The Garmin edge is based on the highly sensitive SiRFStarIII chipset and is a GPS system dedicated to the sport of cycling. One of my favourites. Garmin have designed the Edge 305 specifically for the cycle enthusiast who wants to monitor performance over time. Not only does it record the normal GPS historical data, but it also has the capability to record heart rates and cadence as well. This is where Motion Based comes in as the data can be uploaded to the Motion Based system and then analysed in detail and comparisons made with past performances. The data can also be exported or shared with other users in the Motion Based community.

As there are a number of different disciplines in cycling we have decided to do a slightly different review for the Garmin Edge. Apart from my normal review we have taken the opinions of a number of different cycle users and seen what their views and usefulness of the Edge is to their cycling life.

The Garmin Edge 305 comes in 3 different configurations these are dependent on the accessories bundled with the GPS. The available accessories for the Edge 305 are a heart rate monitor, and a cadence monitor. The Edge 305 is sold with either one or the other or both. Strangely I took the option of both. I am of the opinion that there is no such thing as too much data. I prefer information overload... Whichever bundle you choose the main GPS receiver comes with a USB cable, a mains power adapter, two mounting options, software CD and instruction booklet. The cadence sensor and the heart rate monitor were individually packaged in their own boxes. This makes it easy for Garmin and the retailers to create the system bundles.

Installing the Edge 305 and Sensors

Installing the handlebar mount was quite simple. There are a number of possible ways to fix it. You can either place it on the handlebar or the stem. Either way you need to be careful to orient it correctly otherwise the GPS will be the wrong way up.

Garmin even provide a wedge allowing a slight adjustment of the angle for the Edge. this allows you to mount it for optimal viewing whilst riding. Bear in mind that if you are looking at the GPS your attention is not on the road and any information you get from the GPS should be gleaned as quickly as possible for safety's sake.

Once you are happy with the position the mount is fixed using a pair of cable ties. At first I thought this was a bit of a strange arrangement, but it is effective and works very well in practice. Garmin do provide some additional ties, but a trip to your local auto parts store will replace and shortage you may have from moving the mount about.

The cadence sensor actually has 3 components: The wireless main unit and 2 magnets. One of the magnets is attached to the pedal crankshaft this pulses the cadence, the other attaches to the spokes and provides speed data. You might question the speed data, but there will be times when the GPS signal is not available this allows the full telemetry to still be recorded.

Fitting the cadence sensor was a little more tricky as all three components need to be correctly aligned. I started by fitting the pedal crank magnet then the cadence sensor and finally the speed sensor. This was quite simple on the Claud Butler as the frame geometry was very accommodating. On the Specialized Roubaix it was somewhat more difficult, but I managed it in the end. The cadence unit is at a bit of an angle making it a long stretch for the speed magnet. This has a screw adjuster that allows the arm to be swiveled into position.

The trick to installing the cadence sensor is to fit all the components loosely and then ensure that they all work before tightening the cable ties in the final position. Before trimming the excess tie I made sure that it was really tight by getting that last click using a pair of pliers.

Once you are happy with the position snip off the excess fastener and then you are ready to ride.

Setting up your Edge 305 software

With the system hardware all installed and connected together you are almost ready to get on your bike and start recording your trips. There are a few settings that need to be made on the Edge before it can provide accurate analysis of your training and trips.

Firstly you should check the Garmin website to see if there is a software update for the Edge 305. Since I got my review sample there have been 2 updates. IT is always best to install these before you start configuring the Edge to your requirements as the update will erase all your settings and reset the Edge to factory defaults. The first time I did this I also lost some of my training data as I foolishly did the upgrade without downloading all my tracks.

Next you need to provide some personal information such as age and weight. This is used to calculate your heart rate zones, and calorie consumption. You also need to provide some data about your bike such as weight, and wheel circumference. Actually the system can work out the wheel circumference automatically using GPS data when you start cycling.

The Edge can store data for up to 3 different bikes, this allows it to provide accurate figures for your training sessions. You do need to make sure that when you change bikes you also set the Edge 305 correctly.

Preparation for Cycling

Obviously before you start your cycle ride you need to ensure that there is sufficient power in the battery for your trip. I have a routine whereby I fully recharge the Edge after each ride. This has two results: firstly it guarantees that the battery is topped up for my next trip; and secondly that my recorded data is transferred to my computer and is not lost.

Next the Edge needs to be mounted on your bike and switched on. When it is switched on it will start searching for satellites and this may take quite a time to achieve the initial fix, or if you have moved a few hundred miles since your last fix.

The final thing you need to do as you start off is to remember to hit the start button. This is something you will get used to, but the Edge does not record any data until you press start. Imagine your disappointment if you return home after a 2 hour trip and find you have not captured your session.

Navigation Functions

Yes this is a Garmin GPS and all Garmins have navigation capabilities. The Edge 305 is no exception. You can create waypoints, locate waypoints and then goto a point. This will then show a line on the map screen giving you a bearing to follow to your destination. Obviously a straight line to your destination is not always practical so you can create a route and follow that instead. When you select "Find" you have the opportunity to list all, or nearest marks. This will then show a list enabling you to select the point you want. When you select the required waypoint you are shown the details of the waypoint and given some options including showing it on the map or navigating to it. You can also delete a single waypoint.

This can be a problem if you have a large number of waypoints you need to remove. You can also create and navigate route on the Edge. A route is essentially a number of linked waypoints. When you select the route press the enter button and then select navigate. This then indicates the direction you need to turn as you approach a turning. I find it easiest to create my routes using a PC application such as Memory-Map and then use the MM interface to transfer the waypoints and route to the Edge. There is a limitation of 100 waypoints which can severely restrict the points available to be stored in routes.

Conclusion
The Garmin Edge 305 is a very good all-in-one cyclometer and heart rate monitor with a wireless cadence and speed sensor for the bike. It's small and light enough to be worn while running, too. When compared with a GPS device that you might find in a car, the display is constrained by the small device size you want on a bike, but it uses the screen to good effect, with a configurable multi-field display and reasonably large text.