Archive for April, 2008

Garmin 305 Edge: Essential training tool or just a neat gadget?

April 27th, 2008 Mark Croonen

Here is the ultimate gadget for all the geeks out there who love to cycle. While the 305 Edge may not be the latest offering from Garmin but it is still a great tool for optimising your training. With the introduction of the 705 Edge the price of these devices has really come down, I’ve found them on GeoManGear for under $US275.

My biggest gripe about the device is the software that is bundled with it. I think it is a fact recognised by Garmin by the fact that it bundles third party software offers in the box. My biggest warning about the “Training Center” software that is supplied with the unit is that it will only load if the device is connected via the USB cable. The problem I have with this, is if the unit ever fails that’s it! You’ve lost access to your data.

It does all the usual things a cycling computer does plus it is a GPS, heart monitor and it has an altimeter. The display panel is fully configurable so you display a ride variety of data and in different sizes to suit in the information you require. This include, speed, cadence, current gradient, current direction, sunrise, time and much more.

Here are some screen dumps from my new toy.

Here is the gradient and elevation with the map, note the blue point on the map represents the point on the graph.

The same graph just expanded

Here is the elevation of Mt Ainslie when I set the lap counter going

Now with speed and heart rate as well

And here is a snapshot of what it looks like in Google earth; each white square represents a data point.

Finally, the all important data

Cool toy huh?

 

Posted in Bike Equipment, Garmin Information
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Buy it online

April 25th, 2008 Mark Croonen

We had a recent discussion at work about our preferred online bike stores and here are the results. This is targeted mainly for Australian readers but other readers may find it useful.

Firstly the Australian stores

Torpedo 7 – There was good reports about the store and they also have some excellent specials from time to time.

The Bike Shed – This store was recommended by the group but no reason was given.  

Cecil Walker – This store was recommended by the group but no reason was given. Cecil Walker is a long established cycle shop with a good reputation.

Phantom Cycles – This store was recommended by the group but no reason was given.  They have a good range and the prices seem good for an Australian bike store.

Dean Woods – This store was recommended by the group but no reason was given.  

ASSOS – Specialising in high quality cycle wear. Expensive but well worth it, they also have regular specials which make their gear affordable. Best customer service I have experienced. The online ordering system is rather basic with payments done by a follow up phone call.

 

Now for the Overseas stores

Chain Reaction Cycles – Very popular choice with the group with a huge range of gear to choose from. I have personally used CRC and have been very happy with them and the after sales service they provide. If you order over 250 pounds postage is free to Australia so if you are doing a group order this is an excellent way to save on postage. On the down side I have found their prices to be a little higher than Pro bike kit however they have much bigger range and seem to have more in stock. Their online ordering system is excellent and wish list facility. Also has a currency converter making it easier to know the cost of your order.

Pro bike Kit – Very popular site specialising in road bike kit. This is my personal favourite. Low postage which makes it easy to place frequent small orders. On the downside lately I have found they have limited stock making it difficult to get all the items I want in one order. Also has a currency converter making it easier to know the cost of your order.

Jenson USA – This store was recommended by the group but no reason was given.

Universal Cycles – Apparently they have “awesome” pricing.

Speed Goat – Specialising in Mountain Bike gear.

Aspire Velotech – Hard to beat for Chris King and impossible to beat for Thomson equipment, Good postage rates. A lot of good comments about this store and the service

CambriaBike – This store was recommended by the group but no reason was given.

Ribble Cycles – Good alternative for ASSOS cycle wear.

 

If anyone else has had experience with another online store please let me know by leaving a comment and I’ll update the article.

 

Posted in Bike Equipment
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Fix it fast

April 12th, 2008 Mark Croonen

Here is a tip for any cyclist who has had to deal with a bad puncture on the road which has cut the tyre casing. I have found carrying some heavy duty ‘sticking plaster’ with me an excellent temporary fix which will get you out of trouble and back home, it is preferable to have the heavy duty fabric plasters but in a pinch regular household ones will do. There are plenty of alternatives such as folded $5 note or a large patch but what I like about this solution is that it is easy to apply, stays in place and can be used on your own body should the need arise. I find storing it with my spare tube a excellent place to keep it so it is always with me when I go riding.

product_fabric

 

Posted in Bike Repairs and Maintenance
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