Garmin Edge 605/705 Rebate

One of the most useful cycling gadgets that I've encountered in the past year is the Garmin Edge; I received an Edge 500 for Christmas, and it's one of the coolest and most useful tools I own.  There are five total models in the series: Edge 205, 305, 500, 605, and 705.  As you might imagine, the features improve as you scale the line.  All are IPX7 water resistant for your less than dry rides, and data transfer is as simple as plugging into a USB port on your computer and uploading to a free, online account, which means you don't have to be on one particular computer to access data.  For most cyclists, the three most useful versions are the 500, 605, and 705.

The Garmin Edge 500, like the one that I have, is the newcomer to the line up.  The 500 is a very powerful, but small, ANT+, GPS-based cycling computer.  It mounts to your stem or handlebar with a quarter-turn, banded mount.  And though it's small, the screen size is a healthy 4cm x 3cm that utilizes wholly visible and easy to read fonts.  There are four toggle screens that allow you to customize the data display to whichever values are most valuable to your training.  Also, because it is ANT+ compatible, the Edge 500 will automatically detect and record your ANT+ power meters like SRM,
Powertap, Quarq, etc.  It employs a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix to track your route as well as display and record your speed, distance, time, and calories burned.  There is a built-in barometric altimeter for highly accurate climbing, descending, and temperature values as well.  There is also a courses feature, which allows you to compare successive rides over the same route; I use this to track my daily commute!  One of my other favorite features is the motion detector.  If you are moving, and timer has not been started, the CPU will beep at you and notify you that it knows you're moving, and you should start the clock.  The battery is rechargeable via USB or the supplied wall charger, and it has a respectable run-time of about 18hrs - according to both my time calculations and Garmin's. The computer itself retails for the bargain price of $250, and it allows setup information for up to three bikes.  There is a "deluxe" package that includes the heart rate strap and cadence sensor that sells for $350.  Or, if you're like me, and heart rate is all you're after, you can purchase the strap separate for just $60.  This is particularly useful if you are planning to use the Edge with a power unit - most of which already transfer cadence data.  Cadence does come in handy, though, for those not training with power and riding indoors.

Next in line is the Garmin Edge 605.  As you can see from the photo, the 605 is a color screen navigational tool in addition to serving as a cycling computer.  It comes pre-loaded with a basemap, but it also features a microSD slot where you can load any of the Garmin City Navigator or ultra-precise topographic maps, which allow you to use the "Find Offroad Route" utility.   The 605 is great for tracking exploratory rides (and allowing you to "explore" your way back) as well as for turn-by-turn directions to new locales.  Like the Edge 500, it also has the Courses feature, AutoPause, and AutoLap, but it also adds Virtual Partner, which allows you to train with/against a virtual person over your specified distance and speed.  In addition to the map screen, it also displays four customizable data screens that allow you to toggle through your data.  The Edge 605 automatically measures and records speed, distance, time, calories burned, and altitude.  It does not have heart rate, cadence, climbing/descending, or ANT+ power compatibility.  But, it does have some excellent map features, including the ability to add 100 waypoints.

The Edge 605 is approximately 3cm longer than the Edge 500, and the screen size bumps up a bit to 3.48 x 4.36 cm.  Battery life is about 15hrs, and it is again a rechargeable li-polymer setup.  The base Edge 605 sells for $400, but I'd recommend adding the Street Maps data card for $150 to get the best use of the navigation features, unless you have your own maps or topo maps to add.
 

The king's edition is the Garmin Edge 705, which Aaron uses.  This bundles together all of the most glorious features from the Edge 500, like ANT+ compatibility, ascending/descending, and heart rate, and Edge 605's navigational tools and map features, and adds a few tricks of its own, like wireless ride sharing with other 705 users.  It also comes in a few different versions.  The base 705 (including heart rate) starts at $500.  There is also a Team Garmin Bundle (pictured), which comes in Team Garmin orange and is packaged with heart rate, speed/cadence sensor, and Street Maps card for $650.

 With price points from $250 - $650, there is an Edge for nearly every rider looking to improve his or her quality of training and riding.  Each model has features that make it great for local riding or for those who travel with bikes.

What's even better, is that now is the time to save some big money on the navigational units! Garmin is currently offering a $50 rebate for all Edge 605 or Edge 705 units purchased between January 1st and March 31st!  Units must be purchased from an authorized retailer or your LBS.  We have a great deal of experience with each of these units and their set up, so feel free to call, email, or come by with any questions!  See the link below for the rebate form and instructions!


Garmin Edge 605/705 Rebate

Garmin Edge 605/705 Rebate