Heart Rate Monitors?

[ridenread]

My DH bought me a Garmin forerunner 305 for my birthday. It has a lot of nice features,and is very easy to use. I am having fun with it. It can be easily used for running and cycling. The only downside I have found so far is the wrist "watch" piece is huge and takes some getting used to. I have a very interesting tanline on my wrist

[surgtech1956]

Thanks. Does it come with a handlebar mount?

[ridenread]

It does not come with a handlebar mount but you can purchase one separately. I did buy one but did not like it. I didn't like the way it fit on the bar, too bulky and in the way. Also, you have to remove the velcro strap to attach it to the computer to download data. As someone who is not at all mechanically inclined I found the attachment not worth the trouble. I returned it.

[surgtech1956]

OK. I don't know what I was thinking, guess you really wouldn't need a handlebar mount, especially if you have a bike computer too.

[OakLeaf]

The newer Forerunners (including the 305) are compatible with the chainstay wheel/cadence sensors that the Edge series uses, and you can set them up with different settings for three sports (bike, run, "other"), so you can definitely use them on the bike.

I'm holding out for the Forerunner 310XT that's supposed to be released next month, to replace my old Forerunner 301 that's starting to wig out on me. The 310 has the same size display as the 301 and 305, but in a smaller case (among other upgrades).

I don't know what kind of handlebar mount it'll take though. You definitely don't want the 301 on your wrist while cycling, it's too big and too hard to look at.

[TrekTheKaty]

If a new model is coming out, it's a great time to get the Garmin 305 on sale. I also have the cadence sensor--so it tells me distance, speed, HR and cadence. I don't use the handlebar mount--just wrap it around the handlebars and loop through brake cable to secure.

[OakLeaf]

No way could I get a 305 on my wrist. The 301 is really too big for me even. I have to wear a sweatband under it to keep it from bruising my wrist. The 405, with that little display and unwieldy interface, I'm not even interested in.