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?!?!

Since May 2006, I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 305, a GPS-enabled cycle computer, on my road bike. I also have the heart rate monitor (HRM) and the speed/cadence sensor accessories. As a data junkie, I absolutely love my Edge 305.

But I have to admit, I hadn’t used the full capabilities of the 305 until recently. At the end of May, a friend and I are going on a Giro biking trip through the Italian Dolomites, which means there is a ton of climbing. My friend lives in New York City, so I’ve been training All By Myself.

Thankfully, the Garmin Edge 305 has been a great training tool and has really helped me to stay motivated. I’m finally using the training features (workouts and courses with a virtual partner). Additionally, I’m using MotionBased, a web application that allows you to upload, analyze and visualize your ride data. MotionBased (MB) is a much superior post ride analysis tool to the Garmin Training Center software that comes with the Edge.

After each ride, I upload my ride data to MotionBased and I’m able to conduct post ride analysis, keep motivated to train and improve my performance. I want to point out that MotionBased is not limited to just cycling and supports many GPS devices (Garmin Forerunner 205/305, Garmin 60CSx, eTrex Vista Cx and more) to upload and analyze running, hiking, Nordic skiing or any activity you track with a GPS device.

Instead of writing a review on the Edge 305 and MotionBased, I’m going to provide a review roundup and highlight key features of the 305 in the remainder of this post and MB in a follow-up post.

Garmin Edge 305 Review Roundup:

• Garmin Edge 305 cycling GPS system review from PocketGPSWorld.com - by far the best and most detailed review; covering specs, installation, features, user testing and analysis software.

• Garmin Edge 305 Review from Arena Red - a good overview of the Edge 305 with comparison pictures of the 305 next to iPods and a Moto Razr.

• Tech Review: Garmin Edge 305 by Jeremy Bostron - a list of positives and negatives comparing the 305 to the Polar 725 bike computer.

• Mini-Review: Garmin Training Center for Mac from Arena Red - short review of the Garmin Training Center Mac version.

If you read the PocketGPSWorld.com review, you should have a very good understanding of the features and the wealth of data captured and displayed by the Edge 305. For someone looking for a simple cycling computer, the 305 is complete overkill. However, for the data obsessed, the Edge 305 is a dream come true. Highlighted below are the features that I enjoy the most.

Key Features:

• Custom Data Fields - the Edge 305 allows customization of the following displays: Bike Computer 1, Bike Computer 2, Maps, Workouts and Courses. When I’m riding, I like to see my speed, heart rate, cadence, grade, distance and elapsed time in one view. On my previous bike computer, a Ciclosport HAC4, I was able to only see two data points at a time. On the Bike Computer view, the Edge 305 can display up to 8 data fields. There are 33 data fields from which to choose. Since there are two Bike Computer views, it’s possible to display 16 data points between the two views! With the 305, I spend less time pressing buttons, scrolling thru views and more time with my hands on the bars and eyes on the road.

• Virtual Partner -  when training by yourself, the Virtual Partner is the ultimate pacer. Used during quick workouts or courses, the Edge 305 displays how far ahead or behind you are relative to the Virtual Partner. Since I don’t have a training partner, I’ll take a virtual partner instead of no one.

• Workouts and Courses - workouts are excellent training tools. Quick workouts (Distance and Time, Time and Speed or Distance and Speed) display a Virtual Partner to keep you motivated during your workout. You can also setup interval workouts based on time/distance and rest time/distance. But the most realistic training tool is the Courses feature. You can create or edit courses based on a previously recorded ride. Then you can race against the Virtual Partner on the course and see if you can beat your previous performance.

• Cadence/Speed Sensor - is a single wireless unit, which is installed on the rear chainstay. The speed sensor is used when there isn’t a quality GPS signal or when GPS is turned off. Because the sensor is attached on the rear wheel, the Edge 305 can be used on a bike trainer. Most other cycling computers have two sensors, one on the fork for speed and one on the chainstay for cadence.

• Data Analysis Software - the 305 comes with the Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download and analyze your ride data. You can overlay various data fields (distance, elevation, heart rate, speed, etc.) and analyze your performance. Unless you have Garmin map products, the map view is very limited and only shows major roads and cities. This is were MotionBased excels and I’ll cover MB in a follow-up post.

My only complaint with the Edge 305 is the short battery life (less than 10 hours with a good GPS signal). It’s a rare event that I’ll ride longer than 10 hours, but that’s the one I’ll definitely want to record and review post ride. A current solution is a DIY battery charger, but that’s a little clumsy for this high tech cycling computer.

Furthermore, a great feature enhancement would be a low cost power meter, which would make the 305 even better and provide more data to geek out on. I would also like to see compatibility with Polar’s Wearlink transmitter and strap, which is the most comfortable HRM I’ve ever used.

Overall, the Garmin Edge 305 is an amazing GPS cycling computer. With GPS functionality, an HRM and a speed/cadence sensor, it provides more than enough features and data recording to blow away the competition. It’s also a great training tool, which keeps you motivated to ride farther and faster.