATA FIELDS/enter

Choose the number of BIKE COMPUTER you want to program

Hit enter...I choose 8 fields here, but this makes all 8 smaller to read

Choose your fields...GRADE is one of the fields you can choose.

Motionbased is awfully cool. I didn't see the value at first, but now I'm hooked.

7rider

10-19-2007, 03:52 PM

Beware of "TMI" with the Garmin display.
Sure, you can display 8 fields, but can you safely *read* 8 fields while you're riding down the road?
I used to have a bunch of fields open, but found I spent too much time looking at the display and not enough time looking at the road! :eek: I've whittled it down to - I think - 5: Speed, distance, cadence, HR, and Time of Day. It's still too much, really, but I'm a junkie and can't give up any more! I keep extra displays of all those cool things I'd LIKE to know on the 2nd computer display: average speed; ride time; grade; and something else I forget. I toggle b't the 2 when I can safely do so or at stops.

easterbird

10-19-2007, 04:05 PM

I have been viewing it as I ride (that's what I meant about perverse:D ); however, I can't find out how to look at the % grade data in a table in either MB or GTC. I'm very new to this so may have missed it but I haven't found either site to be (my kind of) intuitive.

On the idea of too many screens(8 or whatever). I am using five but still had a problem because I have fine long distance but poor close distance. I bought a pair of those plastic magnifer thingies made to put on sunglasses(little half moons really that adhere via a little water and surface tension) and use ONE of them in my goggles for my right eye to be able to easily read the computer.Doesn't impact looking up the road or in my mirror:)

Mr. Bloom

10-19-2007, 04:17 PM

I was just playing with motionbased and didn't see anything that showed maximum grade except the charts

SouthernBelle

10-19-2007, 05:34 PM

Max grade is found on MotionBased by clicking on elevation on the left side and in the center column column it gives max % grade for both ascent and descent.

As far as the display on the unit, you have 2 pages of display and can put 8 things on each page. It's easy to toggle back and forth using the arrow keys on the side of the unit. So you can just put 3 or 4 things on each page.

Mr. Bloom

10-20-2007, 02:35 AM

Thanks SB - I knew I had seen it before...right before my eyes:(

Here's mine from the Hilly Hundred

Ascent Grade Max 18.7
Descent Grade Max -16.8

SouthernBelle

10-20-2007, 05:20 AM

Thanks SB - I knew I had seen it before...right before my eyes:(

Here's mine from the Hilly Hundred

Ascent Grade Max 18.7
Descent Grade Max -16.8

Maybe you should keep that triple!

Tater

11-10-2007, 10:03 AM

You people are rotten! Rotten, I tell you!! :p I have been doing some looking around for a new bike computer, I love my wireless Cateye, but wanted something more. Did some research into the Garmin 305 and ended up picked one up last night. It so appeals to the numbers geek in me! I had a blast with it on this morning's ride.

So thanks for helping me spend some money. But hey, its for the bike, so its all good!

OakLeaf

11-10-2007, 10:10 AM

If you're looking for more junk to hang off your handlebars, the Adventure Cycling catalog has a simple bubble level that displays grade in real time. It's bound to be way more accurate than any of the electronic gizmos, whether they use a barometric pressure altimeter or simply rely on GPS data. They're notoriously inaccurate on altitude, although once you import the data into your computer, some of the software will correct the altitude readings against known points on your route.

I have to say, the new Edge models are very tempting. It would be really cool to have access to road maps like we do on the motorized-vehicle GPS units.

kelownagirl

11-10-2007, 10:12 AM

DH and I both have Garmins and our data is remarkably similar when we ride together. (Well, except that he goes faster. :) We upload to Motionbased and find the elevations and grade info pretty darn accurate. We ride the same routes a lot and the info is usually the same every time.

easterbird

11-12-2007, 04:28 PM

have you noticed that the grade showing on the edge as you ride is very different from what uploads? 22% becomes 16%. 20-22 was probably closer because all other 16% I can ride but could NOT on that one!

What about difference in HR? On the edge before upload, it reads 140(I was pushing like crazy the whole way and I am almost 60). Upload shows 130. This happens often. Does anyone know why? What about MB gravity? Do you use it? I stopped applying it because it adds about 200-500' depending on ride.

Thorn

11-13-2007, 03:25 AM

I don't use the correction for elevation. As discussed somewhere around here, the elevation is relative to the unit doing the recording. So I just use what I get inside of training center and use it.

