Garmin Edge

[Paul000]

Are the Garmin Edge or other similar products really that good??? I only mountain bike...Is this a must have accessory???

It would be good to know how far I went especially when the route i just rode wasn't the exact one listed on GeoLadders...

[dubjay]

It's not a must have, as some less expensive bike computers can give you simple stats such as distance and time.

But..I feel it's pretty damn nice to have, especially if you are a data geek or use the GPS functionality to try exploring some new trails.

[CeeDubb]

The Edge is a nice little chunk of change, but if you're an information junkie, you'll love all the data it records when reviewing it after your first ride.

Route
Elevation Gain/Loss
Waypoints
Heart Rate
Cadence
Calories
Distance
Time
Average Speed
Max Speed
Lap Times
Directions
Virtual Partner
Workouts

[allison]

Depends on what you want to know and how much you want to spend. The Edge is probably the best in its class.

The GPS function isn't stellar, but you can upload and work with google earth and stuff.

We were really big with geoladders last year, and met Doug, and felt like supporting to site, so we went with the Edge's and bought the annual subscription. I upload every ride as a new ride, unless it's like one on there. I've created a few routes as well, and would still like to create more (Noble, longer Daley route, etc etc).

If all you want to know is time and distance, get a Cateye micro wireless.

If you're more interested in HR info, you can pick up a nice Polar HRM for probably less than 100 bucks on sale.

The expensive Polar watches are pretty bitchin as well, but don't do any GPS or mapping what-so-ever.

The Edge provides great data and is really reliable. I love mine. I've probably never used half the functions, but they're always there if I need them Other nice thing? Extra mounts aren't TOO expensive...









It's a must have for all of my "token handlebar shots"

[PacMan]

I love my Edge 305. I had a Forerunner 301 that wasn't near as nice. I think you can get the Edge 305's for around $250 or less if you shop around.

[Paul000]

[quote=allison;84438]Depends on what you want to know and how much you want to spend. The Edge is probably the best in its class.

The GPS function isn't stellar, but you can upload and work with google earth and stuff.


When you say the GPS isn't stellar... does this mean you wouldn't rely on the GPS helping you turn by turn on a new trail??

The main draw of a Garmin 305 is the GPS and ability to create a new route to track. I'm not needed the heart rate monitor... i know when i'm winded LOL don't need the computer yelling at me too.

[CeeDubb]

I liked my Edge so much that I even bought a Forerunner 305.



It has all the same functions as the Edge, but it goes on your wrist. I initially bought it to track my running, but I found out it was much more fun to track my snowboarding runs with it! And I'll use it in a pinch if I forget to charge my Edge.

[allison]

Originally Posted by Paul000

When you say the GPS isn't stellar... does this mean you wouldn't rely on the GPS helping you turn by turn on a new trail??

The main draw of a Garmin 305 is the GPS and ability to create a new route to track. I'm not needed the heart rate monitor... i know when i'm winded LOL don't need the computer yelling at me too.

If you want to be able to follow a GPS route or have a map and use a GPS to follow it, I'd suggest getting more of a trail GPS than a bike GPS. Justin has a Magellan eXplorist that is about 2 year's old. We used that to find our way around Downieville with a bike shop free map and the uploaded topo of the region on the unit.

The Garmin isn't really going to get you anywhere, except possibly back to where you've already been by following the "map".

That being said, the Magellan takes a lot of work to upload a "new" route to Geoladders.

If you're looking for strictly GPS and less cyclocomputer functions, the Edge probably isn't what you want. Just remember you'll need to pick up topo software as well.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I love my Edge 305. I had a Forerunner 301 that wasn't near as nice. I think you can get the Edge 305's for around $250 or less if you shop around.

Pac what do you think about the 205. I hear it is the same as the 305 without the HR monitor and cadance.

[PacMan]

I don't think it has an altimeter either.

[allison]

Originally Posted by 29wheels

Pac what do you think about the 205. I hear it is the same as the 305 without the HR monitor and cadance.

Whatever you do, don't get the Forerunner bike unit watch thingy. It sucks.

The watch posted by CeeDub is probably okay, but the other Forerunner units aren't good. I had a 301 for months and it wasn't usually a pain. Eventually I got tired of it. Luckily REI ROCKS, so I took back the Unit itself for a full refund and bought the last Edge 305 they had in Grand Junction.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I don't think it has an altimeter either.

Looks like it does...

http://www.edgegps.com/eCart/viewItem.html?idProduct=86

Originally Posted by allison

Whatever you do, don't get the Forerunner bike unit watch thingy. It sucks.

