Suggestions for GPS Heart Rate Monitor

[OakLeaf]

What I've read is that with the 305s there was/is both a hardware and a firmware issue with the random shutoffs, while the issue with the 705 series was firmware only and has been resolved.

You should be able to get a 705 with cadence and HRM, but without the street maps, for $500. You can use SportTracks to view your track on a Google Maps view (street, hybrid or satellite only, but if there's topo I haven't found it). You won't have onboard street mapping or navigation unless you buy the software from Garmin, though, which will cost you extra. But you could add that at a later date when your budget allows.

If you buy City Navigator on CD then you can run it on your computer for route planning and navigation in all your vehicles, and view your tracks in Training Center with street level detail. If you buy the map chip bundled with the 705 you will NOT get the unlock codes to allow you to do that. I bought the bundle without realizing that. I BELIEVE I've read from other people that if you buy the CD, you can then transfer the map data to your own micro SD card and call Garmin for unlock codes to allow the unit to recognize it.

I'm on a Mac and I run SportTracks under Parallels. I'll have to check out Ascent, though. Gee, ANOTHER geeky program to put my data in... GTC for Mac, GTC for Windows (not identical), SportTracks, BikeJournal...


ETA: You can also view your tracks in Google Earth via MotionBased. A free membership only allows you to view a limited amount of your history, but it's full-featured for viewing your last few rides. I'm not sure what options Mapmyride has for importing, as I've only ever used it for export. SportTracks is shareware and un-crippled. I like it well enough that I sent them the full suggested donation which I believe was $25.