For serious cyclists, using a $20 bike computer is like giving an astronaut a speedometer – it just doesn’t provide enough data. For those elite few who treat cycling like a science and trainas if they’re engineering their bodies, Garmin introduced two new bike computers onWednesday that provide all the data they could possibly hope for. The Garmin Edge 605 and 705 clamp onto a bike’s handlebars or stem and provides a 2.2-inch color display, GPSmapping, street navigation, speed, cadence, distance, time, vertical profiles and more. Cyclists can use it for everything from following a virtual partner on-screen whom rides at their desired pace,to designing a workout based on target speed, calories, cadence, heart rate and power. Both units offer the same basic features, but the Edge 705 unlocks further number-crunching possibilitiesby wirelessly interacting with other cycling diagnostic tools. Garmin coordinated with companies such as SRM and Quarq to allow the Edge 705 to communicate with their power meters via ANT+Sportwireless technology. It can also pick up data from heart monitors, cadence sensors, and other Edge units. Using all of this data, the Edge can actually calculate power and torque for each leg at thepedals, giving cyclists a true measure of how efficiently they’re riding.
Either unit can be paired with Garmin Connect, which will allow cyclists to share and compare data with other cyclists around the world. They can log workouts online, track totals, and participate inthe online community of other enthusiasts. Garmin will release the Edge 605 and 705 in December for $499.99 and $399.99, respectively. The basic 605 package will include bike mounts, a USB PCinterface cable, AC charger, owner’s manual and quick-reference guide. A special version of the Edge 705, priced at $549.99, will also come with a ANT+Sport heart rate monitor and cadencesensor. An even more inclusive Edge 705 bundle will sell for $649.99 and add a microSD card preloaded with City Nav NT maps.