The watch posted by CeeDub is probably okay, but the other Forerunner units aren't good. I had a 301 for months and it wasn't usually a pain. Eventually I got tired of it. Luckily REI ROCKS, so I took back the Unit itself for a full refund and bought the last Edge 305 they had in Grand Junction.

I was thinking of the Edge... My buddy has the 305 but I would never use the HR monitor and cadance functions.

I ride a SS and don't want to know what my HR is

[CeeDubb]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I don't think it has an altimeter either.

The Edge 205 has a GPS based altimeter.

The Edge 305 has a barometric altimeter (more accurate).

"Click here for the comparison of features"

[Pugz]

I am in the process of getting a new bike and have been thinking about getting one of these as well, I am leaning toward the 205 but how big a difference is the altimeters quality between the 205 and 305?

[dstepper]

I am not that interested in in how far I have gone or how much I have climbed...I was when I first started riding. I ride alone alot and I am more into exploring remote out of the way rides...finding new trails to ride. A good GPS with Topo Maps lets me get a little more adventurous and feel safer. I like GPS's with the larger screens, on the smaller units it is hard to read Topo Maps...the topo, trails and routed look the same. It also helps to have a color screen, different colored lines mean different things on the Topo Map. Remember good Topo Software does not come with the unit. National Geo costs $100 per state.

I have used handheld mapping GPS units from Garmin for a while and have found the USGS Maps from National Geographic to be very helpfull. I curently own a Garmin Legend Cx with Garmin Mapsource Topo.

NOTE: No GPS unit should ever replace a good paper Topo Map and Compass.

Dean

[CeeDubb]

The Edge is more of a training/logging tool rather that a true GPS.

Most users of the Edge realize that it does a much better job of telling you where you've been rather than where you're going or where you're at.

In contrast, the GPS in my car does a much better job of telling me where I'm at and where I'm going rather than where I've been.

As with anything...consider what you want or what you're trying to accomplish. This will narrow down the product that fits your needs.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by dstepper

I am not that interested in in how far I have gone or how much I have climbed...I was when I first started riding. I ride alone alot and I am more into exploring remote out of the way rides...finding new trails to ride. A good GPS with Topo Maps lets me get a little more adventurous and feel safer. I like GPS's with the larger screens, on the smaller units it is hard to read Topo Maps...the topo, trails and routed look the same. It also helps to have a color screen, different colored lines mean different things on the Topo Map. Remember good Topo Software does not come with the unit. National Geo costs $100 per state.

I have used handheld mapping GPS units from Garmin for a while and have found the USGS Maps from National Geographic to be very helpfull. I curently own a Garmin Legend Cx with Garmin Mapsource Topo.

NOTE: No GPS unit should ever replace a good paper Topo Map and Compass.

Dean

Hey Dean, thanks for the info. Some Q's about your Garmin Legend:

What's the real world battery life like?
Any problems with GPS reception in canyons or wooded areas?
Can you put street map info on there and use it to navigate on the road?

I may do some more riding alone up North soon and thinking about getting a GPS to help me. With a map/cyclocomputer and compass too of course!

Carl

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Pugz

I am in the process of getting a new bike and have been thinking about getting one of these as well, I am leaning toward the 205 but how big a difference is the altimeters quality between the 205 and 305?

Here is the difference. The 205 uses
[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Satellites the 305 uses Barometric pressure.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Had to google it..[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altimeter[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Paul000]

I'm seeing some negative reviews on the wireless micro Cateye product Allison mentioned on various websites... they basically say the install is a pain. Have you found it hard to install/setup the bike computers???

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Hey Dean, thanks for the info. Some Q's about your Garmin Legend:

What's the real world battery life like?
Any problems with GPS reception in canyons or wooded areas?
Can you put street map info on there and use it to navigate on the road?

I may do some more riding alone up North soon and thinking about getting a GPS to help me. With a map/cyclocomputer and compass too of course!

Carl

I am getting about 8 hours out of a set of rechargable 2300nm AA's. I carry a spare set with me.

Legend comes preloaded with street maps for North America. You can overlay Topo Maps with Garmin Mapsource.

A new Legend will be out soon with the better antenna. I have lost signials in heavy forest, not so much in canyons. I set the unit to not turn off if satelite signal is lost. I never loose stats for very long. Sat signals do not go through some coatings on windshields...I also have a re-radiating antenna that goes on top of my truck that boosts the signal way up. I don't use the GSP in my truck very often so I don't use it much.

Dean