back up computer to use with edge?

[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.

[Eden]

Sigma Sport BC 1200 Bike Computer

Its simple to use, easy to install, super easy to read, can mount in any direction (I have mine mounted to my stem now) very reliable even in the pouring rain and on sale at REI for $13 right now.

and btw - REI has an extremely good return policy, they took back a waterproof breathable jacket that was delaminating after about 3 or 4 years, no questions, no hassle - they just exchanged it for the newest model. I would have never thought to return something so old, but my husband and I had the exact same jacket and mine was fine - his the coating was peeling right off in big strips. They owned up that some of the jackets had a problem and just took it back. I'm pretty sure they are like Nordstroms - no questions asked return policy.

[Blueberry]

I'm glad I didn't jump the gun and order the Garmin - I was *so* tempted (I posted recently about what kind of bike gadgets are good for altitude). Hmmm....choices seem to be wait for Garmin to fix the bugs (though I worry a bit amout the battery life - *if* I get into the more "epic" rides eventually - I think it's only 10 hours).

I'm leaning towards the Polar 720i since it's the only one I haven't heard complaints about. Hmmm....decisions, decisions....

No matter what, I'm leaving my basic specialized wireless computer on the bike - it works great and was very inexpensive. Has distance, current speed, average speed and time. Just about all I really *need*

By the way, I have to second the comment on REI's return policy. They are GREAT! Hadn't heard that amount Nordstrom - good to know (though I'm a bit peeved at them right now - went clothes shopping for the new job and they told me my eyebrows looked terrible and I had to have them waxed. No thanks!).

[caligurl]

CA in NC..... i had a polar 720i before the edge... i like it (at least the calorie count was better! lol!) the only problem/issue i has was being affected (effected?) by outside sources... i.e. power lines.... but that didn't happen too often where i ride....

i loved the calendar that it uploaded too (the polar software)....

i've owned 3 polars.... and i always feel you can't go wrong with them.... (i just really LOVE toys and REALLY wanted the garmin! but i shoulda known to wait until they worked out the bugs... just like with first model year cars... never buy them!) maybe they've worked out some bugs in the one they sent me!

[TsPoet]

I'm glad I didn't jump the gun and order the Garmin - I was *so* tempted (I posted recently about what kind of bike gadgets are good for altitude). Hmmm....choices seem to be wait for Garmin to fix the bugs (though I worry a bit amout the battery life - *if* I get into the more "epic" rides eventually - I think it's only 10 hours).
.

I absolutely love my EDGE. They put out software upgrades occasionally, and I upgraded to one that didn't work (you mean I can't convince you that I rode 301 mph?). The next upgrade fixed the problem. Never had the problem before/since.
Sence I ride recumbent, I can't use the speed sensor and am dependent upon the GPS for distance/speed (equivalent to the 205). I have found that wet weather (not just clouds, has to be high humidity/rain) and the GPS can't get a very good lock. I left my old computer on the bike. They compare well as long as it isn't raining.
I have been doing TTs - it's been great to race myself, I improve everytime by seeing what I've done in the past. It also gives tons of information for any ride - HR, speed... elevation gain... I haven't used it with MotionBased, but everyone says that's where it really shines.
And there are a number of battery backup option available to extend the life. The farthest I've ridden since getting it was 48 miles, so I can't speak to the power question. but, I've bought a Solio solar charger for tours and I have a battery charger on order - for $15 it can sit next to the unit and, I'm told, add 4x as much time to the power.

Sue