Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory for Forerunner 305

Great Deal Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory for Forerunner 305

I have used this product for over a year with my Garmin Forerunner 305 so that I can track my running indoors on the treadmill at the gym.

This is easy to calibrate, and works flawlessly in conjunction with my 305. You do need to remember to replace the single AA battery periodically (there is no low battery warning light) to avoid finding yourself on the treadmill at the gym and having the unit just stop working due to a dead battery.

I gave this only four stars instead of five since you need to lace it to your sneakers, and it cannot be easily or quickly taken on and off. However, I don't even feel it when I run outside, or care what it looks like, so for me this is not a consideration. But for some people it might be.

You should be aware that Garmin now has a newer version of the footpod that will work with the 305, but was introduced for the newer 405 and 405cx. I just bought one for the 405cx that I ordered, but have not yet had a chance to test it. However, it is smaller and lighter than the older model (it uses a "button" battery rather than an AA battery), and also has a lace clip for easy and quick removal from your sneakers.

Bottom Line: if I were buying a footpod for the first time, I would buy the newer unit (which has received mostly positive reviews).

Update November 12, 2009: I have been using the newer unit now for several months (and reviewed it on Amazon) and am very pleased with it. I definitely recommend buying the newer version of the foot pod regardless of which model Garmin Forerunner you use.

Garmin Footpod 305 - Douglas Kramer - Greensboro, NC
I love my Garmin 305 and have owned it since June 7, 2007. I would not run with out it. This is the second footpod that I have owned as I lost the first one somewhere. I exercise at the YMCA a lot and this has been great at keeping my records. My only problem with it has been calibration. I run and walk fast in my exercise program and since I do not run at a specific pace it has been hard and it took a number of adjustments to get it to pretty accurately measure my distance. But I believe that is due to my non standard pace so I really cannot blame the footpod for this. It is pretty accurate now so I am a happy camper. I leave the pod on my athletic shoes all the time since it takes time to take it on and off and I do not even remember that it is there. I bought this over the newer version as I can turn it off and not use the battery when I am not exercising. I thought that this was an absolute requirment since I intended to leave it on my shoes all the time and I do wear them alot when I am not exercising. Hope this has been helpful.

Rating : 4.0

Price on May 31, 2010 23:30:03 : $67.10

Offer Price : $67.10

Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory for Forerunner 305 Features

• Now you can take your Forerunner 305 indoors
• Unit attaches to your shoelaces and accurately measures speed and distance
• Runs on one replaceable AAA battery; offers 70 hours of run time
• Measures 2.9 x 1.6 x 0.98 inches (WxHxD); weighs 1.41 ounces
• Note that compatibility with the Forerunner 305 requires an update to software version 2.5

Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory for Forerunner 305 Overviews

Have you always wanted to use your Forerunner to calculate speed and distance when training indoors? Well now you can! This shoe-mounted accessory will provide pace and distance to the Forerunner 305 when GPS reception is unavailable. Speed and distance information is calculated in the Foot Pod and transferred to the Forerunner. The information from the Foot Pod will be automatically displayed and stored. This item runs on AAA battery power and provides approximately 65 hours of use. The Forerunner 305 needs to be updated to software version 2.5 before it will be compatible with the Foot Pod. The Forerunner 305 used with the Foot Pod accessory will provide the complete package for the indoor and outdoor runner.

Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory for Forerunner 305 Specifications

Amazon.com Product Description The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a vital training tool for runners and other outdoor athletes. But its speed and distance calculations rely on a a GPS signal from the skies above, leaving those who want to run or train indoors, well, out in the cold.

The Foot Pod uses a tiny ANT Sport transmitter to communicate with the Forerunner 305.

Garmin has solved this problem with the innovative Forerunner 305 Foot Pod. This shoe-mounted accessory will provide accurate pace and distance to the Forerunner 305 when GPS reception is unavailable, such as when you're training on treadmills or indoor tracks. Speed and distance information is calculated in the Foot Pod and transferred to the Forerunner, where information from the Foot Pod is automatically displayed and stored.

Dynastream Technology
The Foot Pod is built on Dynastream technology, which solves the challenge of accurately measuring a user's speed and distance in real time. The system was designed to measure each stride via a patented accelerometer, which measures all parameters of each foot stride, computes that data, then wirelessly transmits speed and distance information to the Forerunner 305 wrist unit via a 2.4 GHz signal. To date, Dynastream technology is the first and only commercially viable, accurate stride analysis technology that can be used outside the laboratory environment.

Simple to Use

Dynastream technology accurately measures your stride--whether you're walking, running, or sprinting--using a patented accelerometer.

