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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cyclists view of the 5C391, March 3, 2006
Most cyclists who keep performance data use some sort of Polar product- I picked up the Timex for it's relatively open protocol, 3D GPS data and compact size. I strap the watch to my handlebar with the included rubber mount and drop the other two units in my water pack or seat bag. The system works as advertised- with a caveat that you can expect problems using the data recorder. Timex says some units shipped with bad transmit/receive modules and are replacing them.
The provided training software is the most basic imagineable. However it does allow the GPS unit to export NMEA data for upload and mapping at sites such as GPS Visualizer. Other software like PCCoach also imports the Timex data and Timex provides an open source library for interfacing with the system. Kudos to Timex for that.
There are lots of part to the system- I like the flexibility. You can decouple the GPS data and get up to 72hrs of HRM data recorded! On the other hand, I can envision losing track of the data recorder which is very tiny. Perhaps Timex can make the accessories in a gaudy color so they are more "sporty" or create a "find it" feature so they are easier to find if they are misplaced.
The HRM picks up signals well with no body cream or fussing about required and is relatively comfortable to wear. The HRM is also "coded". This might be a feature for runners who participate in mass events where they are closely packed, it just annoys me. It renders the HRM unable to interact with my I-Magic trainer and means I've got to go back to Timex if/when the strap malfunctions, Thankfully Timex, allows you to change your own battery.
The GPS unit seems to pick up signals quickly and well. I haven't had dropouts when riding along the towns and tree-covered roads of New England. The unit does turn off if you aren't moving so be sure to check it if you stop for a snack or to fix a flat. Being able to view my route in Google maps and mail NMEA formatted rides to other people is great. It could be a fabulous tool for making cue sheets. If a firmware and software update allowed the Timex to have more waypoints and allow waypoint upload/downloads/cueing this feature would be killer.
The watch itself is relatively easy to operate which is a good thing because the manuals spend so much time reiterating everything in multiple languages they don't have room to provide any actual, useful instructions. Be prepared for lots of trial and error when trying to access functions, reset values and get things to work as you'd like them to. However, it's comfortable and suitable as an everyday watch. For cyclists there are real-time mode, summary, navigation, waypoint and interval display modes which can be customized somewhat. The watch allows programmable HZ bands. The pace display is limited to mile/minute since it's oriented towards runners; cyclists will have to go to the summary data display when the ride is over to get that data. If you're looking for power or cadence data you'll need to also have a SRM or powertap.
The data recorder is both the strength and weakness of this system. Yeah it's lightweight, long-lived and records lots of data. It is also difficult to use, inflexible and unreliable. It decides for itself when data constitutes a new ride so I often find I can't get good summary data like ride time or average speed. I can't figure out how to change what you are recording except with the PC software. The sync cable is USB but has a proprietary connector to the recorder which is awkward to attach and seems fragile. The cord is also easy to forget at home when using a laptop on rides. A standard micro USB connector would be nicer. The recorder is activated by a single button but regularly fails to connect to the watch, HRM or GPS. The system provides no diagnosics or recourse that I could find. It should connect to the HRM, the GPS or both 100% of the time with no messing about and offer on the spot recording filters. On the upside the unit is lightweight, and the battery and storage capacity are excellent. I hope Timex provides software and firmware updates so I can pick when rides should be broken up, don't have to fiddle with the recorder to synch and can pick what I data want to record in the field.
If you're a recreational or touring cyclist, this is a useful system for training and keeping track of ride data. I'll give it a four based on the data recorder issues and the runner-focused displays. A few tweaks and it would be a killer unit for cyclists.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
POS - Avoid at all costs, May 9, 2006
I purchased the timex bodylink system about 6 months ago and it has been a very negative experience. GPS system is the weak link - satellite acquisition time is more like 15 minutes (if at all) and you can expect frequent interruptions through the course of your run, with all data lost as a result.
The watch itself is not exactly durable - mine showed paint scuffing within one month of purchase and all button labels had peeled off by month three - given the all I do is run and work in an office it seems like there is a quality problem here.
The idea of an integrated system to monitor speed/distance and time is a big draw for most runners/cyclists but do yourself a favor and get something from a GPS focused company or else prepare yourself for disappointment.
Timex's warranty people were less than helpful - the attitude was basically "not our problem - see the disclaimers in your bodylink manual". Bottom-line, ignore the fluff reviews planted here by sellers and either pay up for the real deal or stick to a more affordable watch/heart rate monitor system.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Timex Bodylink T5C391 (with Data Recorder II), March 17, 2007
Just received this item (bought on EBAY). Simply incredible value for the cost (I paid around $200 for watch, GPS, HRM, GPS, and data recorder).
I considered Suunto, Polar, Garmin, and this Timex. Can't speak about the others but I am SO glad I chose this one. I am a military officer who trains pretty hard (running, ruck march, hiking, biking) and can't believe how much better training is with this device. Pace count and predictive finish take all the guess work out of training. Upload the data to the computer when I'm done and I can see precise routing, pace, elevation, speed, heart rate...at any point or time along my run. Looking forward to putting it on the motorcycle so I can go home after and overlay the exact ride route on a map and see where the heck I just rode.
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