Garmin has become the leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) devices since producing the first model 20 years ago. The product range has expanded considerably in recent years and now includes GPS models specific to fitness training including cycling.
Whilst previous cycling specific models focussed more on route mapping and distance measurement, Garmin’s top of the range Edge 705 model offers a complete training package on top of its advanced navigation capabilities.
Garmin GPS Edge 705 What’s in the Box?
The Edge 705 comes complete with a wireless heart rate monitor, two bicycle mounts, a USB cable and an AC charger. It also offers package upgrades to include a speed/cadence sensor perfect for road cycling enthusiasts.
It measures speed, heart rate, cadence, distance and time travelled, calories, altitude, ascent and descent. The Edge has a colour display and gives turn by turn directions for easy navigation plus, by using third party ANT+ Sport enabled technology, allows tracking of a cyclist’s pedal power.
Ease of Use of the Garmin Edge GPS
Switch on the unit and it immediately picks up satellites even under trees thanks to the high-sensitivity receiver, a huge plus versus older models that notoriously lose their signal near tall buildings and in forest areas.
The display is easy to read and, once familiar with the unit’s menu-driven format, data is quick to assimilate. Users can choose a variety of information to display on screen using side buttons and start/stop is simple via the central joystick.
Post ride, it is simple to create gradient profiles and upload data onto the web to analyse training performance. A wireless "transfer data" button allows easy sharing of routes and other data with riding buddies who also have the Garmin Edge GPS.
Navigating with the Edge Garmin GPS
The Edge will guide the rider to an exact destination, beeping at junctions and lighting up the screen with instructions on the next turn. The big downside, however, is that you have to purchase the right street map for your area as the base map supplied with the unit is too basic and practically useless.
With the correct Garmin local street map installed, however, the unit works well in suburban streets although users must choose the "Bicycle" option for longer journeys or the GPS will find the fastest route via the nearest motorway!
Downsides of the Edge 705
- The rechargeable battery life of 15 hours is considerably reduced if the user forgets to switch the unit off. The Edge should have an automatic "hibernate" mode.
- The manual provided with the unit is poor and does not easily explain the vast number of features on offer.
- As already mentioned, the basemap is inadequate. User should be offered a low cost upgrade to purchase the correct map with the unit.
The Ultimate Cycle Computer?
Whilst the Garmin Edge 705 is far from cheap (the recommended retail price is $499.99), the wealth of features, high sensitivity receiver and accompanying heart rate monitor make the package hard to beat as an all round cycling computer and GPS in one complete unit.
If Garmin was to include a high quality base map as standard, the Edge would probably be the perfect cycling gift.
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