Garmin but what Garmin?

[teigyr]

I know there have been a LOT of garmin threads. I pretty much enjoyed them but didn't actively participate because I wasn't in a place to get one. The more I think about it, the more I think it would be a GOOD idea!

DH and I were talking about it last night and we think this would be a decent investment. We were thinking that it would be cost effective if this unit would:

Work for running/walking/hiking
Be switchable between two people (for the HR and training log function)
Work for cycling

With the switching part (DH and I would share it), we would certainly get different straps because that might be icky. That's if it uses a chest strap.

It'd have to be a wrist unit due to the running/hiking. I know the 305/205s are good, is there anything else worth looking at? I know one of the above ones is for bikes only, I just know the # from looking at posts.

[kelownagirl]

The Forerunner 305 works for both running and biking and has a wrist strap. I preferred the Edge 305 which can used for both as well because it has a bigger screen is more biking specific. However, it has no wrist strap so I have to carry it in my hand or put it in my pocket. I prefer my hand and it doesn't annoy me at all but it might bug some people.

[OakLeaf]

The only difference between 205 and 305 is that the 305 has the heart rate function and the 205 doesn't. (Same with the older series 201/301, which is what I have.)

The wrist-mounted series are called Forerunners. The Edge series are intended more for cycling, but they do have the same multi-sport capability as the Forerunners. I know other people who also carry theirs while running, but personally I need the wrist strap. The tradeoff is the smaller display.

The latest Edge models (605/705) come with street mapping functions as well, just like the GPS units they sell for motorized applications. But they're even bigger and bulkier than the Edge 205/305 and I think they would be very hard to run with.

I don't know too much about the Edge firmware. With the Forerunners, the unit itself only accommodates one user profile at a time. Garmin Training Center is the software that resides on your computer to download your data and upload user profiles, routes, and workouts for all their GPS units. Garmin Training Center for Windows allows multiple user profiles, but the Help file says that you still need two separate devices, each with its own profile.

The latest wrist-mounted Garmins are the Forerunner 50 (no GPS) and 405 (similar to the 305, but more watch-like, with a smaller screen, and with wireless connectivity). I don't know a thing about those other than what the website says.

HTH

[kelownagirl]

The Edge allows multiple bikes (2 I think). I think we can choose the profile we want when we upload to garmin training centre as well. We have two profiles on GTC on our computer and it recognizes which Edge we're plugging in, although I THINK, we can set it to ask us before we upload each time.

[Veronica]

The latest Edge models (605/705) come with street mapping functions as well, just like the GPS units they sell for motorized applications. But they're even bigger and bulkier than the Edge 205/305 and I think they would be very hard to run with.

I've gone running (once) carrying my Garmin 60 in my hand. I wanted to know how far and how much climbing I did. I don't know that I'd want to carry it all the time. But the first time on a route, it would be nice to gather the data. It's one for motorized applications. We wanted it for the mapping capability and two years ago there were no cycling ones that mapped. I mount it on my bike for long rides or touring, use it in the car as a map, use it find places to eat when we're traveling. Thom has a mount for it on the motorcycle when we're traveling on that... Personally I don't see the point of a GPS that doesn't map; I want to know where I'm going, not where I've been.

I haven't seen the new cycling mapping one. But if the map is important you want a decent size screen so you can actually see the map, which means having something a little larger.

V.

[teigyr]

Thank you

Maybe I will push for individual Garmins. I have different needs than DH...he doesn't run and doesn't care a bit about HR but I do. I've also got this weird thing with miles. If, for whatever reason, somebody else's miles ended up on my profile (or whatever you call it), I'd feel impure.

I've always been strange that way. You should've seen the first time I dropped my cycling computer (early one, didn't save miles in memory) and I lost something like 7,000 miles. I was traumatized for days.

I'd like as many "toys" on this thing as possible but I need miles run/cycled, HR (high, average, etc), and I'd like elevation. I like the looks of the 305 too though it looks HUGE!!!

[LBTC]

Definitely buy one each!!! You can save a bit of cash if DH doesn't need HR, so buy him one that doesn't do HR. I totally understand not wanted the miles combined - that would seriously irritate me, too.

Have fun shopping!

H&B
~T~

[SadieKate]

Just remember that the Forerunner 205/305 and the Edge 205 do not have barometric altimeters so if you want even close to accurate elevation gain stats, you need to choose something with a barometric altimeter (like th Edge 305). Unfortunately, I haven't a clue who makes a wrist version unless Garmin has something planned.

[Running Mommy]

I Have em ALL!!! Call me the gadget geek!
For what your desribing as your needs, I think the forerunner 305 is your best bet.
You can easily switch from biking to running mode.
Running hubby uses the forerunner on his bike, but I have an edge so I don't need to. I use it strictly for running. Oh- and I have the 200 series of both because I don't use a hrm.

Now speaking of gadgets, has anyone seen the 705 (or is that 605) that has a power meter option??? SWEET!