Training Tools

[blumensh]

Is there anything out there that can double as a cycling computer and as a running computer like a Garmin Forerunner? If not what do you recommend for a good cycling computer? This may not be the best forum to place this question but I figure you all would know best if there was something that can achieve both purposes.

[Veronica]

I use the forerunner 305 for both cycling and running. It is a little large on the wrist, but I have large wrists.

I have used it in two races now - a HIM and a sprint distance. I put it on the bike before the swim and turn it on, so it's got the satellites. Then hit start when I get on the bike. I hit the lap counter when I start the run. The low battery notice came on during the run of the HIM, but that was a long tough race with 6,000 feet of climbing in the 56 miles of the bike. :eek:

It doesn't take too long to get the unit off the bike and onto your wrist if you get the quick release.

Veronica

[sgf726]

I used a Garmin Forerunner as well, the 310XT. The 310XT is more expensive than the 305 but if you don't need it for the swim there are some good deals on the 305 right now.

The other option depending on how much run data you want and what I did until this year is a bike computer for the bike and just use the timer on the watch for the run. Depending on how much you want to spend.

[zoom-zoom]

I LOVE my 305. I have the cadence/speed sensor on my bike and it has been a wonderful tool. I can use it indoors on the trainer and get accurate distance, too, since the sensor is on the rear wheel. When my 305 dies (it's almost 3 years old and still going strong) I will either find another one or upgrade to the 310XT, no question.

[blumensh]

I would love to get a 310 but just can't justify that expense right now. The 305 how does that work? Do you have a sensor in your shoe and then one of the wheel?

[Veronica]

It's a GPS. It gets all the info from satellites. If you want cadence, you do need to have a cadence sensor. But for speed, distance, elevation, heart rate... you don't need anything but the unit and the heart rate monitoring strap.

Veronica

[blumensh]

Well I had it in my mind I needed cadence but maybe speed would really be enough information.

[Veronica]

Cadence can be useful - especially if you're riding inside on a trainer.

I had cadence on all my bikes for a long time, but eventually you know what just feels right for you.

Veronica

[GLC1968]

Cadence can be useful - especially if you're riding inside on a trainer.

I had cadence on all my bikes for a long time, but eventually you know what just feels right for you.



Ditto this.

I also now use the Forerunner 305. I had the EDGE 305 for my bike and I carried it on a couple of runs, but then it went wonky on me. I got a FR305 for like $125 on Amazon a month or so ago and I love it. Prior to that, I was using a bike computer on the bike and then wearing a regular HR watch/monitor for the whole event to time it and pace myself. The 305 has HR too though, so I only need the one device and so far, it's been great.

[HillSlugger]

For about $40 you can add a cadence sensor for the 305/310. It will also give you indoor speed on a trainer stand.

[blumensh]

I think I might get a 305 . They have the 305, quick release mounting kit and cadence sensor bundled on amazon for just under $200. Boy this sport is pricey...all the gadgets really add up.

[zoom-zoom]

I think I might get a 305 . They have the 305, quick release mounting kit and cadence sensor bundled on amazon for just under $200. Boy this sport is pricey...all the gadgets really add up.

I think I paid more than that for my 305, alone. That's a good deal. Makes me tempted to buy another 305 just to keep in a drawer for when my current one gives up the ghost. :)

[Dogmama]

I think I paid more than that for my 305, alone. That's a good deal. Makes me tempted to buy another 305 just to keep in a drawer for when my current one gives up the ghost. :)

It's $145 on Amazon right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA/ref=pd_cp_e_0

[Dogmama]

It is sweet. Very easy to use. Screens are intuitive, display is large & band is made for smaller wrists. I looked at the 305 but decided that I would probably want the 310XT for swimming, so I can count laps.

It came with the softer heart rate monitor band, so it's OK to use in the water. I've only used it on the bike so far. You can program in alarm times - good for somebody like me who forgets to stop & eat during long rides. I haven't even scratched the surface on everything that it does.

[zoom-zoom]

Boy, if my 305 died today I don't know whether I would get the same thing (it's worked so well and I don't swim)...or upgrade for a lot more $$.

[cervelogirl]

I'm looking for something that can go from bike, to run and maybe to water and the 310x seems to be an option (as well as Timex Ironman global trainer), but they all seem so bulky - is it a pain for running?


Also, wondering - how useful is the HR monitor to you?

I'm not terribly serious about the sport, I just love doing it (and I ain't bad as there is a gold medal hanging off my bike stand :D )...my watch died at the beginning of summer and have been going without it. The only way I know my accurate run time&pace is from race results. I'm thinking of getting a bike computer with cadence (don't even have that!) and a new simple ironman watch, or should I go all out and get something like the Garmin 310x, which probably has features I may never use or learn to and benefit from????.... or the Garmin 305 as its not as expensive...

[sgf726]

I have the 310xt, I was at first worried that it would seem to bulky as I have fairly small wrists. Its actually really comfortable and I don't notice it anymore than I would my regular watch.

I like the fact that its waterproof so I can wear it for the swim and don't have to worry about it getting wet. I do use it mostly for running and swimming as I have another bike computer.

I find the HR useful to make sure I am working as hard as I should be (especially on the spin bike) or that I am not working too hard when trying to do recovery runs.

[HillSlugger]

To me the 310XT feels smaller/more comfortable on the wrist. I've successfully used it during all parts of 2 triathlons. I'm not sure how it will work out when I need to wear a full-sleeve wetsuit.