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| GARMIN 010-00447-30 Edge 305 GPS Bundle | 
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| Brand: Garmin
Category: CE
List Price: $319.99
Buy New: $249.99
You Save: $70.00 (22%)
New (75) Used (1) Refurbished (3)
Avg. Customer Rating:  117 reviews
Sales Rank: 728
Media: Electronics
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Native Resolution: 128x160
Display Size: 1.86
Includes MP3 Player: 1
Size: Garmin Part #010-00447-30
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.8
Dimensions (in): 6 x 6 x 6
Array:
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.
MPN: 010-00447-30
Model: 010-00447-30
UPC: 753759053574
EAN: 0753759053574
ASIN: B000BS4PZW
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Almost the perfect cycle computer February 27, 2007
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I have the 305/Cadence/HRM bundle. With a few exceptions, I believe this is a very good cycle computer for tech junkies or for people who like to keep very detailed training stats. In addition to the normal speed (current/average/max), distance and time data from a standard cycle computer, you get point in time data throughout your ride. The included training center software allows you to review this information and get a very detailed analysis of your training--probably more than most of us need. Nonetheless, it's fun to go back and look at your speed, cadence and heart rate during that killer hill--even if you're not training at an elite level.
You can compare your performance on the same course over time and see if you're improving and also see the areas that are causing problems. For a more detailed analysis with better maps, you can use the Motion Based web service. Although it is subscription for the advanced features, you can review your last ten rides in detail for free. Motion Based is also a good source of previously recorded courses uploaded by other users if you are looking for new routes.
A workout feature allows you to define a workout and the 305 will alert you at predetermined times to change your effort to meet the plan. Simple workouts can be programmed directly into the unit. More complicated workout structures can be created using the included software and downloaded to the unit for use. I haven't tried the `virtual partner' feature that simulates riding against another person by showing how far ahead or behind you are at any given time.
Other nice features:
- User configurable data fields for the main screens allow you to arrange the layout the way that makes sense for the way you train and ride.
- Auto pause can be set for a dead stop or for a user-defined speed. When paused, time and distance `paused' is recorded providing both riding time and total time for any workout without the need to use a stopwatch.
- Good backlight for night/low light use.
- Can be configured to display heart rate as beats per minute or per cent of max.
- The speed/cadence sensor backs up the GPS for speed computation when there is no satellite signal (such as indoors on the trainer). Since it uses the GPS to establish speed and distance, there is no need to configure the wheel size--even for the magnetic sensor. When the GPS is working, it auto calibrates the wheel size so it is set when the GPS signal drops.
- Auto lap on distance or when passing a specified point on the route.
Things that could be better:
- The included software does not provide for creating courses (routes) from scratch, and its ability to edit a previously recorded course is limited.
- No persistent odometer.
- Although it is possible to program up to 8 data fields on each of the two `bike' data screens, once you go above four fields the field sizes shrink making them more difficult to read.
- [Update] No indicator of whether the current speed (on the speed display) is ahead or behind the average pace--a common feature on most cycle computers.
Cons:
- Built-in battery is not user replaceable, and may not last long enough for endurance rides.
- The GPS `map' is simply a track of your route--no actual map is provided. If you get off course, it's better than nothing, but not by much.
- I agree with other reviewers that the calories burned estimation algorithm is not the best.
Conclusion-A very good training tool with a star off for the limitations of the software and the minor imperfections in the feature set.
UPDATE:
Several people have commented on battery life being significantly less than the 12 hours advertised. I recently did a five hour ride and noted that the battery indicator was showing 50% at the end. This would translate to roughly 10 hours using both the cadence sensor and the heart rate monitor. Though less than the advertised max, I find it acceptable as I would only expect to get maximum battery life under ideal conditions. Ten hours is more than enough to last me through a century. I have updated to the most recent software version(3.10) and that may make a difference. I plan to do a double century this summer and purchased the Lenmar PPU1700B (other similar devices are available from various manufacturers) as an auxiliary power source to extend the battery life for the duration longer endurance rides.
UPDATE (6 months in)- I have had only one significant annoyance with the 305--the battery life on the cadence sensor is too short--it's as if the unit never turns off and drains the batteries in no time. Other than that, the unit works flawlessly and the actual battery life of the unit itself is reasonable for all but the longest rides. The Lenmar PPU1700B works great as an auxiliary power source (I put it in the a small handlebar bag and route the cable back behind the handlebar to the 305). Despite the issue with the cadence sensor, I continue to recommend this product.
Mac OS X software works OK January 30, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Since I'm a Mac user I waited until the "Garmin Training Center" software was available for Mac OS X before unboxing my 305. Setup of the speed/cadence sensor on the chainstay was straightforward but a little cramped on my mountain bike. Automatic determination of wheel size is a pretty cool feature.
The software is rudimentary and works; I haven't tried the Windows version so I don't know how they compare. No crashes in 30 minutes of use, and communicates just fine with the 305 over USB.
Features I'd like to see in the Mac software: click in the route to jump to that point in the performance graph, view more than one graph at a time, export to Excel format (XML is a pain to work with), allow simple setting of waypoints.
Features I'd like to see in the 305 firmware: basic navigation! Really pretty unbelievable that Garmin didn't include waypoints and a "goto" feature in a unit this pricey. The "map" is really just a track view, like the Geko: you can't scroll it, there are no streets or other mapping items.
Garmin Edge 305 January 14, 2007
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Excellent features and characteristics. Heart strap came with a dead battery. Battery life of computer only about 10 hours - a bit shorter than Garmin says (12).
Awesome Cycling Tool January 10, 2007
2 out of 7 found this review helpful
The Edge 305 provides a wealth of knowledge, is easy to install, as well as use. I would love to have given it 5 stars (it deserves them), but one thing that does not work correctly, and really bugs me is the calories expended. It couldn't be more inaccurate if they tried to make it that way. The first day that I installed it, I took it for a quick 1 mile test ride. IT indicated that in that mile I burned 100+ calories. Wish it were true, but it is not. Unfortunetly the next day I was going to take it out on a 100 mile ride, but crashed as I started out and have not riden since (3 days). I wore the chest strap in the office today to test the calories burned further. After 2 hours it read 0 were burned. I just took it for a car ride of 7 miles. In those 7 miles DRIVEN IN A CAR, it indicates I burned nearly 600 calories, again I wish, but no way.
Other than that flaw, whioh I hope they fix with a software update, I highly recommend this product, it all other ways it is great.
 If you would only apply yourself, little Edgey... January 6, 2007
3 out of 12 found this review helpful
This product has the potential to be a great cycling computer. In reality I paid almost $400 for the functionality of a $30 computer. Part of this is because I use Mac, but in a press release in Jan 2006 Garmin said it would have a Mac version of it's Training Center software. As of Jan 2007, I'm still waiting. Supposedly it's finished and going to be released at MacWorld, but I'll see it when I believe it.
As far as mounting, the unit itself is fairly straightforward, but unless it's two inches from you face you're going to have a hard time seeing the display. Typical of large companies, they assume every bike is a cookie-cutter diamond frame, so the cadence/speed sensor does not work on my recumbent. The heart rate monitor works 80% of the time.
Overall, I'd say save your money. Even with the Training Center software there's no way to preload routes and the map function is so rudimentary it's worthless. There are plenty of better, and cheaper, computers on the market.
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