Garmin Edge 305 Bicycle GPS Navigator with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor by Garmin
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin Edge 305 Bicycle GPS Navigator with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor
Digital camera Review: Almost complete!
Summary: 4 Stars
This unit is great. Bundled software could be better..... Where is my odometer.Digital camera Review: Almost the perfect cycle computer
Summary: 4 Stars
I have the 305/Cadence/HRM bundle. With a few exceptions, I believe this is a very good cycle computer for tech junkies or for people who like to keep very detailed training stats. In addition to the normal speed (current/average/max), distance and time data from a standard cycle computer, you get point in time data throughout your ride. The included training center software allows you to review this information and get a very detailed analysis of your training--probably more than most of us need. Nonetheless, it's fun to go back and look at your speed, cadence and heart rate during that killer hill--even if you're not training at an elite level.
You can compare your performance on the same course over time and see if you're improving and also see the areas that are causing problems. For a more detailed analysis with better maps, you can use the Motion Based web service. Although it is subscription for the advanced features, you can review your last ten rides in detail for free. Motion Based is also a good source of previously recorded courses uploaded by other users if you are looking for new routes.
A workout feature allows you to define a workout and the 305 will alert you at predetermined times to change your effort to meet the plan. Simple workouts can be programmed directly into the unit. More complicated workout structures can be created using the included software and downloaded to the unit for use. I haven't tried the `virtual partner' feature that simulates riding against another person by showing how far ahead or behind you are at any given time.
Other nice features:
- User configurable data fields for the main screens allow you to arrange the layout the way that makes sense for the way you train and ride.
- Auto pause can be set for a dead stop or for a user-defined speed. When paused, time and distance `paused' is recorded providing both riding time and total time for any workout without the need to use a stopwatch.
- Good backlight for night/low light use.
- Can be configured to display heart rate as beats per minute or per cent of max.
- The speed/cadence sensor backs up the GPS for speed computation when there is no satellite signal (such as indoors on the trainer). Since it uses the GPS to establish speed and distance, there is no need to configure the wheel size--even for the magnetic sensor. When the GPS is working, it auto calibrates the wheel size so it is set when the GPS signal drops.
- Auto lap on distance or when passing a specified point on the route.
Things that could be better:
- The included software does not provide for creating courses (routes) from scratch, and its ability to edit a previously recorded course is limited.
- No persistent odometer.
- Although it is possible to program up to 8 data fields on each of the two `bike' data screens, once you go above four fields the field sizes shrink making them more difficult to read.
- [Update] No indicator of whether the current speed (on the speed display) is ahead or behind the average pace--a common feature on most cycle computers.
Cons:
- Built-in battery is not user replaceable, and may not last long enough for endurance rides.
- The GPS `map' is simply a track of your route--no actual map is provided. If you get off course, it's better than nothing, but not by much.
- I agree with other reviewers that the calories burned estimation algorithm is not the best.
Conclusion-A very good training tool with a star off for the limitations of the software and the minor imperfections in the feature set.
UPDATE:
Several people have commented on battery life being significantly less than the 12 hours advertised. I recently did a five hour ride and noted that the battery indicator was showing 50% at the end. This would translate to roughly 10 hours using both the cadence sensor and the heart rate monitor. Though less than the advertised max, I find it acceptable as I would only expect to get maximum battery life under ideal conditions. Ten hours is more than enough to last me through a century. I have updated to the most recent software version(3.10) and that may make a difference. I plan to do a double century this summer and purchased the Lenmar PPU1700B (other similar devices are available from various manufacturers) as an auxiliary power source to extend the battery life for the duration longer endurance rides.
UPDATE (6 months in)- I have had only one significant annoyance with the 305--the battery life on the cadence sensor is too short--it's as if the unit never turns off and drains the batteries in no time. Other than that, the unit works flawlessly and the actual battery life of the unit itself is reasonable for all but the longest rides. The Lenmar PPU1700B works great as an auxiliary power source (I put it in the a small handlebar bag and route the cable back behind the handlebar to the 305). Despite the issue with the cadence sensor, I continue to recommend this product.
Digital camera Review: Another Winner from Garmin
Summary: 5 Stars
Basically, you can read the review written by Torv Carlsen and you'll have my opinion of this new Garmin toy. The complaint about battery life, for my use (old, fat, diabetic) that simply doesn't much apply. I don't think I COULD ride to the end of the battery. (G)
However, the data this machine returns has helped me improve my condition fairly dramatically in an amazingly short time. I had been using my Garmin RINO and a spreadsheet prior to acquiring this new toy. The data storage and processing in this unit, plus, for my simple needs, the "race against yourself" feature are fantastic tools that have helped me make measurable gains in health and conditioning.
Granted, the unit price is a bit on the steep side, but given the data return, it's well worth it to me. It's also VASTLY cheaper than a heart attack, which was my "other option."
I have long been a "fan" of Garmin, but have been sorely disappointed by their attitude toward Mac. To date, is has caused me to have to set up a Windows machine as my dedicated GPS computer. Their change of heart toward Apple is very welcome.
Digital camera Review: As good as it gets - for now
Summary: 4 Stars
Works great right of the box. I haven't had the battery issues yet as the other reviewers mention. Easy to read instruction booklet and screens. Cadence and heart rate monitors seem accurate. You can design your own custom screen with up to eight functions at a time which is cool. The Edge 305 Cadence / HRM bike bundle will give you a wealth of information about your rides and workouts.
On the downside:
-Calling customer support will cost you a half hour - at least.
-The spoke sensor mount doesn't fit well on flat spokes (Mavic Ksyrium SSC) I had to use the mount from my old Cateye computer.
- NO ODO! Bummer! Garmin tech support says they're working on it and hopefully will be available as a software update soon. Add a star when that happens...
Digital camera Review: Awesome Cycling Tool
Summary: 4 Stars
The Edge 305 provides a wealth of knowledge, is easy to install, as well as use. I would love to have given it 5 stars (it deserves them), but one thing that does not work correctly, and really bugs me is the calories expended. It couldn't be more inaccurate if they tried to make it that way. The first day that I installed it, I took it for a quick 1 mile test ride. IT indicated that in that mile I burned 100+ calories. Wish it were true, but it is not. Unfortunetly the next day I was going to take it out on a 100 mile ride, but crashed as I started out and have not riden since (3 days). I wore the chest strap in the office today to test the calories burned further. After 2 hours it read 0 were burned. I just took it for a car ride of 7 miles. In those 7 miles DRIVEN IN A CAR, it indicates I burned nearly 600 calories, again I wish, but no way.
Other than that flaw, whioh I hope they fix with a software update, I highly recommend this product, it all other ways it is great.