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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305

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fatbastardtris

Oct 3, 08 12:44

Post #1 of 26 (492 views)

Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305	Can't Post

Anyone know where I can find one that will fit the 305? I'm looking for something that will make it easier to put the 305 on in transition.

mlennox

Oct 3, 08 12:48

Post #2 of 26 (487 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Anyone know where I can find one that will fit the 305? I'm looking for something that will make it easier to put the 305 on in transition.

Garmin sells a velcro strap for the 305, however it's not terribly easy to use in transition as I learned the hard way... but it's better than the original watch band.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1335

Unfortunately you can't use a generic velcro strap since it will block the contacts at the back for PC downloading/charging, though I suppose you could use a generic one just for races and take it off for training.

fatbastardtris

Oct 3, 08 12:55

Post #3 of 26 (478 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [mlennox] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Can you tell me why it isn't easy to use in transition? Is the strap to short?

krull_etc

Oct 3, 08 12:58

Post #4 of 26 (471 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

there's also the quick release kit. comes with a bike mount and a velcro wrist mount.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8544

mlennox

Oct 3, 08 12:58

Post #5 of 26 (471 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Can you tell me why it isn't easy to use in transition? Is the strap to short?

Strap is too short, so I couldn't just loosen it and slip my wrist through, I had to undo it and then thread the needle back through afterwards (not exactly easy when the adrenaline is flowing). I tried the strap extender but then it was too long and I couldn't get it snug. You could probably do a custom mod on the Garmin strap that would resolve this but I ended up selling mine and getting the 405 (which I think you could use a standard velcro strap with)

Cousin Elwood

Oct 3, 08 13:34

Post #6 of 26 (440 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought one last year and they SUCK!!! My 305 fell out of the mount while I was riding on FOUR separate occasions and I'm just lucky that it bounced off my frame and I heard it and was able to go back and pick it up. That would have been hideous in a race.

Cousin Elwood - Team Over-the-hill Racing
Brought to you by the good folks at Metamucil and Geritol...

Swamp

Oct 3, 08 13:37

Post #7 of 26 (436 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Cousin Elwood] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I've been using the bike mount all year and haven't had any issues. I've used it for every training ride and every race.

fatbastardtris

Oct 3, 08 13:45

Post #8 of 26 (430 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Swamp] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have my Power Tap for the bike so I usually just use it on the run. I guess it won't be too hard to put on while I'm running but just one more thing to fool around with in transition. I like having the data though. It would be nice to have the gps data for the ride but I have a Edge 305 that I don't even use anymore. Too much hassle to deal with the Power Tap AND the Edge 305. Which brings me to a different matter... why does the Power Tap computer suck SO much? It would be nice to be able to see more than 3 data fields at a time.

SLC_vt98

Oct 3, 08 13:51

Post #9 of 26 (421 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Can you tell me why it isn't easy to use in transition? Is the strap to short?

that all depends on the size of your hands.

it is set up so you can take it from being mounted on your bike to snapping into the cradle on your wrist.
When you are fumbling around it can be tough to snap the unit in w/out pushing button on the unit itself. It definitely cost me a place last weekend, but was still better than having to unbuckle it from my handlebar.

...
Run like you stole something

logella

Oct 3, 08 13:58

Post #10 of 26 (414 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Cousin Elwood] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been using mine as well since they first came out with the quick release kit. It's used nearly everyday and has been used in countless sprint races, 3 or 4 half ironmans and an ironman. I have not had a SINGLE problem with mine.

As far as the velcro strap goes it is a bit tricky to use in during a race. Kind of hard to thread it though when your in motion. After my first race with it I went out to the garage and made a couple of modifications. First, I punched a hole at the end of the strap. I then threaded that end through the other end of the strap. Once that's done I put a small zip tie through the hole that I punched and clipped it fairly short. The zip tie serves a couple of purposes. First, it prevents the strap from slipping apart and I can simply grab the strap and slide it over my hand while running through transition. Second, I can grap the zip tie to tighten the strap to where I need it.

This setup works extremely well for me. I'll try to post a picture of it tonight.

------------------------------
"Unless you have a ... GF who might put out that night and that night only ... skip it and race." - AndyPants 3-15-2007

fatbastardtris

Oct 3, 08 14:07

Post #11 of 26 (407 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [logella] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You know what I think would work well for all of us. They used to sell these bracelet kind of things made out of wetsuit material. I bet if I could find one of those a watch store would have something I could use to attach the 305 to the strap. Then I could just slip it on my wrist. Of course the strap would need to be pretty tight to prevent it from slipping of but I thionk that would work. No idea where to find the strap though. maybe a surf store.

gamebofh

Oct 3, 08 14:21

Post #12 of 26 (399 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

So, the comments on the strap being too short are right on. You do have to
thread it, and it's annoying. I fumble with it as I leave transition.

