Heart Rate, Cadence Monitor - Recommendations

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Hi All,

I've got a good few months of training coming up as I prepare for Etape. I'm looking to purchase a heart rate & cadence monitor, allowing me to track my training programme and progress.

Any recommendations or things to look out for? I've my eye on the Garmin Edge 305. Would appreciate hearing any thoughts - good or bad.

Thanks,
Sarah.

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Doit! Do it! Do it!

I have the Forerunner with cadence sensor and it's a fabulous peice of kit. I'd go for the 705 if you can stretch to it though, should be able to get one for around the £200 mark if you stick with Ebay.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the info David.

I've noticed most ads for the 705 include "Some packages also include a speed/cadence sensor to monitor your pedaling cadence and wheel speed as you ride." ...

These guys seem to have the best price on the 705 - cgi.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-Edge-705-HR-GPS-Bike-Personal-Trainer-Sat-Nav_W0QQitemZ250382274708QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_AudioTVElectronics_GPSSystems_GPSSystems?hash=item250382274708&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318 - but is it speed/cadence ready out of the box, or I'd need to purchase the sensor?

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It looks like that doesn't come with the cadence unit.

Amazon are good for deals:

www.amazon.co.uk/Edge-705HR-Monitor-Speed-Cadence/dp/B000VREP8A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236180685&sr=8-2

Don't forget that this will show you how to get home if you get lost on a chaingang. I know what you ladies and your sense of direction is like! ;D

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if all you want are cadence and HR, there are much cheaper options with other units eg Polar CS200Cad

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The 705 cadence unit is not essential in calculating speed and distance. The 705 uses the gps for this if it is not fitted, of couse cadence will not be registered. I have not looked into why they need a sensor for speed as well given that it works without but I guess accuracy and update rate is enhanced with the sensor fitted. By the way the unit also works when travelling in a car, you can select bike, car or by foot. A bonus is that you can measure Power when coupled with an Ant+ device.

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Mar 4, 2009 23:17:01 GMT @morphan said:

The 705 cadence unit is not essential in calculating speed and distance. The 705 uses the gps for this if it is not fitted, of couse cadence will not be registered. I have not looked into why they need a sensor for speed as well given that it works without but I guess accuracy and update rate is enhanced with the sensor fitted. By the way the unit also works when travelling in a car, you can select bike, car or by foot. A bonus is that you can measure Power when coupled with an Ant+ device.

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cadence unit is needed if you want to use the garmin on a turbo......

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I'm pondering this too. Am I right in saying that the edge 205 and 305 don't really work as a navigational tool?

Does anyone know if the 605 will enable me to go off my normal routes and up a lane that looks interesting and then find my way home if it all goes wrong? The 705 looks great but the idea of getting a GPS that costs a third as much as my whole bike costs just seems wrong.

If I do decide to be a skinflint and go with a combined HRM/speed computer does the Polar 200 mentioned by Guy sound good to others?

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With the 305 it's simple enough to plot a route on your computer, download it and follow it on the bike. I do it all the time. The only problem is that it's not a topogrphical map, just a line you follow. 705 has to be worth the money for the maps. I know for sure it will guide you home but I'm not sure about the 605.

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David
I have a 305 but being computerly challenged have no idea how to plot a map and then download. Please do tell............

Regards

Alastair

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Hi Alistaird. Drop me a PM with your email and I'll talk you through it.

Are you a Mac or PC user?

[Deleted]

Actually, on a similar note ... i decided to bite the bullet and got the 705. I'd love to chat to anyone that has a 705 as I suspect there are alot of features, tips of the trade I'm yet to find!

Any 705's out there!?

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Just pop it though my letter box and I'll sort it out for you.