Name: Justin Moore
Location: San Antonio, TX USA
Date: 2008-07-12
Customer Rating: -
Summary: Edge 705 - A cycling supercomputer...
Comment: I've logged close to five hundred miles on my Garmin Edge 705 after upgrading from an Edge 305HR that I used for nearly two years. Here's a quick review of my experience...
Display: The new, larger color display is gorgeous. Improvements include removing the "title bar" present on the Edge 305 and using every pixel of this larger screen for displaying data fields that you select. The display is easy to view, without backlighting, during the day. For early morning or night rides, just a click or two to engage the backlight provides plenty of clarity while providing long battery life.
Battery: So far, it's handled 2-3 hour rides with very little battery drain (including about an hour of riding at night with the backlight set to "stay on"). I see no reason, at this point, that the unit would not meet its stated battery life of 10-15 hours.
Maps: Let's say that again. Maps! The ability to see where you are and to actually navigate using the Edge 705 continues to impress me. It provides detailed routing optimized for bicycles. It does this by optimizing the route to avoid major streets and other hazards. On a recent ride it routed us as far as possible on low-traffic side streets before taking us to the main street in town where we only had about 1/4 mile of riding in traffic before arriving at our destination! Very impressive and a powerful ally for bicycle commuters.
Size/Weight: The Edge 705 is physically larger than the 305 and a tad heavier. Kudos to Garmin for making the 705 compatible with the 305 mounting system.
Usability: Usa...what? This is a measure of how intuitive and user-friendly the device and its internal software is. Here the Edge 705 scores BIG. The inclusion of a "joystick" type input device makes entering information, changing data, etc. much easier than the 305. Nice touches include customizing the color scheme of menus and having the ability to actually NAME your various bike profiles (instead of just "Bike 1", "Bike 2", etc.).
Garmin has a solid track record of releasing firmware updates that correct software glitches and/or adds features to the unit.
If you want the ultimate cycle computer and a robust navigation aid for your bicycle commutes, look no further.
If you don't need the color screen, detailed maps/routing, etc. - the Edge 305HR remains a solid option.
For more detailed, real-world use of the Edge 705 you can learn more by visiting my cycling blog. [...]
Name: Jeff
Location: Boston, MA USA
Date: 2008-08-25
Customer Rating: -
Summary: A brilliant bicyling companion
Comment: I read all these reviews before I bought my Edge 705. The device has exceeded all my expectations, and has added a new dimension to my bike rides. It's the most sensitive GPS i've ever used - it "sees" satellites even when indoors. I also find it to be very accurate, the speed is always close to my Cateye bike computer, which i haven't removed yet.
One bike-specific feature that no one else seems to have mentioned is the actual routes the 705 gives you. If you punch in a "go to" address, it will provide directions using back roads and side streets - instead of the usual highways and major roads. Especially great in urban areas. The only caveat is that "rail trails" don't seem to be part of the database.
Danbucks "-DC" - you just need to really tighten the ties. I used needle-nose pliers to tighten mine, and today was mountain biking over gnarly roots and rocks, including slamming down rock "staircases" - the Garmin remained firmly attached to the handlebars. I'm using this unit on a road bike and mountain bike, it's very secure. Also: when you mount it, pay attention to the angle. This screen is easily readable with no backlight in bright sunlight, as long as you're looking at it straight on. Garmin includes a rubber wedge so you can position the unit for optimal viewing relative to your riding angle.
As far as software, Garmin's training center isn't that great, but third party software called "Ascent" is amazing. I'm using it on my mac, and when you sync the GPS with it, a presumably google-based map instantly appears with your route superimposed, along with graphs, charts, and a calendar. I'm just using the free demo version for now.
Overall, I find the Edge 705 to be robust, intuitive, and perfect for bike riding - or even when just on foot. I previously tried using a Magellan Explorist 500 as a bike GPS - a waste compared to the Garmin. I purchased the Edge 705 for the maps, but the ability to recall your speed, elevation, heart rate and cadence at any given point during your ride now has me analyzing my fitness level - and pushing me to go further.
Name: Albert Einstein
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Date: 2008-09-02
Customer Rating: -
Summary: Coool unit!
Comment: Should have gotten the faster shipping because I *love* this unit! It is great fun to see the way your heart and cadence interact with the map. Do I need this? No! Do I think it is a great way to be a geek and have fun? Yes!
My only complaint with Garmin is that they need to get their new service online. They've owned MotionBased for awhile now and they are supposed to be making a "free" version available that will allow unlimited uploads. They need to get this done more quickly.
Only other nit is that you shouldn't bother with the non-street map version. It galls me that you have to spend another $100 for a unit that should have maps built-in already (let's face it... The Edge 705 is *not* an inexpensive toy!). Without the maps, the granularity of the GPS mapping data is pretty much useless. It only has the most major of streets.
Name: Charles Valenzuela
Location: Austin, TX
Date: 2008-10-12
Customer Rating: -
Summary: Wife really likes it
Comment: My wife really likes this. She wouldn't let me install the cadence device though.... She didn't want to change the appearance of her bike. SHe downloads the info to her computer and keeps track of all her rides. Began with a PC but recently transferred everything to her Mac, now that Garmin discovered that Macs exist.... About the same time that PC users discovered that Vista PCs are shi......... If you use Vista, you should be aware that Garmin has the same software for Macs now. Get it. You won't be sorry
Name:
Location:
Date: 2008-05-24
Customer Rating: -
Summary: Incredible evolutionary step for Edge
Comment: I've owned several Garmin sport GPSs (Forerunner, Edge, etc.). The Edge 305 was OK, but you couldn't really "use" the GPS until you got home and downloaded your data - after the fact. The new 705 offers a FULL North America streetmaps SD chip which takes this model to the next level and beyond. The number of options are vast, and the display, battery life, etc., are beyond belief. The 305 is still a good model, but I would not hesitate to move up to the 705, but you MUST get the North America streetmaps (deluxe bundle) or you won't fully appreciate what a great device this is.
Don Montalvo, NYC
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