Garmin?

[bluebug32]

I'm looking for some feedback on Garmins. I don't know much about them (boyfriend wants me to get one to help motivate and track my riding/training). Do you find them helpful? I'm not as interested in seeing my exact route on the map and elevation as much as I am tracking my heartrate and tracking my improvement on the routes I generally do. I just hate gagets with a million options that are difficult to program and use.

Any recommendations for models or if this sounds like something beneficial to my training?

Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

I have a Forerunner 301 and it's very helpful for tracking improvement over time. It's very easy to use. No programming is needed (beyond entering your age, sex and weight). But you have the option to design custom intervals, enter your cycling MHR, or turn your routes into courses if you want. The 301 is a discontinued running/cycling model, with a wrist strap but no cadence option. The current model equivalent is the Forerunner 305 (which does have a cadence option). If you plan to use it only for cycling, you'll be better with the Edge 305, which has a larger display and a barometric altimeter.

[HoosierGiant]

I'm as anti-gadget as they come! (My kids swear I don't even know what the ring tone is on my cell phone because I never use the darn thing.) Anyway, I ride with a Shimano Flight Deck AND a Garmin Edge 305 -- I know, overkill. And I love, love, love my Garmin! Very easy to use once you've got the initial set-up completed and everything mounted/installed.

[solobiker]

I am interested in getting one too. I like to see improvements in my riding and I think it will give me a goal to ride faster, harder or farther. As you can probably tell, I do a lot of riding on my own so I don't have anyone but my self to push the pace.

[HoosierGiant]

As you can probably tell, I do a lot of riding on my own so I don't have anyone but my self to push the pace.

A Garmin is an excellent training partner -- always with you, a silent encourager, doesn't mind if you mutter an unpleasantry or two as you approach a snarly hill. And, most importantly, your Garmin always knows the way home. If you ride mostly solo and put in any distance at all, it's particularly reassuring to know that you don't have to worry about running out of bread crumbs along the way. My Garmin's gotten me home on more than one occasion when these lonely, winding, country roads have had me absolutely flummoxed.

[solobiker]

Thanks for the info. I do like to "explore" and somtimes I get a little nervous with finding my way back. This summer I hope to ride a lot up in the foothlls on some dirt roads. Should be fun

[SouthernBelle]

I have a 305 and love it.