Garmin Edge 305 Question

[maillotpois]

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]

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]

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.

[7rider]

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

Really?? Wow. Hmmmmmmmm.....

[maillotpois]

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

[Alex]

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.

Incurable romantic that I am, I suggested that the Edge 305 would make the perfect 20th wedding anniversary gift. (Isn't a bike GPS the traditional gift for the 20th anniversary?) (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")

[bikerHen]

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

Yet! There is always next year. bikerHen

[SadieKate]

Bicycles need birthday gifts also.

[tygab]

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.

[silver]

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]

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.

[BikeDutchess]

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]

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]

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

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.

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]

Best Father's Day gift I ever got!