I got a Garmin!

drewfromrisca

I just ordered a 705 from a mate and I can't wait!!! I know a fair few people on here have got them so what would you say are the good points/bad points of them?

GavH

Without wishing to sound condescending, shouldn't you have posed that question before ordering?!!

Look up Bikeroutetoaster and bikehike on google to get the best from your new toy.

Cubic

I have one and it's great!

A few things I've found out:

- I use BikeRouteToaster to plan a route, then save it as a .TCX file and then drag it to the 'courses' folder on the 705. I can't remember what te .GPX files are for.

- When you finish a ride, hold down the reset button for three seconds, then you're ready to upload the ride to Garmin connect/Sporttracks etc.

- Play around with the Data Fields options in the settings. This lets you customise what data will be displayed on screen.

- The Garmin Connect site is a good place to upload your ride data, but sites like Sporttracks.com will let you analyse your data is a lot more detail.

- This website http://frank.kinlan.co.uk is very useful for hints and tips too.

I'm sure there are plenty more things too, but I can't think of any more at the moment!

drewfromrisca

GavH, I'm just trying to get other people's views on it that's all. I researched it, was happy with it and decided to get it, I just wanted current users views/experiences on it...plus I was blagging that I'm having one so that the people who want one get jealous :twisted:

pontarlier_pete

I got one a couple of weeks ago, with a powertap hub. It's bloody brilliant! Haven't checked out all the features yet though, I'm too dazzled by the pretty graphs the powertap creates. Haven't a clue what they mean, but they look nice...

drewfromrisca

nice one pete, I'll probably be doing the same thing to be honest! There should be night classes set up in colleges for these things

JohnnyAllez

First thing you`ll be needing is some mapping software, as the "basemap" that comes on the 705 is next to useless, it only shows main roads and M.ways.

If you decide to buy a Garmin mapping product like" City Navigator NT" then makes sure you buy it ON CD and not on an SD card, or you won`t be able to use it on your PC. You need to download (for FREE) the Mapsource program from Garmin, then you load your new mapping product up and use it with the Mapsource program. You can then copy the detailed maps onto your Edge so you can zoom in to see where you`re going / want to go.

Check out ALL the info that Cubic mentions, it`ll answer anything you WILL want to know

BikeHike and Bikeroutetoaster are about the best FREE sites for planning rides, courses etc, just read up on everything and how / where to save it, so it all works out when you save and upload your rides.

JohnnyAllez

Also worth a good read-through

http://www.velorider.co.uk/wp02/?p=29

redddraggon

Garmins are ace.

If you want to use .gpx make sure you use Mapsource to plan routes.

Bikeroutetoaster is better for making .tcx than bikehike is too.

drewfromrisca

Cheers guys, I know you mentioned PC but I have a Mac, is it any different with the software?

jonbob78

I've bought a Garmin 310xt watch and HRM.

Has anyone any experience or advice on cadence sensors or the bike mounts (especially the quick release mounts for Triathlon)?

Thanks

JohnnyAllez

redddraggon wrote:

Garmins are ace.

If you want to use .gpx make sure you use Mapsource to plan routes.

Bikeroutetoaster is better for making .tcx than bikehike is too.

BikeHike will upload the new GPXX format that the 705 will work from. Something to do with better turn-by-turn routing?

giner1961

yep have a 705 best money i have spent for the bike, it has saved me going off route a few times.
i have had no problems with mine at all.