Garmin Edge 705 Cycling Computer and GPS Review Unit
In the world of cycling computers, the Garmin Edge 705 is the top of the heap. With GPS tracking, power meter, cadence sensor/speed sensor, heart rate monitor and a host of other features, the Edge 705 from Garmin is a control center for your bike whether you are on the road or ripping up sweet singletrack. For 2009, Garmin introduced Garmin street maps and a color screen to sweeten the deal over the previous Edge 305 and 205.
Garmin sent over this Edge 705 for us to review along with the cadence sensor and heart rate monitor option.
What does Garmin say about the Edge 705 GPS?
Ripped from Garmin.com
Trainer. Navigator. Edge 705 pushes you to do your best, then shows you the way back. This GPS-enabled cycle computer knows no limits. Get heart rate, cadence, turn-by-turn directions, power data (from ANT+™-enabled third-party power meters) — the works. Even share your data with other Edge 705 buddies after your ride. All wireless with a color display, this is no ordinary cycle computer.
Lose yourself in the ride without losing your way. 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. Just plug in detailed MapSource® City Navigator® street maps on a preloaded data card and get turn-by-turn directions on a sunlight-readable, color display as you pedal. Add optional topo mapping for your off-road adventures. Edge snaps easily into the included bike mount to guide you to your destination.
Available in 3 versions, Edge 705 comes bundled with different accessories to keep you on top of your ride. Edge 705 automatically measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, and records this data for your review¹. For extra-precise climb and descent data, Edge also incorporates a barometric altimeter to pinpoint changes in elevation. It features a high-sensitivity receiver that holds a signal under trees and near tall buildings, and comes with a click stick for easy screen navigation.
For a full spec list and more feature details…check out the Edge 705 on Garmin.com…
More from 198 on the Garmin Edge 705 GPS
Garmin sent this unit for us to put through its paces, and over the next couple of months…we are going to do just that. Be ready to see routes, topo maps, Google Earth layouts and more. The Garmin Edge 705 is every cyclist/techy geeks dream as it records just about everything you would ever want to know out of your ride. The added benefit of routing turn by turn directions via the Garmin road maps is a huge added benefit and should really come in handy for this rider who always seems to forget turns.
The Garmin Edge 705 came boxed with everything we will need. There are multiple mounts with attached zip ties, heart rate monitor strap (so you can see how close my chest is from blowing to pieces), cadence sensor/speed sensor, Garmin map software, manuals, usb cable and a charger. The Edge 705 is going to be mounted on everything from a 16 lbs. road bike (the Blue Nx7) to full out freeride rigs to see how this thing handles every form of pedal propelled two wheeled pleasure. Stay tuned for more out of this interesting product out of Garmin. Every cyclist/mountain biker/roadie/commuter/two wheeled freak loves to see the raw data from rides…
Where can I buy a Garmin 705?
 GARMIN EDGE 705 GPS |
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- Garmin Edge 705 Cycling Computer and GPS
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- Garmin Edge 705 Cycling Computer and GPS
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- Garmin Edge 705 Cycling Computer and GPS
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- Garmin Edge 705 Cycling Computer and GPS
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- Garmin Edge 705 GPS Cycling Computer
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“With GPS tracking, power meter, cadence sensor/speed sensor, heart rate monitor and …”
I think it’s worth noting that the Edge 705 doesn’t come in any kit with a power meter. You have to buy those separately. Maybe “power meter compatible” would be more accurate, and less misleading.
I love my 705, but there are some niggles that absolutely blow my mind that Garmin hasn’t “fixed.” (I say “fixed” because in the 305, this issue wasn’t a problem.) The answer to the problem is this: Always, always, “reset” the course with by holding the lap button for 4 seconds, until the course zeros out. If you don’t, the unit will hang when you plug it to your computer.
This idea is GREAT for roadbikers. When Garmin decides to offer this model with TOPO maps, I will be the first in line to purchase it. I love biking in the woods. Each time I try a new trail there is always the chance that I will get lost. Lets face it. In the great outdoors and constantly changing. Well marked trails can lose an important mark in the latest thunderstorm.
I currently have the Garmin Edge 205 and it has help me keep my bearings, but I still need a topo map to really figure out a new trail.
Beware that the 705 can receive and display power data when you have a power hub, crank etc. but the Garmin software will NOT allow you to see the power data even though it has stored it in the data. When downloaded to Google Earth power data does not show. Bummer!
