Review: Garmin Edge 605/705 Bike GPS Computer
Posted by The GPS Advisor in GPS Bike Computers, Garmin Products, Product Reviews
Verdict: “The Cadillac of Bicycle GPS Computers”
The Garmin Edge 705 Bicycle GPS system has all the features that anyone could possibly want…and then some. Although expensive, you can use this GPS system as your personal fitness trainer, route planner, and graphical proof that you have conquered all the those hills.
The Garmin Edge 750 is truly the Cadillac of the cycling GPS category. This unit is the big brother of the popular Garmin Edge 605 and sports amazing GPS navigation functionality, turn-by-turn directions and very advanced route planning and ride data save capabilities.
The Edge 705 extends the basic functionality of the 605 by adding heart rate and cadence monitoring, a barometric altimeter, and wireless capability. This bike GPS unit is available in three different versions, each of which are bundled with different accessories to enhance your riding experience.
For the technically-oriented generation, the Garmin 705 can be your personal trainer, global positioning navigator and sophisticated cycling computer – wrapped up in one tight, water-resistant package that mounts to your bicycle
Stunning Color GPS Screen and Durable Case
The Edge 705 comes with a brilliant color screen and a real-time display. At 2.2 inches, it is very visible and easy to see where you are going on the map software. The Edge 705 also comes with a slick bike mount and snaps in and out for quick adventures (or to keep someone from stealing it).
One caution, though…if you spend too much time looking at your sleek bike GPS unit, you may find yourself in the ditch. We prefer to pull over to the road shoulder to do any serious tweaking of the GPS receiver.
Garmin Edge GPS Bike Navigation Features
The Garmin Edge 705 Bicycle GPS Computer comes with some impressive features to help you make the most of your riding. For the creative mind, a rider can define a course and monitor performance and times over this course. One other cool feature is the ability to create a virtual competition against ghost competitors and watch the results of the race afterwards.
The Garmin Edge 705 comes with a built-in basemap, plus it has a microSD card slot for adding map detail and storing workouts, courses and saved rides.
Using the SD Slot, you can fire up the detailed MapSource City Navigator® street maps on a preloaded SD data card to get turn-by-turn directions. Mountain Bikers can add optional topographic mapping to enhance their off-road adventures (and keep from getting lost in the process). We think the micro SD slot opens this GPS navigation unit to unlimited possibilities.
This Cycling GPS Unit is Your Training Coach and Partner
The Edge 705 works with third-party ANT + Sport-enabled power meters to display your power output in watts as you ride along your course. This valuable data shows you how hard you’re working, regardless of conditions affecting your ride, so you can train smarter and get more benefit from your efforts.
This is your chance to get the competitive advantage by viewing power output along with GPS navigation data on one display and storing this information to analyze your workout.
The Garmin 705 Senses Your Altitude as You Ride
Adding to the features, the Garmin GPS unit has a barometric altimeter that measures the change in air pressure relative to sea level and captures your altitude into the computer while you ride. This adds another dimension to your riding, as you can have genuine proof that you climbed that massive hill at the end of your ride.
Sharing data is with the Edge 705 is quite easy. Just select “Transfer Data” to send your information to other Edge 705 units within a 3-meter range. Video gamers will love this interactive feature.
GPS Heart Rate & Speed/Cadence Monitoring
The Garmin Edge 705 heart rate monitor uses a new advanced wireless technology that eliminates the possibility of interference between other wireless devices and enables real-time heart rate data exclusively to the cycling GPS device.
The Edge 705 version with speed/cadence sensor uses a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor that mounts to the rear chain stay of the bicycle. Adding this data to the global positioning data, altitude, distance and heart rate monitoring provides a multi-dimensional view of your workout or cycling tour adventure.
The extensive data is stored with each track point for post-workout analysis with your buddies, giving you the chance to re-live your riding glory as many times as you please.
We have really just scratched the surface on the key features. We will write more as we explore them. Suffice it to say, the Garmin Edge 705 stays true to Garmin’s legendary product quality and features, and would make a handsome addition to anyone’s bike. More to come!
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