Once the Foot Pod is turned on, the Forerunner 305 recognizes its wireless signal and asks if you wish to train using the Foot Pod instead of with the Forerunner's built-in GPS. Once confirmed, the Forerunner 305 deactivates the GPS and the Foot Pod begins measuring the workout. The Foot Pod communicates to the wrist unit using Dynastream's ANT Sport wireless technology, a commonly available platform for connectivity and interoperability between sports accessories and equipment. The unit features a simple and secure lace-mounted attachment, and runs on a single AAA battery that offers 70 hours of typical use. The Foot Pod is 97 percent accurate out of the box and 99 accurate percent when calibrated. It can also be worn in tandem with the Forerunner 305's wireless heart rate monitor.

Note: The Forerunner 305 needs to be updated to software version 2.5 before it will be compatible with the Foot Pod. You can download the software update at garmin.com/support.

Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor

Great Deal Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor

I mounted the Garmiin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor on my Specialized Epic Comp. Installation of the unit itself was easy, but I did have to add a rubber shim when I mounted the magnet to my crankarm to get it close enough for it to read from to the sensor. After the installation was complete and I sinked it to my Garmin forerunner 305 everything works flawlessly.

Needs a redesign - Justarasta - Coral Gables, FL United States
I'm a big and long time fan of Garmin fitness equipment. I have 2 Forerunner 305's, an Edge 305 and a 310XT. I love' em all. I love both forms of heartrate straps. I'm very happy with the new version of Garmin Connect that is a great free service. Garmin is also excellent with customer service.

On the other hand this cadence device is the worst piece of Garmin equipment I have ever experienced. I bought two as I can move the Edge 305 between bikes. Set up is not all that difficult. The problem is keeping the things working. The longest I've been able to get one to work is a month and I've had two for going on two years.

Lately even with new batteries I can get the green light that checks to make sure that the magnet on the crank arm is making magenetic contact with the unit to flash when the bike is in the stand but not when I'm actually riding the bike. Keep in mind you use 2032's and those batteries get expensive to switch out every month. I could see if only one was having issues but both are and so I'm thinking design issues are at play.

The only thing I can say positive about this unit is that since it has worked so rarely that I have developed my own sense of cadence so I really don't need it. On the other hand I'm a gearhead (just in case you couldn't tell) and it drives me nuts that I've paid good money for these things and they simply don't work worth a damn.

Save your money and take a pass until Garmin redesigns this unit.

Faulty Unit, Be Aware for Bad Manufacturing - Abraham A. Brody - San Francisco, CA United States
Unfortunately, as Garmin has expanded their quality control has been poor. While I believe this has the potential to be a good product, I purchased two of these units for my bike and my wife's. One of them came with an almost dead battery and a dead speed sensor (although the cadence works well). I am not the only person with this issue as the garmin support forums have had several people complain of this issue. Replacing the unit through G has been difficult as well. Their call center is slow and overwhelmed.

The second unit works perfectly as expected, and provides what is advertised. The unit seamlessly pairs with both my forerunner 310xt and my wife's forerunner 405.

So, while the product itself, if it worked w/o problem I would rate as a 4, the QC issues and issues with Garmin Customer Support make the GSC (which I am otherwise a fan of) a 2 star rating.

Rating : 4.5

Price on May 26, 2010 08:00:12 : $59.99

Offer Price : $31.95

Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor Features

• Cycling speed sensor for select Garmin wrist-mounted personal trainers and cycling computers
• Self-calibrating, wireless design measures both cycle speed and cadence in pedaling strokes per minute
• Provides up-to-the-minute feedback or captures results for later workout analysis
• Compatible with Garmin Edge 305, Edge 305CAD, and Forerunner 305
• Attaches easily to any bicycle; 1-year warranty

Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor Overviews

The Garmin 010-10644-00 Speed/Cadence sensor (GSC 10) can monitor your pedaling cadence as you ride with this self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor. It measures and reports your pedaling strokes per minute, providing feedback for optimal performance. Use with the Edge 305 or Edge 305CAD, Included With The Edge 305CAD GPS Plus

Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor Specifications

A good companion for Garmin's Edge 305 and 305CAD cycle computers and the Garmin Forerunner 305 personal trainer, the GSC 10 monitors your cycling rhythm for up-to-the-minute results and later analysis. The self-calibrating, wireless unit measures both speed (in pedaling strokes per minute) and cadence , then provides feedback to the user for optimal performance. You can later feed the results to Garmin's Training Center software, which helps you tailor your workouts to meet specific goals and objectives.

Like the Garmin heart rate monitor, the GSC 10 attaches easily to your bike, where its sensors detect signals from your wheels and send the information wirelessly to your personal trainer/cycle computer. It's also backed by a one-year warranty.

