GARMIN EDGE 305 anyone got one ? and can / can not recommend

kezar

I am thinking of getting a garmin edge 305 to help with training. I have just started back after a 30 year !! layoff and have just started training again perhaps with a view to take on the etape.

I have read a lot of articles on the 305 ranging from can't do without it to stay well clear,

I have basic cycle computer on the bike at the moment which is ok. I am wondering whether I will use the facilities the 305 has to offer or will it become another unused gadget.

Thanks for any advice

Jez mon

I own one and have to say I LOVE IT. I think, besides my bike and oakley's, it's my favorite cycling thingymibob!!

For keeping track of training, as well as monitoring your ride, I don't think there are many things better this side of a power meter. You get to do your ride, then load it up onto your computer and look what you heart rate/speed etc were during every point on your ride.

Whilst riding you don't have to be worried about becoming permanently lost, you can always find the route you have taken thanks to the 305.

However, using it as a routing tool has caused me a number of problems, loading a route seems to cause problems when I want to get my ride data off the Garmin onto my computer, nevertheless, I do not use the courses function much as usually I know the route I'm going to take.

There are problems with the Garmin and sometimes I wonder how much effort goes into their products, the Edge 705 seems to have been released before it was ready and I think that product support for the 305 will dry up soon.

However, if you can get it at an affordable bike, I would still say that it is a very good training tool.

kezar

thanks for your comments.

I was hoping to use the race against yourself option around the same course where it tells you whether you are up or down on the previous ride and then analyse the detail when you get home.

Also the total climbing undertaken on each ride would be useful

Do you upload your info using the supplied software or do you use another site on the net.

I did'nt really want to spend the extra on the 705 as I dont need the satnav directions option.

Do you have the cadence and the heart monitor accessories and if so do you use either?

Jez mon

I use the HRM, but not the Cadence meter, as I didn't really want to have any sensors on my bike!

I know there are some poeple on the forum who use the virtual training partner thingy, hopefully they will post their experiences here.

turbo_hamster

I use the Garmin 305 Forerunner - so I can't see it properly while cycling. All the same, I assume the functions are very similar to the Edge.

Much as I love it, it does have some little quirks. Firstly, it can take several minutes to "find" the satelites. Really annoying if you are running late and do not have time to faff around waiting for the Garmin to start working.

I use the heartrate function a lot, training within preset zones. Mostly it works well. Sometimes, weird things happen and the Garmin claims I am working at something approaching anaerobic threshold, when I actually am jogging very slowly and nowhere near busting a sweat.

Finally, the altimeter sometimes goes weird. I run along a canal towpath regularly. The downloaded workout usually reflects this, showing a route profile that is practically flat. Occasionally, the route profile includes a couple of massive blips - it looks as if I have suddenly ascended a multi-storey building and then jumped off the roof. Changes in air pressure?

So as far as the 305 forerunner is concerned, it is a good tool, but has some inconsistencies and cannot be trusted 100%.

Jez mon

turbo hamster wrote:

I use the Garmin 305 Forerunner - so I can't see it properly while cycling. All the same, I assume the functions are very similar to the Edge.

Much as I love it, it does have some little quirks. Firstly, it can take several minutes to "find" the satelites. Really annoying if you are running late and do not have time to faff around waiting for the Garmin to start working.

I use the heartrate function a lot, training within preset zones. Mostly it works well. Sometimes, weird things happen and the Garmin claims I am working at something approaching anaerobic threshold, when I actually am jogging very slowly and nowhere near busting a sweat.

I too have had some of these problems on and off. However, I have reduced their effect/probability by doing a number of things. Firstly, I turn my Garmin on before i want to leave, i.e. I go into the garage, turn the thing on, put it on my bike and then by the time my helmet/glasses/gloves are on and my pockets are stuffed with food/wet weather clothing, the garmin is ready to go.

The HRM has given me some very odd values, (but so did my polar one) I have minimized this by putting the strap on as tight as possible (I'm a skinny ****) and by wetting the sensors slightly. However, i think most are effected by interference

avoidingmyphd

I have a forerunner 305 too, and based on that the edge would be perfect for what you are looking for. I find the virtual partner very helpful as I am rubbish at self-motivation but it really works for me.

turbohamster - have you tried sporttracks and the elevation correction plug-in? It sorts out the weird altitude spikes. the edge actually does altitude differently to the forerunner (I think this might be the only real difference apart from the display/mount) but if it has similar issues the same advice applies!

kettrinboy

the virtual partner on the edge is a great tool for training it really does help you go faster, usually i just put my fastest time for a particular loop in and then race the virtual partner some times i beat it by as little as 10ft, it can get close up the hills as the VP is doing say 20mph ave all the time if youve put 30 mins for 10 miles in, so he really reels you in on a steep climb , but when you get on a fast downhill the situation is reversed as the VP is stuck on 20 mph where you can do 30 ,40 or more and watch him lose what he gained on the climbs, when you see him closing right in it spurs you on to not let him catch you

turbo_hamster

avoidingmyphd wrote:

have you tried sporttracks and the elevation correction plug-in? It sorts out the weird altitude spikes. !

No, I hadn't tried this, but I will now, cheers.

turbo_hamster

avoidingmyphd wrote:

have you tried sporttracks and the elevation correction plug-in? It sorts out the weird altitude spikes. !

No, I hadn't tried this, but I will now, cheers.

garyspain

Great piece of kit. Great if you mtb as well as you do away with any sensors for swapping bikes. Even better value now the 605 has appeared. Battery fades a bit after a couple of years but not too much.