Needing a new GPS watch for biking and running

[WindingRoad]

So, I think my Garmin Forerunner 50 has outlived it's relatively short life span (about a year). I hear this is an especially problematic model or as others online have described it (a total piece of $h!t). However most people say very positive things about their Garmins so I'm willing to try again.

The deal is that I run and bike so I want one I can use for both. I use a heart rate monitor too so this leads me to look at the Forerunner 405 or 405 CX depending on if I can use the Garmin Heart Rate Monitor strap I already have on a new watch??? I hate to pay an extra $50 for the CX if I can just use the HRM I already have and possibly the foot pod too for indoor running. The HRM I have looks exactly like what Garmin sells online to add to existing watches so that makes me think it would work. Since my Forerunner 50 isn't that old this also makes me think it would work. I've emailed Garmin to see if there is any warranty or repairs that can be made to the watch I have but I seriously doubt it. I am guessing this is why Costco was selling them for $99 dollars.

Any suggestions on a replacement or do any of you know if I can use the old HRM on a new model? I know many of you probably use these run/bike devices and have a lot more experience with them than I do.

I guess I should clarify that my old model didn't do the bike stuff but I'd like to get one that will even if I have to buy the cadence attachment separately.

Please help! :)

[Bike Chick]

Winding, I have had the 405 for over a year now and use it for both running and cycling. I have the footpod for indoor running and the cadence monitor for cycling. I like the fact that you can use the same training device for both activities and can download it into my training center on the computer. The only thing I don't like about it is that you have to manually change the modes from bike to running so you can't use it during a triathlon or biathlon without losing valuable time. It's not that big of a deal once you learn how to change the modes. There is a bit of a learning curve with it but since you already have the 50, this shouldn't be a big deal for you.

My husband had an extra hrm with his Garmin and I used it when I got my 405 and it paired just fine. We have 3 different Garmin's between us and they all use the same hrm.

Hope this answers your questions.

[zoom-zoom]

I have a 305 and LOVE it. It looks bulky, but I don't notice it on my wrist and the screen is large, so I can easily view 4 fields at once and toggle between 3 screens.

Not sure about the HRM issue...I have honestly never even used the strap that came with my 305. One of these days I will, but the underwires in my regular running bras is what has been a deterrent. I'm not sure how to fit the strap around/under those and if I put it lower-on my ribcage I don't see it staying put.

If my 305 died today I'd probably buy another one...or maybe the 310XT, but I could buy like 3 305s for the same price.

[OakLeaf]

All the current model Garmin HR straps are compatible. The ones that went with the 301 are different, but if it's one of the ANT+ straps, it will work.

You're probably actually better off with the old, hard strap. People report a lot of problems with the new "premium" soft strap.


ETA: BikeChick, are you sure the 405 doesn't have auto-multisport? So many people have complained about the 310XT not having that feature, that I thought that all the prior models had it. The 301 did, even.

[zoom-zoom]

I know the 305 doesn't have auto multisport. I mean, it won't detect changes in race mode, or anything--is that what you mean? I have to go into the menu and set up what the 3 modes of my duathlon will be, then start at the start, press the lap button for transition, again as I leave transition, etc. It does automatically set the watch up for each mode on race day, but only when I have manually told it what to do beforehand.

[OakLeaf]

Right, rather than having to manually switch to bike mode while you're in transition, and then back to run mode in T2.

[WindingRoad]

I think the strap I have it the hard strap and my FR50 uses the ANT+ wireless stuff so I think that will work. Thanks OakLeaf for helping me too with getting my Mac to work with the software. Come to find out et wasn't my Mac it was the watch, duh, has it set wrong. Apparently while fiddling with it I accidentally changed the pairing settings.

Even though the 310 XT looks huge I like what it does. I'm haven't ruled that one out yet. It's more important this one be reliable and not a piece of poo like the FR50 I have. Plus I do swim occasionally and never though of swimming with a heart rate monitor on. The 405 definitely looks cooler but I've read several reviews saying its precarious to use??? BikeChick any truth to this you think?

[zoom-zoom]

Right, rather than having to manually switch to bike mode while you're in transition, and then back to run mode in T2.

So the 310XT doesn't have the same multi-sport capabilities as the 305? If not, how do they justify the additional $$?

[WindingRoad]

So the 310XT doesn't have the same multi-sport capabilities as the 305? If not, how do they justify the additional $$?

