Choose me my garmin

albob

Thinking of upgrading my lidl speedo to a garmin. Want to get involved in this whole stimulas package/spending money in a recession thing! Seems to be all the rage.
I am looking at the (buyin in US)
Edge 305 : ~200 euro
Forerunner 405 ~200 euro
Forerunner 305 ~140 euro

I have more or less rules out the Forerunner 405 as all it appears to have over rthe F305 is that it is more watchy! Dont want it as a watch so no point in the extra 60 euro. If anyone has a reason why the F405 should come back in to the reckoning....let me know.
However I can't decide between the edge 305 and Forerunner 305. Again other than the fact that the edge is bike specific, the other main difference appears to be the altimiter on the edge. Is knowing your altitude and gradient mid cycle worth the extra layout? Its not as if its going to make a difference to me. With the F305 I could get an estimate of it from post-analysis on google maps or something.
Thoughts?

Raam

Get the edge 705. It has maps

AstraMonti

Edge 305: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59703022&postcount=79

Spread the money! Help your forum friends to spend more! :P

Gavin

Another vote for Edge 305. You could probably bargain that Tiny chap down

This is what I got, out of stock at the moment.

http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/1446/garmin-edge-305-bundle--heart-rate-monitor---cadence--noh

TinyExplosions

AstraMonti wrote: »

Edge 305: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59703022&postcount=79

Spread the money! Help your forum friends to spend more! :P

Sold that already I'm afraid

705 is the way to go

Ryaner

Another thumbs up for the 705.

Lumen

The only problem with the 705 is the price. And it's a big problem.

Especially when the clip breaks on a bumpy descent and it smashes on the ground.

AstraMonti

Lumen wrote: »

The only problem with the 705 is the price. And it's a big problem.

Especially when the clip breaks on a bumpy descent and it smashes on the ground.

Ouch! Did that happen to you? I tend to change the "cable ties" often so they dont wear out from rain and all the other things.

Gavin

Or you go head over heels on your MTB and land right on the 705 and smash it and then send it back for repairs with it pirated maps on it.

Lumen

AstraMonti wrote: »

Ouch! Did that happen to you? I tend to change the "cable ties" often so they dont wear out from rain and all the other things.

Yes, last Sunday. I'm hoping to get Garmin to cough up for part of the replacement cost, since it's their stupid design that contributed (my other computer had no such problems staying attached). Haven't had the time yet...

TinyExplosions

Lumen wrote: »

The only problem with the 705 is the price. And it's a big problem.

Especially when the clip breaks on a bumpy descent and it smashes on the ground.

DO like the pro's...


linky

Lumen

TinyExplosions wrote: »

DO like the pro's...

That picture will come in very handy, thanks!

Raam

TinyExplosions wrote: »

DO like the pro's...


linky

A very good idea

Lumen

The other design problem is that the charging port is not accessible when the 705 in in the mount (unless I've done it wrong).

So you have to redo that ziptie every time you charge it up.

Dunno why they didn't put it on the side like a phone.

blorg

If it's for the bike, get the Edge 305. Altitude (and grade) is _very_ useful, yes. The Forerunner 305 does do altitude but from the GPS only so it is less accurate. The only other difference really is that the Edge screen is twice the size

Regarding the 705, if it is for training spins on roads you know of under 8-10 hours it is not a big difference. If you want to do touring or long distance cycles where you don't know the roads it is very useful indeed. Only other major benefit is the battery life is a longer, if you like to do _very_ long cycles (over 10 hours.)

FrankGrimes

Hey OP - I have an Edge 305 and find it really helpful and it's really helped me improve (admittedly from novice status). I find the altimeter is one of the main things I use on it - after a while you begin to get a feel for how you perform on certain gradients so you know how to pace yourself on say a longish 7% climb which may be different to a shortish 13% climb.

Also find the cadence monitor very useful - always helps me realise I need to try increase my cadence.

The ability to map out a route on MapMyRide.com and then transfer it to the 305 is great and I can generally find my way from that (it doesn't show roads on the device, you just look at it and know when to turn based on the route and your bearing, easier than it sounds).

