Gone Quarq, now what to use with it?
Garmin 500 or 310xt, pro's and cons?
Is the 310 a 'have to have'? is it reliable when running under treelined trails/roads? Not real happy with my polar footpod for pacing, is the 310 more accurate cuz it works using gps as opposed to the accelerometer?
any other things to consider?
0
Comments
310XT - great all in one solution that can be used from start to finish for a triathlon and has the basic required cycling power meter functions. Now that it has 3 and 30sec averaging there is little reason to go with a edge 500 instead and I would not have a edge 500 if this was the case a year ago.
Edge 500 - bike computer only and is the best bang for the buck power meter computer on the market.
Since you are unable with your polar footpod, I would just get a 310XT and a bike mount for it and solve all your problems at once.
The only except is if you want to have turn by turn GPS directions and Maps on the fly, then you want to look at the edge 800. If you want to have TSS/IF/NP then the Joule is a better product (but you will need a speed sensor and at the moment their are distance/speed issues with the Joule). Both of these leave you with your Polar or needng to purchase a different forerunner for running.
Basically, the 310XT will meet all your needs at the lowest cost, but there are other options that give you more features.
I just got the 310xt (but am not planning to sync it with the PM). So far, I think it works well when running outside and locates satellite a heck of a lot faster than my 305 did. But I'm not trail running so I haven't tested that... but I do run in some treelined areas and haven't had any problems at all.
As far as what to use with your quarq - when I was researching my purchase this past fall I think I remember reading in the forums people's thoughts on the 310 v. the LYC v. the joule as far as data delivery... and the joule seemed to be the most popular choice as far as what you can view.
@Kurt - I have the rs400sd right now. Even after calibration attempts, it 1) drops the signal often, 2) reads a too fast of a pace often, 3) reads too slow of a pace often, and, well, that's enough....
Even if I kept the polar for running, I'm gonna need to get something for the ANT+
new toys r good!
I just got my Quarq, I already had the 310 and like it a lot. I have a foot pod with it that I use for indoors and it helps me track cadence when I run both outside and inside. I can turn it on inside my house and it will still pick up the sat. But I also got the Joule when I ordered the Quarq. I wanted TSS etc. and it is easier to look at. With the 310 you may need to change the screen or have the auto screen changer on.
Caveat: I've never used a Garmin with a powermeter.
In my opinion, using a GPS unit as a powermeter monitor is trying to do too many things at once, with the compromise being that you miss out on some good data:
The short answer is that the Joule is a very, very good bicycle monitor and I wants a good bicycle monitor when I'm riding my bike, a good GPS running monitor when I'm running, and don't mind having to deal with two devices.
Will the HR strap that I use with my polar work with the Joule?
The Joule will use any ANT+ HRM. Garmin HRMs are ANT+ compatible but Polar uses a different system, which is why polar HRMs work when swimming and Garmin ones do not.
Here is a test done on the accuracy of GPS devices in each of the triathlon sports: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/11/sport-device-gps-accuracy-in-depth-part.html
BTW, on the same site he does an in depth review of the 310XT: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-in-depth-review.html
@everyone, thx, good help.
here's where I am...I want the Joule for the cycling prowess BUT if I buy their HR strap, it won't work with my existing Polar for running. OR if I use the Polar strap for the run, I'll lose that info on the bike. I was leaning away from the 310xt after reading the reviews on the Joule BUT now I'm heading back to it cuz, though it may not be that thorough on the power info, it would cover basic power and HR and pacing for the run.
OR, I could just go Joule and fall back on ol'skool stopwatch & mile splits....
I know...'paralysis by analysis', 'dude can't decide which hand to wipe butt with', etc, BUT when it comes to these expensive toys, I gotta get it right. I'm lucky to get to play in the game, but I'm not in a position to just go out and change all my gear every year or so....
Besides, if it all screws up, I'll just go harder, until I vomit.
Can't you just wear your Polar watch + strap on the bike with the Joule and use that as your HRM? Look down for power info, then look about 4" to the left for HR data, total time, etc.
I think I just gotz my first bitchslap in da' Haus.
I have an older wired powertap and a Suunto HR monitor with a footpod for pace. Similar issues with incompatible HR straps. The Suunto is ANT, the PT ANT+. I've learned to deal with it. If you want to save combined HR and power data, Training Peaks will merge the two files. Upload one, then add the other to that workout in Training Peaks, and it will automatically merge the two files. You can then download the merged file for use in WKO, or whatever. Just make sure the time is set the same on both devices - Training Peaks uses the timestamp to synch them up. Extra hoops, but it works. So you can merge files, or wear one HR strap or the other, or even switch straps before heading out on a run, depending on the workout and what data you want to save.