No Wires: Garmin Edge 305 HR

I really like having a detailed training log, but I don’t like entering all of the information required to keep a log updated. That's why I was eager to try the Garmin Edge 305 cyclecomputer, which automatically uploads vast amounts of information about your rides into your personal computer. The 305 is a fine, multi-function cyclecomputer, and unlike a typical cyclecomputer, there are no unsightly wires to run to wheel sensor pickups.

The Edge 305 features a customizable LCD display. You can select up to six data points to be displayed at once, or you can enlarge one of the displays, such as current speed or heart rate, to a size of one inch wide by half an inch high for easier visibility. If you go with the larger display, you can show a total of only three data points at once. I prefer the six data point option, showing heart rate, speed, distance, grade percent, calories burned, and compass heading.

Hitting the "mode" button will alternate the display between the map, altimeter, and menu displays. The map display will be disappointing if you are expecting the type of GPS maps that are becoming more popular in cars. The map doesn't include any road or other terrain data, and is a simple track line of your route. The Edge isn't meant to be a true navigation aid. However, it will most definitely help you get home if you are lost on a road or mountain bike ride. Just keep the little triangle representing your current position pointing towards your starting point, or any waypoint that you have set, and you will get there eventually. The Edge will also tell you your GPS coordinates if you ever need to call in a rescue.

While I'm riding, I occasionally pay attention to speed, heart rate, and compass heading, and I satisfy my curiosity about grade percentage on some of my favorite hills. In six-panel mode, you may have to squint a bit to see the display, a complaint I noticed in user reviews online, also. One solution is to switch to the larger, three-panel display mode.

The Edge really comes into its own after I finish the ride. I just start the Garmin Training Center software on my PC, plug the Edge into the included USB cable, and it automatically uploads all of the ride data, drops it into an automatically dated folder, and gives me full access to the information.