GPS watch or bike computer

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2011-11-02 7:41 PM

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Aurora , Illinois
Subject: GPS watch or bike computer
Just kinda looking for some opinions about bike computers.  I was looking at the Garmin forerunner 305 with the cadence moniter and just wanted to know what everyone thinks about using a watch for all 3 events (at least the bike and run) or is it a better option to just invest in a bike computer?  Any advice would be appreciated.

2011-11-02 11:01 PM
in reply to: #3751607

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer
watch all the way
2011-11-02 11:08 PM
in reply to: #3751607

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ft. mitchell ,al / columbus ga
Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer
watch by far. I have the 305. awsome
2011-11-03 9:55 AM
in reply to: #3751607

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Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer
I have the timex global trainer, I have a garmin speed and cadence sensor on my bike. I'd say the watch with a heart rate monitor is definitely the way to go.
2011-11-03 9:56 AM
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer
I use the Garmin 310XT for pretty much everything... You can add the cadence monitor, or add a power meter... Basically it's a great cycling computer, a great running watch, just happens to be in one unit.
2011-11-03 7:19 PM
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Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer

I thought about this quite a bit- and ended up with a 405 for running and an Edge 500 on my bike.  here's why:

I like that the edge displays 8 variables at once and has a pressure sensor for better altitude (average climb and grade values). With its long battery life and bike centric functions- it makes a better bike computer than a 305.  I set up different screens for climbing and decending.

I like that the 405 is small enough to wear as a watch, so it's always with me for lunch runs.  Plus, I actually love the touch bezel (I live in the desert where it's dry).

I like that I don't always have to move my watch on and off my bike, and then set up different screens and change the variables to the ones I like for cycling vs running.  If you leave your 305/310xt on your wrist while riding, you can't see it.  so, OK, you strap it onto the bike.  No problem, except come race day you've got to unstrap it and get it on your wrist either at T2 or while riding.  Tricky while moving or time consuming if you do it at T2.  And for daily rides, I was forever worried about one more item to strap onto my bike before a ride- rather than just having it there.  Also- I started doing rides that were longer than the 405's battery life.

It took me a year of just having my 405 before I finally got the Edge 500 (rather than a 310xt).  Anyway- I'm happy with my decision.  the only downside is that I don't get full transition times during races.  (have to wait until they post them).

YMMV

2011-11-04 12:27 PM
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Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer
I went with the watch, I have exactly what you were looking at, the Garmin 305 with the cadence monitor, and I am satisfied with the choice.
2011-11-05 11:24 AM
in reply to: #3751607

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Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer

It all depends on the kind of distances that you are going to be racing. I used to use a Garmin 405 but the battery life didn't last longer than one 112 mile bike ride and so I had to switch watched when it came to the run section of a long distance race. 

I use a Garmin Edge on my bike and then the forerunner on my run, but I have recently been looking at the Suunto series of watches as they seem to have a better battery life as well as a decent online training portal to upload your training and race data to. I just bought a Suunto Quest but have jut found out that there is no way to connect it up to a cadence sensor (duh!) so I might switch it for a Sunto t3d or other. 

...............

2012 Race Goals:

12hr IM

39minute 10k

Blog - Suunto Quest

2011-11-05 5:10 PM
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Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer
The watch can do pretty well as a bike computer.  Plenty well enough for most.  Use it for awhile and see how you like it.  I have both a watch and bike computer because I bike a lot and wanted a dedicated unit for it.  Also wanted to display more at once than a watch could and have mapping capability.
2011-11-05 8:51 PM
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Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer
The 310 is the best of both worlds with the quick release kit.  Personally I'd keep a close eye on the Classifieds in here as a lot of folks will be stepping up to the 910 and selling their 310.
2011-11-05 10:13 PM
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Regular
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Kansas City Area
Subject: RE: GPS watch or bike computer

I have a 305 and the cadence monitor as really like it.

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