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Pros: Customizable screens, configurable for user's training profiles, Garmin reputation, friend's recommendations, GPS accuracy and web integration.Cons: None so far, I've had it for a month and battery life is quite good, even when paired with the HRM and Cadence sensors. I'm a roadie, but this unit is transferable btw bikes, could in a pinch be used in a vehicle (but doesn't include maps real-time). Fantastic device. My first cyclocomputer with GPS and I couldn't be happier.
I've already benefited from understanding how HR changes as a function of elevation, grade and speed on some local climbs. Well, I've found when I ride on tree covered roads, my speed will appear to fluctuate quite substantially (+/- 1 to 2mph) despite a constant effort. Sounds like all the information you'd need in a single device.By and large this is pretty much what you get. Despite having a wheel mounted magnet and speed sensor, it turns out that the Edge actually acquires speed data from GPS as first default. I bought the Edge 305 as I wanted to be able to co-ordinate information about my rides in a more deliberate fashion.
If I decide I need more accurate speed readings real time, I might yet get a cheap wireless computer to mount next to the Edge. I'm getting valuable training information, which is why I bought it in the first place. What's so bad about that. Climbing up Old La Honda and Tunitas Creek Rd on the SF peninsula, I apparently was climbing grades of >20% a few times, clearly a GPS error.Despite these niggles, I'm happy with the unit and intend to stick with it. All easy to do and works as advertised.Interface with Motion Based and Garmin Training Center seem pretty easy and they both provide useful graphical ways to interrogate your data post-ride.Now for the con's. The second small wrinkle is that I have had some quite stupendous grade readouts, mostly in similar conditions. I put time of day, total miles, average speed, total elevation and calories on the second screen. It turns out that you can disable GPS speed, but only by switching off GPS entirely - not quite what I had in mind.
I really like the idea of tracking my rides with GPS, getting an accurate reading on elevation and grade both after the ride and real time through the barometric altimeter while being able to capture HR and speed/cadence information. After coming from a wired cycling computer previously I felt this a step backwards. Garmin Edge 305 Bicycle GPS Navigator with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor (Factory Refurbished) I also like the way that you can customize two screens of real time data as you ride - I like to see HR, cadence, speed, %grade, ride time and also lap time and distance on my "home" screen. For me the big one is speed readout.
I even use this as a lap timer for my street motorcycles when I go to the track. With this unit having GPS, I can use it on all my bikes, in the car, on my motorcycles, anywhere. The interface is simple and the fitness software is a no-brainer, even for me. This thing is great. I've used heart rate monitors before but I was limited to using them on one bike if I wanted to get my speed as well.
It easily connects to the computer and downloads automatically into Garmin Training Center. When I went to upload my information to the computer it would not work. I did not know what to expect at the time but now don't go anywhere without it.
The longest hike I've taken using this is 5.5 hours. Garmin support was not very helpful. I have only had one problem with this unit and it happened when I loaded a course from Garmin Training Center to be used with virtual trainer.
I took this out of the box and mounted it to my bicycle using the easy to follow directions. I haven't had problems with the battery yet but know that charging shortens the life of any battery. I had to search Google for a solution, the problem was a corrupt course download, once removed everything worked fine.
The information it provides is great and has helped me to improve my rides and hikes. I also upload the files to Motionbased.com where it is automatically plotted on Google maps that you can email to friends.
The Training software could feature better Garmin maps and longterm ride statistic features. The Garmin Edge 305 provides excellent value at today's Amazon prices. Adjusting the cadence sensor was a bit of a problem and required some improvised shims on my crankset to meet the I am sure online platforms provide this but I had no time to look into it. Software installation on MAC was quick and easy. It sometimes times out after connecting to USB not transferring the new ride data, but a manual Data Transfer achieves the same result.
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