As for the Garmin jumping off the quick release on your bike, the
recommendation is to use the pins they give you with the QR. I know
they look the same, but evidently they aren't, because I had the same
problem. Replaced the pins (when I got the warranty replaced unit)
and it's only been ejected once, and that is when I hit a huge bump
that managed to eject all of my water bottles (frame mount) and flat
both tires.

I've thought about just sewing on a thin strip of material to the end
of the watch band so that it stays threaded, but I don't have a big
issue threading out of T2 either.

-Jot

aarondavidson

Oct 3, 08 14:59

Post #13 of 26 (382 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Another person here with the quick release kit. Never have had a problem on the bike or with the quick release velcro strap. Issue free. In T2, I pop the unit off my bike, grab the strap and go. I pop it on while running and get it situated on my arm while running.
-- Aaron

Cousin Elwood

Oct 3, 08 17:09

Post #14 of 26 (346 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [gamebofh] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Cousin Elwood

Oct 3, 08 17:11

Post #15 of 26 (346 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Swamp] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't have a space on my HED aerobars where their QR can mount, so I tried wearing it on my wrist on the bike. As I noted above, it popped out of the mount four different times. It was fine while running.
At Clearlake 101 I wore it on my wrist for all three events without a problem. After that someone warned me that swimming with it would eventually bollix the works so I tried the velcro strap to see if it was easier on-off. It was slightly, but I've since disposed of it.

Cousin Elwood - Team Over-the-hill Racing
Brought to you by the good folks at Metamucil and Geritol...

gamebofh

Oct 3, 08 18:21

Post #16 of 26 (329 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Cousin Elwood] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I mounted mine right on the top of the stem, because with my profile
bottle, there was no room for it. I did it by running zip ties around it,
and then stringing the QR zip ties through those and tightening it
all down. There are other solutions, but I like simple.

On your wrist on the bike is just a PITA. Hard to read. Can
understand why you wouldn't like that.

-Jot

Cousin Elwood

Oct 3, 08 20:25

Post #17 of 26 (302 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [gamebofh] [In reply to]	Can't Post

"I like simple."
- - In short, that's my beef against Garmin. A nice waterproof unit that can record data for more than ten hours. Do these guys understand who their target market is? While I'd love to have the thing to record my entire race, I like for running more than anything. I don't really need the data on the bike (although it would be helpful post-mortem), but on the run the pacing info is priceless. So I turn it on, go get in the water, swim, bike, then grab the thing and go run with it. That's a PITA... In 2008 you'd think they could solve the waterproof thing.

Cousin Elwood - Team Over-the-hill Racing
Brought to you by the good folks at Metamucil and Geritol...

ponyexpress

Oct 3, 08 21:08

Post #18 of 26 (286 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

you know, that's a great product idea for someone (maybe even the PT folks!): a larger PT computer with more/larger data and faster access to alternate functions. The stock one is so small and inexpensive, the computer in it must be very simple.

Mike

gymrat

Oct 3, 08 21:17

Post #19 of 26 (282 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Cousin Elwood] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Elwood:
I had the same issue with my 305, and it was a pretty easy fix with a quick trip to Home Depot.

My first 305 actually jumped to its death on PCH at about 30 MPH, after I hit a pot hole in a paceline. It broke into 3 pcs. The funny thing is when held the parts together it still downloaded my data. Garmin warranty exchanged it.

The solution is to apply a small patch of velcro with glue to the back of the watch and on the mounting kit. This will keep it in place if it gets jarred out of the detachable mount by road vibration or a pot hole.

When applying the velcro just make sure that it is trimmed enough so the watch fits into the charging cradle.

This has worked very well and I have not lost one since.

Pete
05 Cervelo Dual R.I.P June05 to March07
06 Cervelo Soloist Team
07 Cervelo P2C RIP May 07 to April 08
08 Cervelo P2C
Uh yeah, I like Cervelos!

gamebofh

Oct 3, 08 22:10

Post #20 of 26 (278 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Cousin Elwood] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree 100%.

I think every triathlete who has ever had one has said:

"What do you mean it's not waterproof?"

