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Choose me my garmin

  • 08-04-2009 01:06PM
    #1
    albob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 309 ✭✭


    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?


«13

Comments

  • #2
    Raam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    Get the edge 705. It has maps


  • #3
    AstraMonti
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,704 ✭✭✭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


  • #4
    Gavin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,660 ✭✭✭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


  • #5
    TinyExplosions
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭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


  • #6
    Ryaner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,714 ✭✭✭Ryaner


    Another thumbs up for the 705.


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  • #7
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,521 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #8
    AstraMonti
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,704 ✭✭✭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.


  • #9
    Gavin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,660 ✭✭✭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.


  • #10
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,521 ✭✭✭✭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...


  • #11
    TinyExplosions
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,860 ✭✭✭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...
    RVV_Garmin_Dean_GPS.jpg

    linky


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  • #12
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,521 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    TinyExplosions wrote: »
    DO like the pro's...

    That picture will come in very handy, thanks!


  • #13
    Raam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    TinyExplosions wrote: »
    DO like the pro's...
    RVV_Garmin_Dean_GPS.jpg

    linky

    A very good idea


  • #14
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,521 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #15
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭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.)


  • #16
    FrankGrimes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,038 ✭✭✭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.


  • #17
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭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.

    th_power_monkey.jpg


  • #18
    albob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 309 ✭✭albob


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


  • #19
    Raam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭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 ;)


  • #20
    jdt101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 618 ✭✭✭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


  • #21
    Traumadoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,557 ✭✭✭Traumadoc


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


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  • #22
    AstraMonti
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,704 ✭✭✭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 :p


  • #23
    scottreynolds
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,001 ✭✭✭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.


  • #24
    RobFowl
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 11,683 Mod ✭✭✭✭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 !!!!


  • #25
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #26
    DC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 344 ✭✭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?


  • #27
    scottreynolds
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,001 ✭✭✭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.


  • #28
    Raam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #29
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #30
    albob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 309 ✭✭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!!


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  • #31
    blorg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭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.)


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