This kit contains a velcro wrist strap with a sturdy plastic mounting clip. The original strap pieces are permanently removed using the supplied tool, then the strap pins are replaced into the 305 body. The pins can then clip into the mount on the velcro strap, or the identical part of the bike mount. Removing the unit from the bike and putting it on your wrist, or vice-versa, takes less than 5 seconds.
The reviewer who said you have to take several minutes to re-attach the original wrist straps after taking the 305 off your bike seems to have failed to grasp the concept; the velcro strap *permanently* replaces the original straps.
The only potential downside I can think of is that the clip on the velcro wrist strap could hang up on long sleeved clothing, like a wetsuit, so triathletes will want to put the strap on during T1. Other than that, this is a very handy piece of kit! Garmin Forerunner Quick Release Kit
Bought the kit to mount the Forerunner 305 on my handlebars. It was simple and puts the buttons where they need to be. It is much more convenient and safe to look at the bars instead of turning my wrist and head to see it on my arm. More importantly, it keeps the sweat off of the contacts on the rear of the unit and that has to help.
I am very pleased with this accessory for my Garmin 305. I find that this cloth and velcro wristband is more comfortable and adjustable than the plastic one that comes with the 305. You do have to get used to the release mechanism, but once you do it is easy and quick. It's great to be able to use the 305 as a wireless bike computer.
I bought the kit, but the watch doesn't stay that well connected to the bike mount or the wrist mount. It uses tension on the watch strap pins to hold the watch to the mount. It's a nice idea, but when mounted on my mountain bike, it popped off with even just a little jarring. You don't want to have to stop and then search the woods for your Forerunner. It's not that easy to find. I took it skiing also with the velcro wrist band and the unit came off the watch mount when I was just tapping my poles on the snow. I'm glad it didn't come off on a run because going back uphill and looking for it would have been awful.
Now I use a Polar watch mount on my bike and leave the Garmin on its original watch strap. It's easy to get on and off, and doesn't come off unless I undo the strap. It feels so much more secure. I've had it come off the mount once in a mountain bike crash but it was still looped around the handlebars so it didn't get anywhere. The Polar mount is less expensive also.
For those who are unaware of what the kit is: If you plan on using your Forerunner for Running AND Biking, you need this kit to attach the device to your bike. You also need the Velcro wristband that is in the kit. In order to move the Garmin from your wrist to your bike, you need to have the Garmin attached to the wristband differently than they way it attached to the original strap (like a watch) The kit contains a tool to remove the Garmin from the original wristband. The quick release kit comes with both the bike mount AND a velcro wristband with an easy release mechanism on both pieces. I love the Velcro wristband as it better fits my small wrists (5'2" female) I have not had any problems with the Garmin attached to the bike mount, and I ride off road; although I have not had any major wipe-outs. I hope this helps explain what the kit is - when I was looking at the options, I almost bought the bike mount alone. You can do that, but would have to remove the Garmin from the wristband each and every time you wanted to use it for biking... You need the separate wristband in order to easily use the Garmin for both running and biking.
I have used the Garmin for a little over a year and always had to rig it when on the bike. The quick release mount makes it wasy to use on a run, unclip it from the wrist and clip it on the racing bike and off you go! The velcro band is more comfortable then the original band. I even got a second bike mount for my second bike for commuting.
If I had known how much better I'd like the flexible velcro strap than the cheesey plastic strap that comes on the Forerunner, I'd have bought this product long before I ever decided to try the Forerunner on my bike. The plastic strap that comes with the Forerunner was always a little too loose or a little too tight, and when you sweat on it it gets slimey and slides around all over the place. But this velcro strap is infinitely adjustable and sits nicely against the skin without chaffing or sliding. I just used it for a marathon and it "disappeared" in use and became invisible to me, just as you want your equipment to do in that situation.
Nice product, easy to install.
The armband from your original 205/305 is removed, and replaced with a hard plastic cradle attached to a velcro armband. Your Garmin can be detached from this armband, and inserted into a similar device attached to your bike handlebars. (Can also be used to attach the Garmin to, e.g., a rowing shell.)
Since the plastic cradle must flex in order to insert or remove te Garmin, I am a bit worried that it will break soon. No problems in one month of use, though.
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. - Cycling - Heart Rate Monitor - Quick Release - Gps'
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