When the wheels on my bike start spinning, a constellation of satellites miles above me in space provide information to a small, lightweight receiver attached to the stem of my handlebars. The receiver provides detailed information on my location, speed, elevation gain and more.
No, this is not a scene from a science fiction novel. It’s just another day using my Garmin Edge 305 cycling computer/GPS.
The Edge 305 pairs a sophisticated GPS receiver with a wireless heart rate monitor. This duet of technology provides the means for me to seamlessly record a wealth of information about each and every bike ride.
After each ride, I hook the device up to my computer and download the information to a free online service – Motionbased.com - which analyzes and catalogs the data. I’m able to review detailed metrics about the ride. Information like net elevation gain, average heart rate, percentage of the ride that was flat, uphill, downhill, etc.
This evening, I pulled a full report on my road bicycling stats. This data starts in March 2006 when I purchased my Felt F75:
Total Miles: 977.2
Total Hours Moving on the bike: 66 hours, 42 minutes
Total Elevation Gain: 45,565 feet
I’ve found that cycling with the Garmin Edge and having access to detailed information about all of my rides adds another dimension of fun and is an effective source of motivation for me to “keep the wheels spinning.”
I haven’t even touched the surface on what this device can do. Look for future posts detailing specific functions…there is just too much to tell in one blog entry!
Hi, Justin,
Thanks for the work you put into this blog. Your conversations are useful and entertaining. I have gone back to your Edge 305 entry because I am trying to determine between the 305/705. Don’t waste time with a long explanation, but if you could provide a laundry list of the features that make 705 vastly superior, I’d appreciate it. Many thanks!
Teddy,
Thanks for the kind words!
The Edge 305HR is a full-featured cycling GPS. The new features that separate the 705 from the 305 are the following – a) color screen, b) bicycle-friendly navigation via detailed street maps, c) tons of points-of-interest you can navigate to, d) display/support of power (e.g. workout is output in terms of watts – requires a device installed on the bicycle) – these are the top of key differences.