Are Garmins' really that bad?!

Anonymous

Apple will probably never do that.
Garmin having apple type software would be far better anyway ;-)

Wife and I are on our 5th Garmin device. Some have had little glitches, but I am not at all put off by this.
The Pro's far outweigh the cons IMO.

StillGoing

Max P wrote:

Carbonator wrote:

There's nothing better so you are stuck with them (or the worse alternatives) anyway

After more researching and taking on board all comments I think your post sums it up nicely. It's a shame Apple don't make a dedicated cycle computer...

Apple are no better than Garmin. They release firmware updates before they've been fully tested expecting the buying customer to do the testing for them. I learnt the hard way never to download any upgrades from Apple immediately and wait for the revised version. I also wouldn't trust Apple to not be using the data for some other reason.

The issues with Garmin are releasing updates before thorough testing to make sure there are no glitches and the lack of a hard copy user manual. Having said that, they do respond to input about glitches and sort them out eventually and there are plenty of how to videos on the internet. There really is no better cycle computer device manufacturer at the present.

dizarch

I've been a huge critic of Garmin largely because I think an expensive item should come with a half decent manual rather than having to search the web for guidance.

Anyway, I've had my 800 for 9 months now and am finally beginning to appreciate it. Battery life is good, mapping is reasonable and the stats (with the exception of ascent/descent which are just plain inaccurate and totally meaningless) seem pretty reliable.

Customer support is, in my opinion, absolutely appalling but there are others who say their telephone service is superb. I'd suggest never e-mailing them if you have a problem but hang on during the long, long wait before one of their "Customer Service Representatives" finally gets to your "valued" call.

On balance, I wouldn't buy another but it would be a tighter decision than when I bought it 9 months ago.

HebdenBiker

I have had endless problems with the Ant+ interface, and new stupid system whereby you have to sync your device to Garmin's servers (which have two speeds: "slow" and "offline") just to get your data into Strava.

I'm not the only one to experience these issues.

I would buy Garmin again (no alternative really) but would bypass the Ant+ (dis)functionality and stick with a good old-fashioned USB cable.

dubbs2009

Garmin devices are great. Sure, every so often they might have a glitch - but don't forget they are a small electronic device which is used outdoors! People always whinge when something doesn't work... when they work just fine - people don't go on forums and talk about how well they are working - therefore reading online you will get a skewed version of the truth.... I have ran a 305 for 8 years with not 1 issue! Now have a Edge 1000 and love it - a great piece of kit! It's true a modern day smartphone with something like the Strava app running on it will do pretty much all that the 500 series will do - so that could be a comparison if you don't mind having a phone on your bars - for me, the reason I use a Garmin, is because its specifically created for being a bike computer tracking your ride data in a small solid package. Edge 800 series and 1000 offer navigation which goes beyond the ability of any smartphone / app solution! Depends what you want it for - but for me, you will never get the same experience from a smartphone and app vs a dedicated Garmin device.

bartersb

Garmins are not perfect. You could not apply the Apple "it just works" selling line to them. However, I have not seen anything better on the market.

I have the 800 & frankly prefer it to my friend's 810s & the 1000, which I find way too big.

If Garmin is listening I would like them to design a computer that is the same size as the 800 but edge to edge screen, to improve the menus & settings, & to improve the chipset to speed up satellite lock.

bernithebiker

Finally convinced myself that I 'need' a 510 to replace my 500 (which lost my ride today - happens about every 1 in 100 rides).

Wiggle has Garmin blue colours on sale for 210 which match my bike, BUT, found out that can only link up with an Apple or Android phone and I have a Nokia* (Windows). Der!

*which I love for one thing only - Nokia maps - stops me getting lost out there, brilliant!

MrSweary

Got an 800 this summer for a steal and it has been superb. Works exactly as advertised.

damocles10

Are they bad?...No but the hr bands is useless, however this common across the board. I have bought 4 replacements over the last year both garmin and polar and they all failed after a few months. Outsourcing to the cheapest manufacturer ? now I don't bother with the HR aspect as I won't waste any more money on this.

bernithebiker

damocles10 wrote:

Are they bad?...No but the hr bands is useless, however this common across the board. I have bought 4 replacements over the last year both garmin and polar and they all failed after a few months. Outsourcing to the cheapest manufacturer ? now I don't bother with the HR aspect as I won't waste any more money on this.

I've had this problem too, but I've just sent them back to Garmin.

Each time, they've sent me a new one.

To my mind they have to last at least a year, or they're not fit for purpose. So far they haven't.

Mikey23

my 500s on probation having not lost my ride at the weekend but lost the trace and the segments from the ride and flatlined the elevation but gave correct elevation... that might be down to user error though

didnt get on with my HR strap as dont like the constricted feeling around the chest. not a good feeling if you have COPD and asthma. if there is a good wrist one out there im interested

foggymike

There is a wrist strap (called Mio I think) that can transmit to your garmin.

Edit, just googled Mio wrist strap and it's about £80. Positive reviews.

SR7492

Have had my 500 for 2.5 years and I love it; it does the job I need so have no interests in buying anything new.

Apart from the Bread Crumb feature (which didn't work but I haven't re-tried it for 2 years) the 500 is spot on.

It does take a few mins to find a sat signal (I've heard the 510 is much quicker) but once it does, it's great - battery last for ages!

StillGoing

Still using the HR band from my 705 I bought in 2009 with my 810. Works perfectly and have had to change the battery just once. It is the old solid rubber version.

kingstonian

Neither Wiggle nor Handtec have the 810 in stock at the moment, bummer as I was planning to spend the weekend setting it up properly

DCI Gene Hunt

I own a Garmin 500 with HRM/Cadence and Garmin outfront mount, ive found it to be absolutely terrific . I have it set up so my 1st screen displays cadence, heartrate, time of day and current speed in mph. 2nd screen displays calories used, ascent, descent and avg speed in mph. The more complicated you make things then the greater the likelihood of issues arising, the 500 just works with a minimum of fuss and id recommend it to anybody.

kingstonian

Kingstonian wrote:

Neither Wiggle nor Handtec have the 810 in stock at the moment, bummer as I was planning to spend the weekend setting it up properly

So wiggle now shows they have the 810 in stock, didn't bother to email me to let me know.

Anyway, placed my order so hopefully will have it in a few days.