Sprenzy Shopping Blog

Garmin is on a roll these days. Today, they announced two new cycling computers, the Edge 605 and Edge 705, scheduled for a December 2007 release. From the Garmin blog…

“Cyclists, you spoke up and we listened. You wanted color, you got color. Mapping and more navigation? Check. What about being able to monitor power output on the same device? Impossible? Hardly. And try this on for something completely new: Wireless, unit-to-unit data transfer. No, we’re not pulling your chain. We proudly present the Edge 705 and the Edge 605.

The Edge 705 represents several breakthroughs in cycling technology, including power compatibility and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity. Through collaborative efforts with SRM, Quarq and other experts in mobile power diagnostics for bicycles, Garmin for the first time gives cyclists the opportunity to monitor GPS position, power, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude and gradient on the same display. And Edge 705 users will be able to share their information – including saved rides, waypoints and workouts – with each other through ANT+Sport wireless technology.”

I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 305 for over a year and I love it. There were only a few features (navigation and power output) that I wish my Edge 305 had. It looks like Garmin granted my wishes with the Edge 705. Comparing the specs, the improvements of the Edge 705 over the Edge 305 are…

• Improved battery life, up from 12 hours to 15 hours

• Larger screen size and resolution (176 x 220 pixels) along with a color screen

• Mapping and turn by turn navigation

• MicroSD card slot for adding map detail and storing workout data

• Power output with third-party ANT + Sport-enabled power meters

• Wireless unit-to-unit data transfers

Unit-to-unit data transfer is interesting, but I would prefer to wirelessly transfer my workout data to my computer. It’s strange that this feature is included in the Forerunner 50 but not the Edge 705. However, I am really excited about the third-party power meter integration. Power output is by far the best training method on a bike. And I am curious about the size of the power meter solutions and how they will mount to a bike.

With the larger screen size, the Edge 705 is slightly bigger and heavier (16.9 g more for the weight weenies) than the Edge 305. The new units are also more expensive. The list price for the Edge 705 is $540 - $709, depending on accessories. There is currently a $75 rebate on the Edge 305 and expect the price to drop further with the release of the new Edge units.

I’ll report more on the new Edge models as it gets closer to their release date. GPS position, navigation, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude, gradient and power, what more can you ask for in a cycling computer?!?!