It has a multisport mode. It includes transition. It will die an
untimely death if you swim with it on your wrist. Come on.

The problem is that I just don't think there are enough of
us. The 305 (which is better than the 301) is too big for most
women to be willing to wear. There goes ~33% of the market.
So now we're down to just the men, and I guess there aren't
enough to make it worth their while. No matter how disappointed
we are.

-Jot

mrtrik

Oct 4, 08 2:58

Post #21 of 26 (266 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [gamebofh] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I too have the quick release for the bike and the velcro for the watch.

The velcro wriststrap I love. Yes it's too short, but in a race I generally just grab the unit off the bike, grab the wriststrap and run out of T2. I click it in and put it on after i start running. That said - for next year, I might saw on an extension that will serve 2 purposes, be long enough so I don't have to "lace it" and 2, have a big end so it doesn't come open (so fit it through then sew).

As for the bike quick release... I had one. Trained with it all spring no problems. First race, hit a bump unit popped off. Found it after the race. Luckily. Thought it was a fluke so I continued training with it, no problems. Next race, no more than 0.25 miles into the bike portion, popped off. Luckily found it at the Lost and Found. Trained with it one more time - popped off during training couldn't find it. I know, 3rd time shame on me.

Anyway - got a replacement, now I double over a large elastic that holds the unit to the quick release between the buttons and gps antenna area. Have had no problems, still very easy to remove by hand in T2.

Javelina

Oct 4, 08 9:36

Post #22 of 26 (218 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [gamebofh] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Actually, I think Garmin just may not care that much about the features people want to see - they seem to have their own timeline of what the next big feature will be, and that's where the focus is (205 to 305, 305 to 405, etc.). I am a woman who actually has no problem with the large wrist unit for the 305, but my big issue is the elastic heart rate strap which is one size fits all. I'm what I would consider normal-sized, and it was still too big. A friend who is a small woman actually has to pin hers to her sports bra to have it not end up around her waist, which is pretty ridiculous. My solution has been to use an elastic band to tie off a part of the strap to shorten it. Of course then I have a large lump on my back from the tied off portion, which causes its own problems. When I asked a Garmin rep if they had other sizes, or would consider it, his answer was that there were women smaller than me who dealt with it, so it wasn't a big deal, and he considered it my problem, not his or Garmin's. He honestly didn't care. I did look on their web site just now, and it says they now have a size small strap, but estimated shipping time is 3-5 weeks - you've got to be kidding me. And, I don't care to pay $8 shipping for an $8.50 strap that I won't get for awhile.

Back on the original topic, I also have the quick release kit, but I've never even used it, since it didn't look like the velcro portion would be easy to use for running and I find the normal strap comfortable enough, and when I do use it for riding, I just throw it in my back pocket, and use my Power Tap for all the data I want to see while riding - I just upload the Garmin to get the route and altitude when I'm done. I did use the velcro strap on the 205, only because I found the wrist unit uncomfortable for that one, and the velcro allowed me to adjust it better.

P2SLowry

Oct 4, 08 15:41

Post #23 of 26 (189 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [fatbastardtris] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Like the others have mentioned, the quick release kit for bike and wrist are the way to go. I only use mine for training, not racing, but here's an idea to help with the transitions.

Put the velcro wrist strap on before the race, sans 305. Then you can have the 305 waiting for you on the bike. You can then either put it on while coming into T2 (risky, since you could drop it). Or, you could pop it off and snap it in on the run. No need to fumble with the wrist strap.

I don't think it would be too bothersome to swim in just the velcro strap. It has a plastic cradle but it fits fairly close to the wrist.

-----------------------------------------------------------

"That position strangely reminds me of sitting in church with a terrible hangover." HeartlessNomad

"Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Vince Lombardi

nfreeman

Oct 6, 08 9:44

Post #24 of 26 (131 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [Cousin Elwood] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have two problems with the velcro/bike mount

1) it pops off the bike mount. Its happened 3x. once during a race, and i lost the 305 alltogether (had a second one)
2) i hav ebig hands and its VERY hard to get strap on. you cant swim with wristrap bc it has big plasit piece designed for eating wetsuits. Its almost impossible to put on without stopping everything and just fiddling with it. VERY annoying.

--------------------------
Proud member of the Guru Cartel, EH!

gamebofh

Oct 6, 08 10:11

Post #25 of 26 (119 views)

Re: Velcro watchband for Garmin Forerunner 305 [nfreeman] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think the Garmin story is:

Great customer service. Decent products. Horrible marketing (for our market segment).

-Jot

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