Garmin durability on trails?

[OakLeaf]

Another alternative might be to get a Forerunner 305 instead of an Edge. I don't know for sure about that model, but with my 301 (which doesn't have a cadence option), the wrist strap doesn't need to be removed from the unit for it to snap into the handlebar mount. Then I could just fasten the wrist strap loosely around the handlebar as a backup in case it fell out of the mount (which it never did).

The drawback is the display - monochrome and smaller versus the Edge's large color display. You also wouldn't have the option to import topo maps as I think you can with the Edge 705 (or street maps, but that wouldn't matter for the trail).

[SadieKate]

I mtbike with my Edge 305 mounted on my stem. Not a problem but I'm not super aggressive. Some table top jumps with a bit of air when I'm feeling frisky, but that's it. I also have a Forerunner 305. Neither is going to get you un-lost. These are not mapping GPS but recording units, as in they record the coordinates you've ridden. If you can match up your coordinates with a good map, they can help. But if you are standing at the intersection of 5 unmarked forest service roads/trails and the map only shows 3, and you want to map a route to another set of coordinates, good luck.

If you want a true mapping GPS with topo map updates, you need to look at something like a DeLorme PN-40. From what I've read, DeLorme does a much better job with topo maps than the Garmin 705. And the 705 is not built for trail riding.
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELi...?section=10461

If all you care about is recording where you've been with a bit of idea where you are, the Edge 305 works fine. But don't expect it to get you home if you're lost. And carry a compass anyway. Don't depend on an electronic gadget out in the wild.

[OakLeaf]

They can't get you un-lost in the sense of taking you the best or shortest way to someplace you know, but the Return to Start function works just fine for re-tracing your steps.

[SadieKate]

Well, yeah, but when you're mountainbiking that could be a pretty durn nasty option.

[Aggie_Ama]

I see at least one at every race pop off someone bars. Granted these are people racing but since I can't afford such a piece of equipment I wouldn't dare take it on the trail. My husband's coach DNFd a race because his came off and he had to go off trail down the side of a hill looking for it, losing 10 minutes. If you are only worried about being lost I guess putting it in the pack is a viable option?