GPS Heart Rate
I am trying to decide if I am going to go back to the Garmin GPS cycling computer. I have had one in the past and it broke. I am not sure I want to spend the money on another if it is going to flake out like the last one. I know a lot of you guys are running those and curious on what you think is the best and more durable one. Or is there another option to get distance, altitude, calories, heart rate and all the goodies? (Well maybe I will leave out power since that takes about 900 dollars to get into that.)
Edge 305
I've had issues with my edge 305 for about a year and a half. It would randomly turn off right in the middle of the ride, losing all data. This became worse and worse and I finally noticed it was happening when hitting big bumps. I called Garmin at the end of summer 2007 and they said it'd be $100 to repair since it was out of warranty. That sounded crappy so I sat on it and used it on/off but it always turned off and sucked. Called Garmin again at the beginning of this summer and told them the same thing as before, but this time they admitted to the old units having a problem and sent me a BRAND NEW fresh 305 as an exchange absolutely free. So I've used it a bit this summer and no problems at all now. Anyway, that's all I've got. :)
Jamie also has a Forerunner 305 which works great, but for running I think I'd go with the newer smaller 405.
Brad and my dad both run the Edge 705 which looks WAY cool but I've never actually used it. I think I'd go for that one if money wasn't an option... but when is that ever the case. :) Also, the 705 can wirelessly pull power data from the new 2009 powertap hubs as well as the Quarq CinQo and new wireless SRM. Just saying for when you upgrade to power down the road. :)
not totally satisfied...
I also had problems with my first one. They finally sent me a replacement (an overhauled one) and that one turns off randomly. As in, it didn't even make it past the first lap up in Portland.
I started up a ticket with Garmin, maybe I'll get a unit that works now...
As far as the device itself, I was really happy with it, the usability, downloading free to motionbased, etc.
GPS
Have had good luck with all 4 of the ones I have owned. The very first versions the heart rate strap wasn't so hot but that was it for bad luck for me once I updated the firmware on the 305.
3rd time's the charm
The free replacement to my replacement seems to be working much better. It's annoying to have to send 2 units back, but I have to give them credit that they're trying to make it right.