Garmin for racing
414
Member
1375 days
trithis04 posted 2 years ago.
Have one and I like it, but don't use it for racing. I'll preface by saying, that recently I've used any kind of bike computer for races and I've never used an HR (for racing). Only a wrist watch with elapsed time and count down.
I see a couple problems with the 301 for a race. 1) You will have to switch the modes around. 2) That said, you will have no constant overall time running (unless you wear a second time piece). 3) Hard to see all the info. you want on one screen.
The 301 is definately a handy training tool. The ability to take it from one bike to another without calibration for wheel diameter make it extremely versitile, but it's large size and complex operation keeps me from using it for races.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
50
Member
1003 days
effectivepull posted 2 years ago.
i race and train w/ the forerunner 305 - it has a multi-sport set up that you can use that can keep track of each leg and T times. it'll even work w/ reverse tris and duathlons.
3354
Member
1412 days
RV posted 2 years ago.
I have the 301 - train with it constantly. However, I don't use it for sprints or Oly's. But will for HIM and for the IM.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
4493
Member
1644 days
kylie posted 2 years ago.
I also train and race with one. But I'd prefer the split time info over a total time, so I don't worry about not having that part. I haven't tried the multisport setting yet, but hear good things about it.
33
Member
1449 days
tmcneney posted 2 years ago.
I have used it racing 3x - 2x in a 1/2 IM for bike Only, and once for the NYC marathon...
used it for the halves b/c I did not have bike computer so it gave me my speed etc which was nice - just clipped it to my handlebars and it worked fine, then used my polar watch for swim and run and overall time
during the marathon i did not like it - b/c of the sattelites lost some distance so it wasn't keeping accurate track of my pace/distance and annoyed me more than anything - learning exp...prefer to click off the miles manually now...
16
Member
979 days
ph0ust posted 2 years ago.
i plan on using mine in my race next week. some info on using it:
> multisport is a piece of cake to use and not only works for the bike and run, but times your transitions
> each sport (i.e. bike and run) can have *multiple* completely customizable screens. you can display overall times, split times, averages, distances, etc. whatever you want. check out the manual to set up the customizable screens... it's really easy and you get to pick 3 metrics, in addition to heart rate, for each screen.
4493
Member
1644 days
kylie posted 2 years ago.
ph0ust - each sport can have multiple custom screens? Is that something with multisport, or one of the software upgrades I haven't gotten? I thought that was only with the 305...
414
Member
1375 days
trithis04 posted 2 years ago.
I don't have any multisport function on my 301. Kyillee, I think you're right, it's only the 305.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
3354
Member
1412 days
RV posted 2 years ago.
I have the 301 and it has the multi-sport function.
You can set up a custom screen for each sport. But I believe just one per sport.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
4493
Member
1644 days
kylie posted 2 years ago.
The multisport function for the 301 was an upgrade to the software. You can download the most recent 301 software from the Garmin website (free).
I meant the multiple custom screens... I know the 305 has that, but don't believe the 301 does. But I don't have the most recent software on mine.
30
Member
1672 days
cdalyh posted 2 years ago.
I have a 301. Have had trouble losing charge and data b/c the usb cable isn't getting a good fit. After only 5 months of use. Anybody else with this prob? On a separate note, will the 301, with its usb port, handle the pool okay?
560
Member
1599 days
Riverbrady posted 2 years ago.
Actually, with the multisport option you can have total and split times, though I'd recommend trying it out in practice first. The biggest thing that got me was that in multisport it doesn't have placeholders for transitions.
I've used mine in HIMs and the Florida IM. The biggest things I noted:
- If you're going to be racing over 13:30, you'll need a battery backup, or to not use it for the swim.
- If you use it on the swim, get used to putting it in your swim cap. Mine wouldn't get a signal through my wetsuit (had it in one on my tri top pockets under the suit)
"Care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, expect more than others think is possible."
3354
Member
1412 days
RV posted 2 years ago.
cdalyh wrote:
I have a 301. Have had trouble losing charge and data b/c the usb cable isn't getting a good fit. After only 5 months of use. Anybody else with this prob? On a separate note, will the 301, with its usb port, handle the pool okay?
I had a similar problem - the cable worked to charge the unit but wouldn't upload. Call Garmin get an RMA # and they will fix it. I had two problems - once they sent me a reconditioned unit to replace it and then just a couple weeks back the display went on that one - This time they sent me a brand new 301 - that one came with the upgraded multi-sport software. But their Customer Service people are very easy to work with and they have a very fast turn-around getting the unit back to you.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
Hiya guys. Searched the sire first before decided to post this question.
I just got a Garmin 301 and it's a fine tool for training. But I was wondering if anyone uses it while racing?
It's a great training tool and all, being able to plot route, distance, HR etc, but how practical is it to race in?
Appreciate the feedback. Cheers.
:)