Garmin Edge 205

Price Paid:  $0.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Rockies climbs

Bike Setup:
Cervelo RS, DA

Summary:
I bought this thinking that it would replace my bicycle computer -- wrong. You still need a good cycle computer. The Garmin 305 is a training tool to capture a large amount of data and present it for comparison of various workouts. Once you have a good route saved (not an easy task) and the virtual training partner is working, the training rides are great.
I am disappointed that the full analysis tools are only available by subscription so, you have to pay an extra annual amount to maximize usefullness of the collected data.
The Garmin 305 is subject to battery run-down, satellite signal loss, quirky random shutoff's, and other things that make it undependable. When it is working, it is very good -- to make sure that it is collecting data, you have to watch the timer. When the timer stops, the unit has stopped collecting data even though it continues to show mph, cadence, heartbeat, etc. it is not collecting the data.

Strengths:
Records alot of information. Buy this if you want to keep track of your training.

Weaknesses:
Quirky. Not a replacement for a good bicycling computer, no "off" switch and limited battery life.

Similar Products Used:
Several cat-eye cycle computers

Price Paid:  $150.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
anywhere

Summary:
Overall a good product..Speed and distance are more accurate MOST of the time. Upgraded to a 705 for improved gps coverage..will review that soon.

Strengths:
Accuracy in open areas

Weaknesses:
Under any kind of tree cover/heavy clouds speed fluctuates.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $215.00 at amazon

Favorite Ride:
thurmont to gettysburg

Bike Setup:
Serotta TG and Rivendell Rambouillet.

Summary:
I have had the Edge 205 since 2006 and have used it for one day rides and week long organized rides. As the other reviewers have noted, set-up is very easy and straightforward and you can set up for multiple bikes.

Strengths:
very accurate most of the time.

Weaknesses:
After 2 years, 5 hours MAX ride time. Will only hold <400 miles of data which blows on a week long ride where computer access is limited.

Price Paid:  $230.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
N/A

Bike Setup:
N/A

Summary:
I have the Edge 305 and it's the most useful training tool I have ever used. The "virtual partner" lets you race against previous "personal bests" and displays constant updates on where you are with regard to pace. Instead of doing the math during a ride you can quickly glance at the screen and see if you are ahead or behind the previous workout. Installation is stunningly simple. I saw a few neg reviews regarding the cadence sensor (difficult installation, came with dead batteries) but I had no problems with it. I'm not an expert mechanic by any means but I spent a total of 15 minutes installing the computer and cadence sensor and I have had no problems whatsoever. My wife gave me the Garmin for my b-day and I have thanked her after every ride. The information it provides is more than I ever thought possible. It has all the usual (speed, average speed, cadence, heart rate) but also provides a profile of the course ridden, including elevation. If you use the free service at motionbased.com you can even get the weather data for the ride. This is not a "tom-tom" or "nuvi" type of GPS. You can't use it to navigate (although I think you can with the new 705) it is for recording workout data. But it is still a very useful tool. The hardest part is determining what data you want to display on the main screen. Fortunately, you can set up "bike 1" and "bike 2" for the same bike and just switch back and forth during the ride to allow twice as many windows of info.

Strengths:
A lot of data! You can break down speed, heart rate, and cadence for that latest climb.

Weaknesses:
Monochrome screen. Takes a little while to sort through what you really need.

Similar Products Used:
VDO wireless

Price Paid:  $275.00 at ebay

Summary:
This device is great. Very convenient setup, no calibration, etc. But what I really love is the ability to chart routes on a map, download the route to the GPS, and then get turn by turn directions throughout the ride. And if you miss a turn you can use the GPS to find your way back to the route. Garmin, bizarrely, does not provide the software to do this, but a number of third party sites do for free or very little cost. I use www.marengo-ltd.com/map2/ which I highly recommend. It has a free version or a better version for a low annual fee. There's also biketoaster.com which is free but a little slower.

Strengths:
GPS can give turn by turn directions

Weaknesses:
Garmin software is not great. The training center is not as good as a free application (sportstrack) and they do not provide any software to download routes

View Comments (2)

Would you like to Comment?
Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.