Gps watch

[Stretch]

I got myself a Garmin forerunner 15...must say I absolutely love it ! Its a runners watch but works perfectly for cycling if you don't need cadence etc. It has everything and is very easy to use...upload your rides to Strava / trainingpeaks / garmin connect... super easy and does the trick!

 

Why I didn't go for the cycling one was the fact that I do spinning as well..then ill still have all my HR data etc. again I upload this to strava to keep track of everything.

 

Got it through Multiply for like R1800 about 18 months ago

 

how is your watch strap? mine has started to break - and since i upgraded to a new watch I can barely give the watch away because someone has to replace the strap (which will cost 600 bucks!). its the same age as yours and the best offer I got for it was 450 bucks.

 

made sure my new watch had a standard strap fitting so that I can put any strap on and not be bound by garmin..something to consider for the OP

[leeubok]

Ok so for me I have to decide between the Suunto Ambit3 Sport Black HR (R5800) and the Garmin Fenix 3 Performance Bundle (R7500). Garmin is at easybike.co.za and shopandship.co.za whilst the suunto is also at easybike. 

 

The Suunto has all of the features I need (and loads more), and Garmin is nearly 2k more expensive but is better in almost every aspect (barometric vs gps altitude, better screen display, better battery life, more storage etc). Oh and the Garmin is better looking in my opinion. 

 

But damn it's a lot of money for a watch! 

[AlanD]

Ok so for me I have to decide between the Suunto Ambit3 Sport Black HR (R5800) and the Garmin Fenix 3 Performance Bundle (R7500). Garmin is at easybike.co.za and shopandship.co.za whilst the suunto is also at easybike. 

 

The Suunto has all of the features I need (and loads more), and Garmin is nearly 2k more expensive but is better in almost every aspect (barometric vs gps altitude, better screen display, better battery life, more storage etc). Oh and the Garmin is better looking in my opinion. 

 

But damn it's a lot of money for a watch! 

If you had to buy the Ambit3, you would probably have had serious buyers remorse and wish you just bought the Fennix 3 and would probably think to yourself "what's another 2k when i'm spending almost 6k anyway.....

[Stretch]

OP - this is a bargain

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/212228-garmin-forerunner-620/

[shaper]

Ok so for me I have to decide between the Suunto Ambit3 Sport Black HR (R5800) and the Garmin Fenix 3 Performance Bundle (R7500). Garmin is at easybike.co.za and shopandship.co.za whilst the suunto is also at easybike. 

 

The Suunto has all of the features I need (and loads more), and Garmin is nearly 2k more expensive but is better in almost every aspect (barometric vs gps altitude, better screen display, better battery life, more storage etc). Oh and the Garmin is better looking in my opinion. 

 

But damn it's a lot of money for a watch! 

consider this https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/211486-garmin-735-xt-new/

[leeubok]

Thanks shaper. That is a good deal, but I've already pulled the trigger on a fenix. Just waiting (not very patiently) for delivery

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I have a Garmin Fenix up for sale or to trade. It is the first model though but as new.

R2500 neg, PM me for more details

[AlanD]

Had an opportunity to check out the Fenix 3 with the HR built in, reading at the wrist by a dude that had it at the function inwas at...my oh my....its beautiful. Tried it on and its not as big as it looks and my wrist are small.

 

I was thinking one day that i need a computer to set some goals amd track performance..etc. I thought a bike mounted Garmin would be best, something like a Garmin 25 (cant afford the fancy ones). Thought that the bike mounted one would be best as you can look at it while cycling bit with a watch, you have to take your hand if the bar and look at the data which seemed a "hassle" but after seeing the Fenix, that thought went out the window...lol.

 

Seriously though, is it a hassle to look at a watches data while cycling and easier with a bike mount one? The other thing i though of is what would annoy me more: a chest strap for heart rate or having to cycle with a watch that has a hr monitor?

[V18]

Get something with heart rate monitor on the wrist. I trust the Garmin as I own a Forerunner 235. It's pretty comfortable and quite accurate(just give it some time when you're out in the cold). There is apparently issues with the software every now and then but I update my HR monitor as I charge it when I upload my files. You can also upload directly to your phone via bluetooth and have your results out right there after your ride.You can apparently get a HR chest strap too if you want to wrap it to your handlebar. Having a constant check on your HR is pretty cool.It has a 24/7 mode that records your rates fairly accurately during normal working/non training hours. You can see your trends in resting heart rate by two clicks. It's interesting to see your recovery HR go down quicker as you eat better and become fitter and do the correct post training exercises.

I find that knowing that I'm constantly being monitored (step counter and heart rate) creates somewhat of a Hawthorne effect. Ie. I tend to behave better (more short walks at the office, healthier eating and regular rides) when being observed.
Get a wrist mounted HR monitor. It's a healthy habit rather than an unhealthy obsession.
You'll also save money in the long term by not being interested in other non-fitness watches.