Garmin Edge 305 Bicycle GPS Navigator with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor
by Garmin
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin Edge 305 Bicycle GPS Navigator with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor
Customer Review: Great cycling computer
Summary: 5 Stars
I've only used it a couple times since receiving it 3 or 4 days ago. So far, it is great. The best computer I've purchased, with all the bells and whistles, the easiest to use also. I was using a Polar s720i and it is nice also but not as user friendly either on the road or at home. The Edge also will allow for battery changes on the heart strap, cadence/speed sensor and the main unit is rechargeable. Can't say that for the Polar.
The Edge is self-calibrating for wheel size so you literally put on the speed/cadence sensor, 5 minutes to install, strap on the heart monitor, get on the bike and go. There are lots of ways to set up the screen for the items you like to view while riding, speed, cadence, almost anything you can think of is viewable.
I especially like the "virtual partner", it is great to "race" against yourself on a course you made. Sometimes you don't have a riding partner, now I always do.
While I have not had the battery life problems others have had, I also haven't been on any long rides yet, just got it, so really can't give my opinion on that. The only drawback I have had so far is that you can't upload maps to it from Garmin's other products. Although, your tracks are viewable through Garmin mapping software used on other products, I have an eTrex Vista C also.
Overall, pricy but feature loaded, I love it so far and all in all, it's not much more than Polar's 720.
Customer Review: The best in Cyclometer, GPS and Training Unit all in one!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow! What a great product!! I use this on both my road and mountain bikes. Excellent GPS unit that provides may fields of info necessary to build a training diary. Excellent capability to upload into Garmins proprietary Training Center software which gives graphical representations of rides and includes terrain maps. This unit is well worth the money!! Very nice ability ro race yourself with saved routes from prior rides. Great way to see if you're improving. You can even complete pre-loaded workouts! The GPS unit fits nicely on the stem with a great viewing angle. The bottons can be a bit tricky if you're wearing full finger gloves, however. You can inadvertantly hit a button you do not want to press, but that happens inoften. The unit has an auto start/ stop function which makes for 90% hands-free operation. The button that changes the view is large and easily accessible. GPS will even show elevation changes upcoming. Very nice field change function to show you just what functions you wish to see. The Cadence and hear rate functions work flawlessly, with an occaisional need to reset the Cadence trigger. Great battery life too. You do have to keep it charged when not in use. Interaction between the unit and Training Center software is easy. Initial set up so that the profiles match was tricky, but instructions are easy to figure out.
Overall, this is the ULTIMATE cycle computer!!
Customer Review: Excellent device!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had spent many nights looking for a bike computer and I finally decided on the Edge 305. It tracks very accurately, can list a ton of information on the display and you can even customize a second screen with more information. I mainly got this so I can load my rides up to mapmyride with the Garmin import feature to keep a log of my rides. The map of my ride is dead on also. The altimeter is a plus, I've noticed that Google maps and the altimeter accumulated feet do not match all the time and sometimes they are really off. I would tend to believe the altimeter over Google maps. I just make a note of the reading in the notes field on my log.
Battery life is good on Smart Recording mode (haven't tried the every second mode). I've been on two century rides and the battery only went down approximately 1/2 each time.
Cadence sensor, I haven't used this yet because my frame has a unique shape and doesn't sit exactly snug. However the speed does show well from only the GPS signal.
Heart Rate monitor works really well, I've used this on just about all the rides and syncs with no problem, it's a good piece of information to gauge your ride exertion.
Hands down this is one fine bike computer. I've been using this for about 2 months now and have logged about 400 miles so far with no complaints.
I highly suggest this device!
Customer Review: Solid
Summary: 5 Stars
I got the 305 HR+ to consolidate a basic cyclometer and Suunto altimeter/HR monitor. The installation is very clean with one sensor on the chain stay and no wires. The display is easily configurable and easy enough to read. It's a huge step up from the way I cobbled info together before and priced cheaper than the sum of the other devices I was using.
pros:
- Records a comprehensive set of training info. I find it especially useful for rides involving a lot of climbing.
- Friendly and helpful tech support.
cons:
- Adequate but mediocre Mac software.
tips:
- Battery life: I hate wearing out built-in batteries with frequent deep discharges so for any ride longer than a couple hours I use an Eveready Energi w/ mini USB (from Circuit CIty - cheaper than Amazon). I checked with Garmin customer support first and they assured me the Energi and 305 were compatible. With this battery pack, I can get well over 12 hrs without running down the internal battery.
- Occasional glitch: The 305 hung up right at the start of the Markleeville Death Ride and was frustrating brick for the entire event. If only I had known the simple two-button reset that clears the unit without erasing anything.
Customer 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.