That said, if you can splash the cash and get the 705 with the road mapping included, you'll have all the above plus that mapping feature.

blorg

Lumen wrote: »

The other design problem is that the charging port is not accessible when the 705 in in the mount (unless I've done it wrong).

My charging point was accessible on the Focus, I have charged it on the go with a PowerMonkey. Would be a hassle. Did the entire mount come off (difficult to imagine) or just the unit. In fairness the unit should not come out if it is properly "clipped" in but sometimes the mount can get to such a way where this does not occur properly, e.g. if you don't get the "click" on insert you may think it is in but it is not. I would find it pretty annoying having to plug my bike in, it doesn't necessarily live beside a power point.

albob

Yeah the 705 looks nice but don't think I'd make use of the mapping. Useually know where I am going!

Raam

albob wrote: »

Yeah the 705 looks nice but don't think I'd make use of the mapping. Useually know where I am going!

I always know where I am going... it's how to get there that can sometimes be the problem

jdt101

Go for the Edge 705 with all the bells and whistles... Good Deal.
http://www.slanecycles.com/productdetail.aspx?id=2983&subid=402&catid=68

Traumadoc

Go for the edge 305, when have you ever got lost cycling?

AstraMonti

Traumadoc wrote: »

Go for the edge 305, when have you ever got lost cycling?

I have at least 15 times.. even with 705 .. in the other hand, i am not Irish

scottreynolds

albob wrote: »

Yeah the 705 looks nice but don't think I'd make use of the mapping. Useually know where I am going!

I've been doing some longer rides recently on roads arounds wicklow with others who have 705's. I would buy the 705 purely due to the fact that I can map my rides and / or record them with others and play them back. The mapping function is pretty awesome and I believe once you have the euro base maps you could map rides anywhere in europe and follow them.

However, if your into multisports, running etc, then the 405 looks a good option.

RobFowl

Traumadoc wrote: »

Go for the edge 305, when have you ever got lost cycling?

Lots !!! at least twice a year for the past 23 !!!!

blorg

The 705 has routed me on many long distance rides in Ireland (Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Waterford, Dublin-Galway-Athlone) as well as in Spain and France. The mapping is great for this, but I basically never use the mapping function around Wicklow.


@scott- you can record where you went on the 305 as well and plot on a map afterwards, it's the turn by turn directions while you are on the bike that the 705 gives you.

DC

If you are not bothered about maps and would like something that isn't going to be tied to your bike, then the 405 is excellent. You can get the optional cadence sensor for the bike.

It's not much bigger than a normal watch, so you can wear it on your wrist while cycling, running, or whatever.

It comes down to - is it only for bike?

scottreynolds

blorg wrote: »

@scott- you can record where you went on the 305 as well and plot on a map afterwards, it's the turn by turn directions while you are on the bike that the 705 gives you.

yes yes.. I know. The turn by turn directions are the key. Otherwise I'd recommend a Polar cs 600x -- a proper bike computer.

Raam

scottreynolds wrote: »

yes yes.. I know. The turn by turn directions are the key. Otherwise I'd recommend a Polar cs 600x -- a proper bike computer.

The Edge 305 should be able to do this once you load up a route which has them programmed in. I have done this using my Forerunner 305 and a route from BikeRouteToaster. A message pops up telling you to turn left/right/whatever in 200meters. I think the distance to turn is programmable on BikeRouteToaster.

blorg

Raam wrote: »

The Edge 305 should be able to do this once you load up a route which has them programmed in. I have done this using my Forerunner 305 and a route from BikeRouteToaster. A message pops up telling you to turn left/right/whatever in 200meters. I think the distance to turn is programmable on BikeRouteToaster.