As for the "instantaneous % grade", it is just that. The GPS in the Garmin is not good for vertical resolution so it also uses barometric pressure. But...every measurement that the GPS takes has a range of error. E.g., a good satellite lock is still +/- 18m or so.

So those instantaneous grades...I look at it this way....when I read out the % grade it is calculated based on the last two data points (ok, not quite the last two, but....). Either of those data points could be in error. When I'm looking at % grades, then, I tend to perform rolling averages in my head. Did the GPS hold the 20% or was it followed by a 3%?

Of course, once imported, it does get smoothed out, even if you turn smoothing off. I have one hill that reads in TC as 10%. It is very short and very steep--trust me, that bump is not just 10%--10% does not require standing in my lowest gear. In the end it is all relative and the resolution of the PC isn't the same as land. Those sharp bumps can just disappear.

SouthernBelle

11-13-2007, 06:03 AM

Also note that when you get below a certain speed it quits recording. Which on extreme grades is a possibility. :p

OakLeaf

11-13-2007, 06:16 AM

Unless the software is much different from the ForeRunner's, you should be able to select in your preferences whether or not the unit stops recording when you're "stopped." It's actually under the Training Assistant preferences, which is a weird place for it. Select Auto Pause/Lap and you can edit whether or not you want the unit to stop recording when you're stopped, and if so, how slow you must be going before it decides you've stopped.

Ignore this if the Edge doesn't work the same way as the ForeRunner, but it sure sounds like that's what you've got going on.

Also, there are several things I don't like about SportTracks, but one neat feature it has is that it separates your stopped time (which you can set in the software preferences there) and calculates your average moving pace/speed. I wind up downloading my data into four different places (TC for Windoze, TC for Mac, SportTracks and MB) which is utterly ridiculous given that I'm not actually a serious athlete at all :rolleyes: - but it's fun!

SouthernBelle

11-13-2007, 06:19 AM

MB gives stopped time too!?

kelownagirl

11-13-2007, 07:33 AM

You can set the 305 to stop recording when you stop riding, or to stop recording below a certain speed (which you choose yourself). I tried the latter but didn't like it. Now I have it set to stop only if I stop riding. And yes, MB does show riding time, stopped time, and total time.

easterbird

11-14-2007, 02:01 PM

Okay, I understand about the instant read out situation but I felt like when I was using the VDO w altimeter it was giving repeatable readings so I thought Garmin(for much more money) would do as good.
On the other hand, should the smoothing or whatever impact the HR avg that uploads,do you think?

Does anyone know how to take a route from the Garmin ,upload it to another site like Mapmyride and then use it as a route on the Garmin? If this has been hashed before,could someone point me to the thread. I didn't find it. thanks!

SouthernBelle

11-15-2007, 10:05 AM

You really shoudn't need to go thru another site unless you want to. D'l as a CRS, import into training center, use training center to load onto the edge.

easterbird

11-15-2007, 03:02 PM

Southern Belle, I am not usually this dumb but don't know how to d'l as crs. When I hook up unit by usb it auto downloads the map of the ride. What I want to do is recover that ride as a route not a course(I think). As a course I get no map to follow right?

onimity

11-15-2007, 05:30 PM

If you save your ride as a course and load it on your Garmin then you can follow yourself along the course; I don't recall whether or not you get a map of it, I've never found on-the-device maps all that useful. I usually look at the elevation profile which shows you as a dot racing the dot that was you riding it last time. I've stopped using this since I've been training to haul more weight; it's just depressing to see the little dot race up the hill while I am at 3mph hauling a trailer! :) If you save it as a course and follow it, the Garmin will alert you if you go off course.

I know what you mean, though, about expecting more for the money. I think their software stinks and their devices are poorly made. Mine stopped charing in the wall charger (won't work with my sister's Forerunner charger either) though it will charge via PC USB. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Anne

SouthernBelle

11-16-2007, 05:10 AM

I have only done this a couple of times, so I'm not sure I can explain it. Have you searched MB forum? They are pretty good about explaining stuff like this.

I have used courses a couple of times, once on my first century, once shortly before that on a 70 mile route through unfamiliar territory. It did tell me when I got off-route. You can also build a route where it will cue you when to turn, etc. On the 70 mile one, it worked well even though I had to guesstimate for a few of miles of bike path. On the century route, I was riding with several and we were not sure if we had made a good turn or were off-route. I went with what the unit said and it was right.

Having said that, there are a couple of bug issues. I had to re-set mine last week. If the wall unit is defective, call customer support. From what I've read on the MB forum, they are very good about replacing defective stuff.