Hey Robb-
It’s amazing how the juices get flowing for electronic gadgets for our bikes. I’m assuming one must spend $500 – $700 depending on how you shop to mount one of these on our bikes. It seems like it would be wise to run the 305 ($235) until Garmin works out the bugs on the 705. However if you’re a roadie you might be able to justify the cost. On the other hand maybe you don’t. But the thought of an out of the blue Endo and the Garmin crashing into a foreign object makes one quiver. You might as well double down on the roulette table in Vegas. For that kind of coin you could get a BA fork/shock!!
The biggest feature for me is the altitude information. Any thoughts on a computer that has the altitude reading that will not break the bank?
I believe you said you were going to run the 705 on the Niner. Looking forward to hearing about that.
Thanks for all of the great info.
Tony,
Check out this post to see some of the data out of the 705 using GarminConnect.com.
http://mountain.bike198.com/rides/big-creek-time-trial-xc-dh-and-slalom/
The 705 adds the color screen and the ability to load Garmin street maps to plan and track road rides (there are other added features too…but those two are the ones that jump out at me). I used a 305 for awhile until the mount broke and I lost it on the side of a trail during a shuttle run…big mistake. The Edge 305 for trial riding is a great deal right now and as you said…you can pick up one for 235 or better. If you really want to save…you can go the 205 route but it doesn’t have the on board altimeter. It relies on online topo maps for elevation change readings.
Topographic maps are essential, as are back roads detail. Cycling hostels and bike shops were completely left out. Charging stations for electrical vehicles would be nice, too. Leaving so much information out was fatal. The gigantic cost was fatal. Nobody talks about how much it weighs, or its battery life either. There’s no FM radio? Are you reviewing this device or getting a commission on sales?
@ Ross
I am in the process of reviewing this unit. This is just the introduction post. I would also imagine adding a lot of the features you mention would drastically increase the overall size of the 705.
Ross, was your comment a joke? FM radio? Really? I have used an Edge for years and never once even considered thinking I might want FM radio on the thing. If you want music carry an mp3 player.
As the Garmin quote says, “For a full spec list and more feature details…check out the Edge 705 on Garmin.com…” If you want the weight and battery life (105g; 15 hours, typical) you could do as the article says.
Topographic maps for many areas are available. Back roads detail too. Can you charge your bike at a charging station? Then why would you need that in the maps on your cyclocomputer?
If the gigantic cost is such a turn off, the 305 or 205 has plenty of features.
Your negativity toward the incredible 705 indicates you must work for the competition who makes the competing product to the 705.
Oh wait, there is no competition for the 705; it’s the only thing with all these features.
Anyone know offhand if/how the 705 (or any of the Edges for that matter) works on a trainer, for tracking “mileage”? I know there are 2 sensors with the full package, one is cadence and the other is for the rear wheel… speed? which would also measure mileage? Someone fill me in please. And 198 when you do the full review that’d be an awesome note to hit on (using the unit on a trainer, and what info you can get doing that).
J
Topo maps are available for the 705. It loads onto an SD card that I swapped with the “street map” SD card, now I bike with detailed elevation and some trail info. Garmin is putting out regional topo maps with more detail, but that edition isn’t yet available for the Northeastern USA, they started with the Western states and are slowly moving east.
Jeff, any way to force the maps to load on to your microSD card and not load onto the internal memory? I have accessory topo maps too, but when I load them into the system, they default to the 705’s internal memory, and not the installed microSD card. I’d much rather leave the internal memory empty (for tracks and recorded data), and fill the microSD w/ maps.
Also, can one load multiple microSD cards full of maps and swap them on-the-fly (no computer required)?
I have a 705. I should know these answers. But I just use the thing, I haven’t really pounded out the details yet.
I’m not sure how to do this in whatever software you used, but here’s your option:
On the SD card, create a Garmin directory. Move your gmapsupp.img and gmapsupp.unl (if you have that) to the sdcard:\Garmin\ folder, and you’re done.
In case anyone is looking for a unit.
There are now Garmin Edge 705 *remans* available $389.95
Garmin does have a basic monoscreen Edge 205 for $199 and a Garmin Edge 305 for $299. Much easier to swallow if damaged in a crash. Though I have already wipe out at least twice an have not damage my computer…maybe I was lucky the way I landed! The bread come trail really saved me from getting lost when I was out on a new trail.
more and more cyclists recommend Garmin products…This makes me believe that Garmin has indeed GPS devices that are perfect for us cyclists. Thanks for the thorough review, I'm convinced to get one myself.
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Mathew Farney – Web Hosting
more and more cyclists recommend Garmin products…This makes me believe that Garmin has indeed GPS devices that are perfect for us cyclists. Thanks for the thorough review, I'm convinced to get one myself.
___________
Mathew Farney – Web Hosting
Awesome! Some really helpful information in there. Bookmarked. Excellent source.
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