Garmin has been in the GPS game since the early nineties, building tracking systems tailored for all types of outdoor activities. Their first cycling- specific computers were captivatingówe felt liberated by the GPS-enabled cycling and tracking functionsóbut needed some refinement. By now, of course, Garmin's engineers have fixed all the bugs and moved on to creating computers that create lust in our hearts.

The 305 is a sophisticated piece of equipment, with myriad training features. Heart rate functions include current, average, and maximum BPM; target zones with alarms; interval training, and calorie consumption based on heart rate. Heart rate information is coded using ANT wireless technology which is is used in everything from medical equipment to hands-free earpieces, so no one else's data will find it's way into your computer. Interval training based on speed, distance or cadence are all available as well. All the usual cycling functions are here, like speed, distance, laps and splits, along with an altimeter. What we really like about the Garmin 305 is the ability to map trails in order to find them again later or keep track of your times on your local rides. Training features like Virtual Partner, which pits you against a digital competitor, or racing against your personal best lets you get the most out of your rides.

Some people think the best part of using a Garmin comes after the ride. Using free Garmin Training Center software, you'll be able to create info-laden graphs of your rides showing speed, time, heart rate and elevation to effectively track your training progress, or upload your info to MotionBased.com for an even more in- depth analysis.

When you want it all, get a Garmin

Features

• High- sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information
• Virtual Partner lets you race a virtual competitor over a specified distance and speed
• Courses let you race against a previously recorded workout, so you can compare your current and past performances over the same ride
• Auto Pause pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride
• Auto Lap automatically starts a new lap each time you pass a specified location or travel a preset distance
• GPS enabled cycling functionsóno speed sensor needed
• 12 hour rechargeable battery
• 100 waypoints
• 50 routes
• Can create custom, goal-oriented workouts
• Input workouts for time, distance and calorie goals
• Interval training
• Barometric altimeter