back up computer to use with edge?

[caligurl]

OK..... so the honeymoon is over with my edge.... i still do like what it can do.. when it works... but i did read (here? another forum? that the best HRM is one that is RELIABLE!) and this is the 2nd time the edge has messed up an important ride's data.... i'm not giving it another chance persay...

i can't return it... the place i bought it had a 30 day return... i did receive a new one from garmin today (it's charging)..... but before the next big ride or so.... (and DEFINITELY by breathless agony) i want a back up to at least give me the bare minimum and show me a mileage number (i "live" for that number on a ride!)

SO... that said... i have a couple of ideas or options (and request any input from you ladies!)

first and foremost.... i want to buy the back up at performance so that if there are ANY issues... i can return it easily.. no quesions asked!

ok.... soooo should i just get a bare bones... super cheap version that gives me miles and whatever else (for example... performance's current 3 cheapest?

ascent for $20

the axiom for $20

cateye for $22

OR...............

should i perhaps get the polar cs100 which is more expensive (could price matce for 69.99) BUT i then could stop wearing my polar f11 to get a better calorie count! (currently the edge is WAY off on calories... so i wear/take my polar f11 fitness HRM to get a better calories burned number.... if i get a cheap HRM... i will still end up wearing the polar f11... it i get the polar cs100... which has owncal calorie counter) i could leave the polar f11 to what it was purchased for: fitness workouts!

SOOOOOOOOO ladies..... some input/suggestions/comments, please!

thanx!

p.s. there's also the cs200 which is a new version.. but hubby thinks it's overkill as a backup!

[TsPoet]

Have you downloaded the upgraded software? I haven't had any trouble with mine sence doing so.
But, I've never had an HR trouble with mine. I had mine tell me I was going 301 mph for awhile.
I guess all that means is I have proof that I am the fastest person on 2 wheels - proof I say, it's on my computer and measured during a TT, so it must be real.

Sue

[caligurl]

my edge? won't even power up! yes... it had the latest software! but it died... and nothing i do will make it come on (the girl at garmin support had me press a bunch of buttons.. NOTHING! ZILCH! NADA!

so one of my most important rides of the year... i have no info on except for what is on the route sheet (and calories/HR info cuz i had my polar f11 on!)

[Running Mommy]

OH MAN!!! I just got the 205 today!! I didn't need the HRM so I went w/ the cheaper model. Hopefully *it* doesn't have issues. UGH!! And I was sooo excited about it!
I have had to return the forerunner. It died awhile back. But the folks at Garmin were totally cool about it. I was training for the NYCM at the time so I was freaking out. They cross shipped a new one to me to minimize downtime.
So is the data unreliable? That one post said 300 mph?? WTF is that about?
Ugh... I guess I'll have to road test mine and see what happens. OY! I did not spend 250 clams for something unrelaible!! Hmmm... better go back and look at REI's return policy just in case.

[caligurl]

my data was reliable............... it was the edge itself! froze up during one ride... but got it to come back one... was doing fine on the last ride... but then just died... and won't come back.... so i have NOTHING.... not even the first part of the ride i rely on following miles on the route slip.... so i want a back up in case the new edge dies midride!

[maillotpois]

DH had that happen with his 205. It died once and he exchanged it and then it died again, but came back. Weird. That is WAY too expensive a piece of equipment to be so unreliable.