Although better known, amongst GPS Daily readers at least, as a specialist in in-car navigation solutions, Garmin also has a range of GPS products for other users. The Edge range is designed for cyclists, and the 705 is the high-end model which comes complete with heart rate monitor among its plethora of accessories.

The device is compact and lightweight and it doesn’t feel too rugged, although the buttons on the sides of the unit are sealed and protected against the elements. The package comes with two bike mounts and plenty of cable ties, affixes to your bike securely, and makes use on more than one cycle a breeze. The small size enables it to be placed within easy reach without causing an obstruction. Navigation through the system is achieved mostly through the Mode and Menu buttons on the sides, and a very well designed and responsive joystick beneath the screen on the front. Two further buttons on the front – lap and start/stop – are large enough to hit without needing to take your eyes off the road for too long.

The screen is bright and easy to read in most conditions. The backlight is particularly bright, although it is switched off when you first turn the device on, which was a minor annoyance. Sounds are limited to beeps, which become largely inaudible outdoors.

The Edge 705 is available in several configurations. Ours came with a heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor for recording pedal strokes per minute, both of which connect wirelessly. The monitor straps round your chest – it needs skin contact – and measures your heart rate as you cycle, for later analysis when your data is uploaded to the Garmin Connect website. Both of these accessories are for more specialist users, those in training rather than casual cyclists.

In use, performance from the unit was impressive. The GPS receiver gained and maintained a fix quickly and under less than perfect conditions – it should work fine under trees in the country, for example. Battery life seemed reasonable, and the device recharges via mini USB. The basemap pre-installed on the device was indeed very basic. In order to get the most out of the system you should add either topographical or street maps for better detail.

The software on the device is easy to use and clearly laid out. There are several alternative displays available, showing the route you have travelled, or data on your performance such as speed, distance travelled and number of calories (the latter seems a touch over-generous in its estimates). The device also stores routes plus performance data in order that it can be uploaded later or recalled and reviewed on the handset.

The Edge 705 supports desktop software for uploading and analysing the data stored on your device. It is particularly useful for those undergoing serious fitness training as they are enabled to view visual displays of heart rate or speed during specific parts of a course and is ideal for tweaking training patterns. But there are good features for more casual users as well. The ability to store routes and create waypoints on the device make it ideal for those who view cycling as a leisure pursuit: repeating routes that you have enjoyed and finding landmarks you’ve uncovered. By creating an account at Garmin Connect you can also upload your data for analysis and route checking, and also share routes with other users. This social element adds a nice dimension to the Edge experience.

The Edge 705 is not a budget product, and as such is intended for users who are more serious about their cycling. But it offers a complete solution, a great range of features, and adds generally excellent performance into the bargain.

Map coverage: Basemap
Price: £260
Web: www.garmin.com

Performance: 9
Design: 9
Features: 9
Value: 8

Overall verdict: 9

Review originally published in Smartphone & PDA Essentials magazine. Words by Andy Betts.

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