Garmin announces Edge 605 and 705 with mapping

UPDATE: Read our Garmin Edge 605 review and Garmin Edge 705 review.

Garmin announced a couple of high-end cycling units today -- the Edge 605 and Edge 705. Both units will feature a 2.2" color screen and have the capability to navigate streets via turn-by-turn directions. Detailed topo or street maps can be added via pre-loaded data cards.

The Edge 705 builds upon the 605's capabilities, adding a barometric altimeter, heart rate monitor and the ability to share GPS data with other Edge 705 users via a wireless connection.  A cadence sensor is an optional accessory or it can be purchased with the 705 as a bundle.

Both models are expected to be available in December 2007.

These receivers are welcome additions to the Garmin family of cycling products. Many cyclists use handlebar mounted units like the 60CSx in order to have mapping capabilities while on their rides. We're finally going to have a cycling specific solution that combines the best of that world with everything a good cyclometer can offer. And wireless data transfer too!

Here's the full text of the press release:

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN) , today introduced the Edge 705 and Edge 605 -- the latest innovations in the popular line of integrated personal training systems for recreational and advanced cyclists. The Edge 705 and Edge 605 provide mapping capabilities, street navigation and a 2.2" color display in addition to tracking vertical profiles, climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, and time.      

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(TM) 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:

  -- Workouts:  Design workouts with multiple steps based on time, distance,
     calories or heart rate.  Establishes workout targets based on speed,
     calories, cadence, heart rate and power (heart rate is standard on
     Edge 705, speed/cadence sensor is optional and power requires an
     ANT+Sport-enabled third-party meter).
  -- Virtual Partner(R): Team up with a virtual training partner that
     provides continuous feedback. Depicts a digital cyclist (desired speed)
     in relation to the user's real-time speed and notifies if ahead or
     behind desired target.
  -- Courses:  Cyclists can race against a recorded course and match
     previously set speeds at every point of the way.  Combine the Courses
     and Virtual Partner features and race an opponent that varies speed
     while climbing hills and navigating tricky turns.
  -- Navigation:  Ride to a specified location by following turn-by-turn
     prompts, or try out brand new routes by downloading GPX files and
     leaving your paper directions at home.
  -- Bike Computer: Customizable bike computer screen shows up to eight
     different data fields. The user may customize the display for the size
     and placement of the data.
  -- Auto Pause(R): Pauses the timer when the user's speed drops below a
     preset threshold.
  -- Alerts:  Program alerts to sound if the user strays outside the range
     of speed, heart rate or cadence values. Alerts can also indicate when a
     set amount of time or distance has passed.

When used with Garmin Connect(TM) -- 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 is expected to be available in December 2007 and have an estimated retail price of $549.99. This 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.      

The Edge 705 bundle is expected to be available in December 2007 and have an estimated retail price of $649.99. 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 is expected to be available in December 2007 and has an estimated retail price of $399.99. It includes bike mounts, USB PC interface cable, AC charger, owner's manual on disk and quick-reference guide.

Comments

[Vidar]

What chipset are these units featuring?

[Rich Owings]

We don't know yet. Probably SiRF III or MediaTek, both of which perform very well.

[Lars]

A few questions:

Does it have to be pre-loaded SD cards?
Do you have to use auto start/stop?
Is routing possible?

Whats the mail differences vs. 60csx? (main alternative for cyclists who want mapping and sensitive chipset)

[Rich Owings]

Until I can review it, who knows. Best guess...I doubt that you will have to use pre-loaded SD cards. Routing should be possible. No idea re: auto start/stop.

The Edge allows heart rate / cadence monitoring, etc. It is less exposed than the 60CSx, which may matter to mountain bikers. The voice of experience...in the case of an endo, that protruding form factor of the 60CSx can mean that the unit flips out of the mount, the mount gets broken. etc.