Garmin edge or just HRM?

muggomagic
muggomagic Posts: 39
edited July 2008 in Workshop
Need to get a HRM and was just going to get a bog standard polar wrist watch type.
Looking on the web I quite like the look of the Garmin edge series, particularly like the look of the 705, but it's quite a bit more than the 305.
Is the 705 worth the extra £100 over the 305?
Are either worth the extra over say the Polar CS200?

I will be using it for cycling only. Don't jog or go to the gym. Just need to start training properly and keeping an eye on how hard I'm having to work (doctors orders) and keeping a log of it all. Would be nice to plan and follow routes too, but not really essential.

Opinions please.

Comments

  • Doobz
    Doobz Posts: 2,800
    if you can get the 305 then go for it mate.. Has so many features to keep you in top shape and when you look at the logs etc afterwards you feel a sense of achievement
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  • muggomagic
    muggomagic Posts: 39
    I don't mind paying the extra if it's worth it. I can get the 305 2nd hand for £100, I can get the 705 new for £200 or the CS200 is around £90 new.
  • willbevan
    willbevan Posts: 1,241
    i love my 305, being able to seewhere i've gone, heart rate, cadence(bought seperately)

    Wouldnt be without it, if i had to replace it, iwould buy the 705, but only because i would like the better navigation compared tothe305, which does get by, but when you go off course, or roads are closed, it doesnt re-calculate as such, it just says your off course :)
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  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    muggomagic wrote:
    I don't mind paying the extra if it's worth it. I can get the 305 2nd hand for £100, I can get the 705 new for £200 or the CS200 is around £90 new.

    Where are you getting the 705 new for £200 from? I have been very interested in the 705 but finding it hard to convince myself to shell out the cash at present....!
  • muggomagic
    muggomagic Posts: 39
    Where are you getting the 705 new for £200 from? I have been very interested in the 705 but finding it hard to convince myself to shell out the cash at present....!


    ebay.

    You can get them from UK sellers for between £200 - £230 buy it now for just the HRM, and £250 - £270 with HRM and cadence
  • jfwall
    jfwall Posts: 41
    I would definitely go for the Garmin over a standard HRM as the downloaded data is great for seeing if you are improving or not. I've got a 305 as know the roads round me pretty well and the GPS directions weren't of interest. If you're going places you don't know I suppose the GPS would be useful but not for me.

    Also take it skiing with me and leave it in my backpac and can see how far I've skied and how fast etc. although not sad enough (yet) to ski with my HR band on.
  • mrwibble
    mrwibble Posts: 980
    I have had the same problem and after doing my research I came to the conclusion that the 705 was the best but only if you make sure it has the Topo or the Street maps included.
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    Bear in mind that Garmin will not cover anything bought on eBay under the warranty and that some supposed UK sellers actually ship a US model from the US (happened to me.) Garmin do however have a very reasonable out-of-warranty replacement programme (cost me £59 for a refurb Edge 305.) You may be covered if buying from a UK Garmin dealer who will provide you with a non-eBay receipt for the Edge.
  • Jez mon
    Jez mon Posts: 3,809
    Get an Edge, unless you really want maps the 305 will do fine. My mother has a 705 and it has lots of problems with freezing, whereas i have only one issue with the Heart Rate strap.
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  • muggomagic
    muggomagic Posts: 39
    I think I might steer clear of the 705 for the time being. From what I've read on the net there seem to be a lot of glitches. As I'll be buying it off ebay I don't think it would be wise to take the chance.

    I am going to get a 305.

    Thanks to all of you for your advice.

    Muggo.
  • muzzmackay
    muzzmackay Posts: 39
    I ended buying the Forerunner 305 because I also run but it's easy to attach to the bike.

    I would advise you to download the SportTracks software too as the supplied software isn't too hot.
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  • a_n_t
    a_n_t Posts: 2,011
    blorg wrote:
    Bear in mind that Garmin will not cover anything bought on eBay under the warranty You may be covered if buying from a UK Garmin dealer who will provide you with a non-eBay receipt for the Edge.


    they dont take paypal receipts as "proof of purchase" but a proper receipt is ok.
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  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    The ones on eBay seem a bit of a false economy considering they don't include the city navigator/topo maps - I think when I inevitably cave and buy one I'll probably go for one of the packages off wiggle or suchlike.

    Not quite there though.... yet! I think it'll be the next time I try and track a ride on my Nokia N95 using Sports Tracker and the stupid thing turns off half-way through the ride. Last time it meant I got lost in North London, with no sort of sat-nav to find my way and no phone to call anyone. What an error.
  • muggomagic
    muggomagic Posts: 39
    They include the base maps for UK and Europe.

    The city nav or Topo maps can be bought separately for around £60. An equivalent system with Topo maps at wiggle or Evans costs £359
  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    OK, I caved. Edge 705 should be winging it's way to me now.

    I can't help it, I'm just a gadget junkie!

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