Garmin Foot Pod for Forerunner 305, 405, and 50

Great Deal Garmin Foot Pod for Forerunner 305, 405, and 50

The footpod I received was slightly different than the one pictured, which was actually for once a good thing.
The Garmin footpod I got was a smaller, more compact version of the one pictured.
If you own the Nike+ shoes, and are looking to upgrade to a Garmin, look for Footpod Model Number Garmin 010-11092-00 or also known at SDM4, I believe.
The unit is smaller and will fit into a Nike+ shoe, which is a nice touch.
Getting the unit and clip around shoelaces was just a tad tough, but that's a good thing. It hasn't fallen off yet.
Provided you have a Garmin unit that displays the cadence, you will also see your stride rate on your reports in the Garmin training center. Still not sure how useful that particular information is yet, but the graphs look very colorful now.
I haven't been forced inside on the treadmill to use this yet, but I have to assume it will be as accurate if not more so than the Nike+.
With the addition of the footpod to my Garmin setup, I have officially upgraded from the Nike+ system for tracking my runs.

Works with my 305 BUT... - James Angiel - Lawton, OK
works great with my Garmin 305 but like others, it came with a dead battery. Once I put in a new one it synced right up.

Foot pod is a must have - G. Stigsell - Minnesota
I like the foot pod very much. It seems very accurate and is a must have if you run on a treadmill in the winter.

Rating : 4.5

Price on May 25, 2010 03:46:14 : $109.99

Offer Price : $102.00

Availability : Usually ships in 2-3 business days

Garmin Foot Pod for Forerunner 305, 405, and 50 Features

• Automatically Turns on when you Start Moving
• Lets you Track your Running Speed
• Tracks Your Running Distance
• Tracks Calories Burned While on the Treadmill or Pavement

Garmin Foot Pod for Forerunner 305, 405, and 50 Overviews

Garmin's wireless foot pod lets you track your running speed, distance and calories burned while on the treadmill or pavement. Just snap the foot pod into a clip on your shoe laces, and it is ready to send data to Forerunner as soon as you start moving. Compatible with the Forerunner 305, 405, and 50.

Garmin Forerunner Quick Release Kit

Great Deal Garmin Forerunner Quick Release Kit

This kit is a MUST for anyone who runs and bikes. The bike mount works flawlessly and has no trouble staying put once the zip ties are cinched down (it includes a small rubber pad to provide some extra grip). Once the Forerunner display is configured properly in "Bike" mode, it's every bit as good as the Edge 305.

For running, I find the velcro wrist strap a bit more comfortable than the watch-style strap that the Forerunner 305 comes with. The velcro strap also has the advantage of keeping the back of the Forerunner from direct contact with your wrist. This prevents sweat from getting on the contacts and also makes it easier to hear audible alarms you might have configured on the Forerunner. The velcro strap is also an advantage for triathletes: wear the wrist strap during the swim (sans Forerunner; it's waiting for you on your bike), and during the bike -> run transition, it's a snap to quickly get the Forerunner off your bike and onto your wrist.

If you have multiple bikes, you can also get just an additional quick-release bike mount (sold as a "replacement") so you're not stuck with extra wrist straps. Combine the Forerunner 305 with this kit and the GSC 10 cadence sensor, and you have a pretty sweet wireless bike setup that doubles as a fantastic running device.

The only thing that's tricky about this is getting the zip ties cinched down tight. A pair of needle-nose pliers is helpful here.

must have for 205/305 users - Casey A. Hodges - DFW, TX
not much to say. it just works. I've logged about 500 miles running and maybe 100 miles mountain biking. secure and easy. transitions from wrist to bike take about 3 seconds. comfortable on my wrist. like the title says, if you're ordering a 205 or 305, you gotta have this cheap add-on. after using it for over a year I'd gladly pay 2-3 times what this goes for on amazon.

Cheap and nasty - Gareth Baron - Redwood City, CA United States
I recently received this product for my Garmin 305 and was not impressed. The product comes with a sprung plastic holder which is then sewn into a velcro strap. The main issue I have is that the Velcro strap is too rigid and too small for a mans wrist (unless you are a skinny guy!). The other thing that I don't like is the mounting option to go on the bicycle as the clip can possibly spring the watch out of it's cradle if one goes over a bump. I have a Polar HRM and they have a simpler and better solution. They used the watch's strap (the normal strap that you use around your wrist) and add a cradle to the bicycle that makes the circumference adequate that one can secure the strap as normal. Very simple, very effective and cheap. No 'over engineered' solutions! It looks like Garmin didn't allow someone to do a reality check before commissioning this product and allowed Engineering to design whatever they thought was cool!

Rating : 4.5

Price on May 18, 2010 05:27:55 : $25.45

Offer Price : $12.95

Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Best Deal Today @ Amazon

Garmin Forerunner Quick Release Kit Features

• Use your Forerunner for multi-sport training
• Compatible with the Forerunner 205 and 305
• Includes wrist strap with quick release bracket and bike mount
• See Description

Garmin Forerunner Quick Release Kit Overviews

Every Garmin product is designed to meet the most demanding standard: customers' satisfaction. That's why Garmin equipment is manufactured to give you reliable service for years to come, with intuitive features you can grow into over time - all at a price you can afford.