705 does it a hell of a lot easier though, and can re-route on the fly. The BikeRouteToaster routes are often off by 50m or so off the road (this is due to Google Maps, you can see when you plot something back onto GMaps it is off) and it's just not as clear as the 705, which gives you a graphic of the actual junction showing which road to take. I have programmed routes in BikeRouteToaster and it is a bit of a hassle to say the least. Bottom line for me would be if you want the mapping, get the 705, if you don't, the 305 is enough.

albob

Hi,
I had decided on the edge 305 but in doing due diligence etc etc I see that there are multiple discussion forums [including this one], reviews etc of people whose devices started shutting down after a couple of years use (or even less). Most seem to be due to the battery disconnecting. However there are people who seems to have gone through several of them with issues in all. This is strating to put me off. Is this a case of you'll only ever see the bad experiences or have you yourselves also had issues? In todays climate 200e is not exactly burning a hole in my pocket!!

blorg

I have had a ton of issues with both my 305 and the 705, they have been back to Garmin several times. On the other hand there really is nothing else, I would still recommend it. Just make sure you get one with a warranty- Garmin will not accept eBay receipts (they will warranty items bought on eBay as long as you have a seperate receipt from the seller showing it was bought in the EU, maybe seller has to be a Garmin dealer also, not sure on that one.) Garmin service is very good as long as you have a warranty (indeed it is good without the warranty, just they charge you.)

albob

Thanks blorg. Does this mean that if I buy it in the US off amazon.com, the warrenty will not stand over here? Bummer!

stopped_clock

Sorry if I'm a bit late here...

I've got a 405. It does have some sort of route-planning (which I've never used) which tells you if you're on-course or off-course. It's definitely not bike-specific and the battery life is more suited to running than cycling. The size and form-factor is a major plus though. I'd suggest it if you run as well as cycle, prob not if it's just for cycling.

blorg

albob wrote: »

Thanks blorg. Does this mean that if I buy it in the US off amazon.com, the warrenty will not stand over here? Bummer!

Possibly it won't, or you might just get the US warranty that may be shorter (90 days is common I believe.) No harm to ring Garmin and ask, they will be happy to fill you in.

I bought my 305 off eBay from someone claiming to be a UK seller but the item shipped from the US. When it broke, Garmin replaced it for a quite reasonable fixed fee (think it was around £60) and the replacement came with a full standard warranty.

My 705 came with full warranty from a UK Garmin dealer (again via eBay) but that didn't cover me landing a bike upside down on top of a sharp pointy rock Again they replaced for a fee (£100) but the new one now has an issue with the altimeter intermittently not working (had similar with the 305.)

Also have had issues with the thing dying and not turning on which had to go back for replacement. Also had an issue with my 305 getting water inside after a heavy downpour that killed it.

Their warranty is very good, my HR strap stopped working and they just sent me a new one, didn't need the broken one back.

I do find it flaky however so make sure you get the warranty.

thebouldwhacker

Whats wrong with an OS map, pen and a simple odometer?

It costs a fraction, will never break, lets you know what is in the area, never lose a route etc etc etc...

Sorry if I'm not euro but I find spending time plotting and searching OS maps v rewarding and you get to flex the brain too...

Damn, I'm just not euro

Chips Lovell

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

Whats wrong with an OS map, pen and a simple odometer?

It costs a fraction, will never break, lets you know what is in the area, never lose a route etc etc etc...

I've often wondered the same thing. Either remember the route or just stick a photocopy of the map in a ziplock bag.

ROK ON

I have a load of OS maps, and I have to say that I love poaring over them.
They often have roads that are not marked in main maps (as they are private etc) - the road up to Kippure for example.

I have found a nice road in Kerry that I will be using when down there the week before the ww200. Rises 450m in just under 6km. It is a private road, and no way would you find it on Gramin, mapmyride etc.

There is a beautiful tranquility and sense of anticipation to map reading and journey planning with a map.
(I probably need to get a life).

thebouldwhacker

My Name is Mario wrote: »

just stick a photocopy of the map in a ziplock bag.

opps... emperor's clothes may have slipped off...

I get the gadget thing but those things do cost a fortune and I know small children that need less care and attention than them (also more realible!!)

Use maps! just copy the section you need and the rest sorts itself out really.....:D:D

Gavin

I went for a cycle around blessington lakes yesterday. Plotted it on bike router toaster to avoid all the main road and stick to the lake, stuck it onto the garmin. Worked like a charm, 'beep beep' time to turn. Perfect for small back roads that I don't have a clue of. Don't need to look at a map constantly, count roads passed to make sure I'm at the right one (no signs on these roads). Just turn it on and cycle.