ZZ it does do multisport and it does it quickly from what Garmin says about it. Its set up to be able to log transition times too. I'm really liking how that sounds :). It looks even bigger than your 305 but I don't know if I care it's not like its going to be my new fashion statement or anything. Historically I have bought HRM based on how they look as watches, I think I'm past that now. ;)

This is difficult because I like the 305 too? Does yours do cadence too or does it just switch between sports to measure distance, speed etc?

[limewave]

I believe you have to buy a cadence sensor to go with the Garmin 305.

I have the Garmin 305 and LOVE it as well. I am planning on getting the cadence sensor and possibly the foot pod at some point.

[zoom-zoom]

ZZ it does do multisport and it does it quickly from what Garmin says about it. Its set up to be able to log transition times too. I'm really liking how that sounds :). It looks even bigger than your 305 but I don't know if I care it's not like its going to be my new fashion statement or anything. Historically I have bought HRM based on how they look as watches, I think I'm past that now. ;)

This is difficult because I like the 305 too? Does yours do cadence too or does it just switch between sports to measure distance, speed etc?

I have the bike cadence/speed sensor for my 305 (I believe it's the same unit that all Garmin units use for the bike) and it makes it the most awesome multi-sport device ever...I use it on my runs, as well as for a bike computer. It's perfect...and it works great on the indoor trainer, since the cadence sensor works with the back wheel--so I have been able to track my trainer miles all Winter.

I don't have the foot pod, but I'm not too worried about my cadence while running, since that's done outside about 100% of the time.

Someone I talked to said that they thought the 301XT felt LESS bulky than the 305, even though it looks a bit bigger.

[OakLeaf]

Someone I talked to said that they thought the 301XT felt LESS bulky than the 305, even though it looks a bit bigger.

Yep. One of the reasons I (and many women) skipped the 305 is the size. The 310XT is half an inch shorter and lacks the bump that wraps around the wrist on the 305. I don't know that it even looks bigger. The displays are the same size, and there's a lot more bulk to the 305 beyond the display, than there is on the 310.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=142&compareProduct=27335&compareProduct=349

The strap on the 310XT still s*cks and people have complained about the pins popping out on some units :eek:, but it's easily replaced with a retaining strap like the 301 used to have.

Basically, for the extra money, you get power meter compatibility, a waterproof case, and HR-based calorie computation. None of which I really use... but it was the size that really was the breaking point for me on the 305. My wrists are just too small - I even have to wear a sweat band under the 301 and the 310XT so they don't bruise the "bump" on my wrist over a long run. That, and okay, I'm a sucker for "the latest" ... :rolleyes:

They advertise a much longer battery life on the 310XT. I have no idea what real world battery life is on the 305, but it's closer to 13-15 hours than to 20 for most people on the 310. YMMV, there are a lot of variables that go into battery life.


Not sure about this - but I think I've heard it mentioned that the 310 has a different GPS algorithm than the 305, that makes it more accurate even though they both have the same receiver. Could be wrong though.

[zoom-zoom]

I wear a sweat band under my 305...mostly because I read too many accounts of sweat/sunscreen clogging the speaker holes and gunking up the contacts. Sure makes for one big, weird tanline, though.

I do like the orange. DH would :rolleyes: if I went for the 310XT based upon color, though. :p

[SadieKate]

Something to consider is the alarm volume. I think I've heard that the alarm on the newer models is louder. I frequently miss the alarm on the FR305 if it is windy or I have a headband on. If I were trying to bike with it, I'd probably never hear it. The 310XT looks like it even has a vibrating alarm.

[OakLeaf]

Yep. I forgot to mention that. The vibrating alarm on the 310 is WONDERFUL for pacing myself during races without ticking off everyone around me!

But I never had any trouble hearing the 301, even running on the beach in high wind or heavy surf.

[SadieKate]

I googled the volume problem on the 305 and found a lot of references. It seems I'm not the only one. The little holes on the back are clean, nothing I can do.

You think $350 is a tad expensive just for the vibrating alarm? :rolleyes:

[OakLeaf]

You think $350 is a tad expensive just for the vibrating alarm? :rolleyes:

Depends on how mad people get about my pace alarm going off during a race... :cool:

Seriously, if I could put a 305 on my wrist, I'd have one. I'm not that much of a tech snob. It just doesn't go.

[Bike Chick]

ETA: BikeChick, are you sure the 405 doesn't have auto-multisport? So many people have complained about the 310XT not having that feature, that I thought that all the prior models had it. The 301 did, even.

Oak, my 405 model is manual and doesn't have auto-multisport. I sure wish it did. I understand the new models now have it.