Garmin Edge 305

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
2002 Trek 5500

Summary:
I received the Edge 305 as a gift. At first it seemed pretty cool. It is loaded with features, and you can transfer data to the computer via USB. The software was very limited, but I hoped that one day there would be a release that would improve things. The major problems with the device appeared a few months later. I am currently on my 3rd unit. The first one just went completely dead one day. It was under warranty and was replaced with a refurbished unit, by Garmin, so I was just out shipping charges, and some lost time. The second unit worked fine for about 6 months, and then began exhibiting the power shut-off problem that other reviewers have described. Basically, this is caused by a design flaw, in which the spring contacts between the two halves of the device weaken over time. I returned the second unit, which was barely under warranty, and got a 3rd unit, which I currently have. The 3rd unit has the same loss-of-power flaw, and fails regularly on bumpy roads. Now I am faced with having to solder wires across the two halves, to try to fix the problem. Why can't Garmin re-spin the board with a proper connector? They continue to sell units that are almost guaranteed to fail, given enough time over enough bumps.

Strengths:
Good concept.

Weaknesses:
* Device will almost certainly fail due to the spring contacts.
* The PC software appears to have been written by the same guy that designed the spring contacts.

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Ebay

Bike Setup:
De Rosa Merak, campy record

Summary:
I've had my 305 bundle for over three years. Up until a week ago it has performed flawlessly. Last week my function button stopped working. I can still use my unit but I can't change the settings. I emailed Garmin and got a response fairly quickly in the form of a nice email trying to work through the problem. After several tests, Garmin told me I would have to send it in to be fixed, since it was out of warranty it would cost $69.00. I felt 69 dollars wasn't a bad repair fee considering I had used my unit for close to 8-9k miles with absolutely no issues or problems.

I really love this device. The amount of data it collects is insane. But the greatest thing about this unit is the screen. You can have up to 8 different items displayed. And guess what, you pick what you want to put on the display. I have speed, average speed, cadence, heart rate, average heart rate,grade and distance. By pushing a button you can pull up a second screen with another 8 items to look at. I have on here, ascent, time, ride time, average cadence, sunset, etc. This unit is simply the best. I have a mount on my mtn bike. All I have to do it turn it on and snap it into the mount and it's good to go. I recently looked at other systems, sigma, polar etc, but they just don't have the features the Garmin has.

Weaknesses:
price is killer, but if you can afford it you wont be sorry

Similar Products Used:
polar, cat eye

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Store

Favorite Ride:
Santiam/McKenzie Loop

Bike Setup:
road: DEAN Ti with campy triple
Mountain: 29er single speed, baby!

Summary:
I've done many tracks cycling, skiing, walking, mtn biking... and I love having those adventures recorded. I also use it with Mapmyride to download ride plans and keep from getting lost in the backcountry.

I love the functionality. However, I would have misgivings buying another one from Garmin due to the device problems below.

Strengths:
1. data
2. accuracy

Weaknesses:
1. shuts down by itself.
2. loses data when you least want it.
3. takes forever to charge.
4. can end up with incurable communicaiton problems with your PC.
4. display can be hard to read
5. primitive support software (you can use other websites now that do a much better job supporting so not really a biggie)

Similar Products Used:
iphone. I have switched to this for now.

Price Paid:  $180.00 at xtremenavigation.com

Summary:
stop shopping. I bought mine with HR+cadence and I just love it. this is by far the best product out there. very easy to operate and vary reliable. The training function is just outstanding and I manage to shave some time and be more efficient rider in just few weeks.

Strengths:
One stop shop (if you buy with HR+cadence).

Weaknesses:
price

Price Paid:  $0.00 at GPSCentral

Favorite Ride:
3 stage collingwood

Bike Setup:
Norco Fluid 1.

Summary:
Firstly - I'm not a road racer, but there weren't any options for mountain biking. So far, I have used the edge 305 in the mucky spring conditions where I live. I'm a XC/AM mountain biker. The unit has worked flawlessly for 2 months. Motion based software available free on the net is very good. Speed, cadence and altitude are all very accurate. Paid $250CA at GPS Central, but I see that it's up to $330 now.

Strengths:
Strong GPS signal - picks up satellites even indoors.

Weaknesses:
None so far. Please know that this is not a GPS mapping/navigation product. Buy it for what it's advertised as and you'll be happy.

Similar Products Used:
Garmin 205 - died after 2 and a half years.