Nice.

blorg

@thebouldwhacker- the number one benefit of these things is the integration and data logging, the 305 effectively doesn't even do mapping (I know you can program in a route but it is a hassle and I never really used it that way.)

Regarding the 705, the mapping is an added benefit that I do find useful on longer cycles or touring. I have done several long cycles, up to 300km in one day and 1,000km multi-day, in Ireland, Spain and France, and the thing can route you over back roads very effectively. There was one route we did in France that involved turns every 1km or so, you would be driven nuts stopping to look at a map all the time, this thing just beeps up with a picture of the junction and there is NEVER any problem worrying if you took the wrong turn and only finding out 15km later.

Did a similar route Dublin-Galway with Raam and Dublin-Galway-Athlone with Tiny. The latter was in the dark and pissing rain so good luck reading your map at the junctions

But bottom line for me, the mapping is secondary to the integrated HR/altitude/grade/cadence etc and the data logging functions (and power if I get a power meter.) I never use the mapping in Wicklow on routes I know. The mapping has however made it a hell of a lot easier to cycle across the country on back roads.

thebouldwhacker

blorg wrote: »

the number one benefit of these things is the integration and data logging... you would be driven nuts stopping to look at a map all the time, this thing just beeps up with a picture of the junction and there is NEVER any problem worrying if you took the wrong turn and only finding out 15km later.

Truth hurts... you are correct of course, however I do find it funny seeing comuters using machines which can only be described as laptops!

Chips Lovell

Maybe I've got a good memory for directions, but on the rare days I do bring a map in my pocket I'd usually only glance at it once or twice.

Raam

My Name is Mario wrote: »

Maybe I've got a good memory for directions, but on the rare days I do bring a map in my pocket I'd usually only glance at it once or twice.

Pfft, I can do that on my commute home... usually.

Chips Lovell

Raam wrote: »

Pfft, I can do that on my commute home... usually.

This of course is coming from the man who got lost on his way to Dundrum even with a GPS on his handlebars.

Raam

My Name is Mario wrote: »

This of course is coming from the man who got lost on his way to Dundrum even with a GPS on his handlebars.

Those base maps really are next to useless.

alfalad

Has anyone tried plotting a route on google maps on their phone? Or is it possible? I think most of us bring a phone with us and ok if you need it for constant reference it may not be great but if it's only for every now and again it could be good! I've used it a lot when i'm over west or abroad, and works very well! Might be a handy alternative to splashing the extra for the 705 if you normally know the roads that you are travelling!!

blorg

El Tonto wrote: »

Maybe I've got a good memory for directions, but on the rare days I do bring a map in my pocket I'd usually only glance at it once or twice.

You generally tend to take main roads though... I'm talking about cross-country on back roads here, where you are specifically trying to avoid anything with an N or even an R in it.

Gavin

alfalad wrote: »

Has anyone tried plotting a route on google maps on their phone? Or is it possible? I think most of us bring a phone with us and ok if you need it for constant reference it may not be great but if it's only for every now and again it could be good! I've used it a lot when i'm over west or abroad, and works very well! Might be a handy alternative to splashing the extra for the 705 if you normally know the roads that you are travelling!!

Yeah I use the phone with a bluetooth GPS when abroad a lot alright. Preload the maps onto the phone, works very well. Used it once or twice on the bike when a bit confused.

Nav4all is very good software for actually navigating around. MGMaps very good for viewing maps.

Chips Lovell

blorg wrote: »

You generally tend to take main roads though... I'm talking about cross-country on back roads here, where you are specifically trying to avoid anything with an N or even an R in it.

I woudln't say I tend towards main roads, more that I won't go out of my way to avoid them.

alfalad

Gavin wrote: »

Nav4all is very good software for actually navigating around. MGMaps very good for viewing maps.

Can you download these apps for free to your phone? Wouldn't mind seeing an alternative to google maps! Do map my ride do a mobile version I wonder cause would be hand to have the route plotted and see other routes that have been suggested!

blorg

El Tonto wrote: »

This of course is coming from the man who got lost on his way to Dundrum even with a GPS on his handlebars.

I seem to recall going out to recce the club league circuit in Meath with a certain person... We were not entirely successful despite the certain person having his map in a zip-loc bag