Silly Garmin question

[Suzann]

So I'm training for my first triathlon (super sprint) and I was wondering about the garmin forerunners. Probably the 305 or the 405.

My question is.. can it track my biking as well? I'm not sure the limitations of it.. or if you have to be strictly running or not.

Ok, there you have it.. my silly Garmin question :)

[lourodrigis]

I have the 205 and it tracks biking so I am sure the 305 and 405 do. There is a mode feature that allows you to switch back and forth from run/walk to bike. It's pretty easy to switch on the fly. I don't use the Garmin software but SportsTrack picks up on the mode changes and tracks time to the correct category.

[mkymsehi]

I have the 405, and there is a spot to synch your Garmin to a foot pod for biking or running on the treadmill.

I don't have the footpod, but the capability is there.

[skfulkers]

Yep, absolutely they can track your biking. I have the 305, and I use it for every bike training ride and race I've ever done. If you don't have the cadence sensor for your bike, you obviously won't be able to track your cadence, but you can still get speed, avg speed, distance, heart rate, etc.

The 305 even has "multisport mode," which allows you to start with biking, include transitions, and end with running. You can set it up for other sequences as well.

Steve

[Suzann]

Thank you so much guys! Think I'll be getting one after I save up the money!

[scuba diver]

I have the 305 and use it for biking with the bike kit so it tracks my candence, speed, RPM, etc.

It also has a multisport function that will allow you to automatically change between three sports for tris.

I've been told by Garmin that the 405 will not have a bike kit. It is only a single function and does not allow all three as the 305 does.

If you are going to do tris or want detailed biking information, I think the 305 is a better bet.

[mkymsehi]

I checked on Craigslist, and ran across an add for a Garmin 405 charger, antenna USBus stick, and heartrate monitor & strap. $20.

The guy worked just down the street from my office. He said he lost his 405 during a recent move, and no longer needed the accessories.

What a steal! LOL.

[Running Diva]

I have a 205 and use it for running and biking, but I'm thinking of starting to do triathlons, and for that there is a new Garmin, the 310XT. Its waterproof so you can use it on the swim leg as well! I saw it at the marathon expo this past weekend and it was so cool... wish I had the money for a new one!

[mkymsehi]

I'm on the brink of sending my Garmin 405 back. I've had it almost 2 years, but the battery is crapping out on me. I called them, and they said upgrade the new software that was released today 6/24/09. And if it still gives me problems, to ship it back.

Connect your Ant stick to your computer, and then go to this link.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsAgree.jsp?product=010-00658-10&cID=142&pID=11039

[mkymsehi]

Attention Garmin 405 users. There is a software problem with the latest upgrade for the ANT+ stick. If you haven't already upgraded, don't.

It caused my 405 to not be able to upload workouts to Garmin Connect website. Also causing battery drain problems.

So I contacted Garmin, and they responded with telling me to delete the software I have now, and re-install a previous version. They sent me the file by email. So if anyone needs it, shoot me a email.

[Cinderrunner]

I got a Garmin 305 about two weeks ago. Not in love with it. It tells me how slow I really am. Also all my routes are slightly shorter than I had originally thought. :(

I also think there should be a Garmin for Dumbies book because I could use it.

[mkymsehi]

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3743