Review: Garmin Edge 705 GPS Offers Maps and Metrics for Data-Happy Cyclists
Posted by: admin in Online And Tech NewsGarmin Edge 705 GPS Type-A training tweakers, metrics maniacs, peripatetic two-wheeled geo-cachers and the geographically challenged now have something to collectively rally around: the Garmin Edge 705. This latest fitness offering from the GPS giant has more than a little…
Garmin Edge 705 GPS
Type-A training tweakers, metrics maniacs, peripatetic two-wheeled geo-cachers and the geographically challenged now have something to collectively rally around: the Garmin Edge 705. This latest fitness offering from the GPS giant has more than a little somethin’ somethin’ for the can’t stay put, always get lost, urban treasure hunting, serious bike training, and it’s-the-journey-until-you-can’t-find-the-destination types. The Edge 705 combines (take a deep breath) GPS maps and navigation, heart rate, cadence and power output into a palm of your hand wireless unit. It can display up to 16 separate metrics during the ride and combined with the included software and web-based apps it becomes an amazing tool for social networking, exploration and serious training analysis.
From a gander at the spec sheet, it seems setup and orientation would take a while, but it turned out to be a breeze straight out of the box. You don’t even have to calculate your wheel dimensions; it figures that out for you. Despite having to decipher some thick cyclist jargon, I was rolling in less than an hour — map telling me my location and plotting a course to the trailhead while spitting out vitals all along the way.
That was just the appetizer because data readout, collection and save-your-ass navigation are just part of the equation. Connected to your Mac or Computer back at the lodge, the Edge 705 offers a myriad of ways to breakdown cycling actions that you’ve done. The included software (called Garmin Training Center) is very serviceable and helps you track courses, training regimes, and the mass of recorded data. And if you want to know what others around the globe are up to, Garmin’s recent acquisition, Motion Based, is definitely for you.
Hatched back in 2003 by outdoor data junkies Clark Weber and Aaron Roller, Motion Based is a two-tiered site that combines the number crunching capabilities of Garmin Training Center with a global community of GPS aficionados who want to share their adventurous exploits. Users can easily upload their data to the Motion Based site and share activities. So let’s say you’re heading for France and want to get your Lance Armstrong on at the fabled L’Alpe d’Huez. No problem, just pick one of the many L’Alpe d’Huez rides uploaded by users on the site, click on “download to device” and you’ve got the whole course on your unit with turn-by-turn directions. The opportunities for fun and exploration are endless. Think of a destination, search the more than 3 million activities in the database, download your choices to the Edge 705 and off you go on a magical tour sans mystery. Presently a separate web application, Motion Based will be folded into the Garmin Connect site by September with a more robust and feature-laden platform.
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