The Edge 705 represents several breakthroughs in cycling technology, including power compatibility and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity. Through collaborative efforts with SRM, Quarq and other experts in mobile power diagnostics for bicycles, Garmin for the first time gives cyclists the opportunity to monitor GPS position, power, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude and gradient on the same display. And Edge 705 users will be able to share their information – including saved rides, waypoints and workouts – with each other through ANT+Sport™ wireless technology.

“The Edge 705 gives cyclists the most effective tools they need to train efficiently and share data easily,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales, “and these new products are further proof of how innovative technology can enrich people’s lives and help them better enjoy their exercise and recreational activities.”

ANT+Sport technology allows the Edge to interface wirelessly with other fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor or other Edge units. Cyclists can share courses, workout data and saved rides. When paired with an optional power meter from SRM or Quarq or another third party’s ANT+Sport-enabled device, the Edge 705 measures power – torque and cadence for each leg at the pedals – which is often cited as a true indicator of an efficient ride.

The mapping capabilities on the Edge 705 and Edge 605 allow cyclists to truly get lost in their ride without losing their way. Routes can be adapted to revisit previous rides, personalized shortcuts or new destinations. Both units come with built-in basemaps, and optional detailed street or topo maps are available on preloaded data cards.

Altitude is recorded using a barometric altimeter for the Edge 705.  This accurate altitude data makes it much easier for cyclists to match their altitude profile with their speed, cadence and heart rate during post-ride analysis. The Edge 605 measures altitude through GPS positioning.

Whether you need to know where you’ve been, where you’re going, how long it’s taking or how high you’re climbing, the Edge 705 and Edge 605 offer answers. Cyclists can display their customizable data fields on large color screens, and the addition of a click stick helps users navigate through the various options. Sleek, waterproof and durable, the Edge uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to sustain reception in the most challenging conditions, such as heavy tree cover or “urban canyons” created by skyscrapers. It attaches to either the stem or handlebars of the bicycle, and is designed for easy removal at the end of the workout.

The Edge 705 heart rate monitor uses a robust wireless technology that eliminates cross-talk and interference and delivers real-time heart rate data exclusively to the user’s device. This data is stored with each track point for post-workout analysis. The Edge 705 with speed/cadence sensor incorporates a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor that mounts to the rear chain stay of the bicycle. 

Customizing the Edge is achieved using several innovative features:

When used with Garmin Connect™ — Garmin’s new and improved online training site at connect.garmin.com — the Edge’s benefits continue long after the workout. By pairing the Edge 705 or Edge 605 with Garmin Connect, users can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts and log their workouts, track their totals, share workouts and participate in an online community.

The Edge 705 with Heart Rate Monitor is expected to be available in December 2007 and have an estimated retail price of $499.99. This device includes an ANT+Sport heart rate monitor, AC charger, USB PC interface cable, bike mounts, owner’s manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

The Edge 705 with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor device includes an ANT+Sport heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, AC charger, USB PC interface cable, bike mounts, owner’s manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

This device includes an ANT+Sport heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, microSD card with City Nav NT maps, AC charger, USB PC interface cable, bike mounts, owner’s manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

The Edge 605 includes bike mounts, USB PC interface cable, AC charger, owner’s manual on disk and quick-reference guide. 

Comments (1)