Wow, that makes my Forerunner 305 look like crap... And it's only 6 months old.

That does a lot more than my Garmin Forerunner 305, which is only 6 months old...

Sorry about the double post, I posted the first one and thought it didn't go through because it wasn't appearing on the page.

I bought the 305 in 2006 but i wasn't to happy with it concerning durability. Had to send it twice in for repairs. Is the next generatiojns really up to its task in harsch conditions?

What a joke Garmin!!!....You put out the Edge 305, then change it to color with a few more useless bells and whistles and charge twice the original price? I dont need to see bike info in color....if you're using a map that much to ride.....there's no way you'd spend that kink of $$$ for a cyclometer. Not the right mix. Who did the research on this one? You missed your mark here!!! Unless your're overcharging for the features your getting.....

I just bought an Edge 305 for $229 from Abe's of Maine 2 days ago, which with a $75 discount, brings it to $159 to my door. My GPS76C is fine for in the car or the boat, the Edge is fine for the bicycle, I don't travel far enough to need mapping for a bicycle.

What's with this unit that it doesn't display UTM coordinates or Long Lat figures in DDD MM.MMM or DDD MM SSS ? Would be more useful to hikers with that feature? Or am I missing something and it has that page available in customization?

I would be interested if it could substitute for an eTrex also. Then I would upgrade instantly from my 305.

It is a nice extra feature the map. Maybe usefull for fast cycling. For longer trips the battery is still a problem.
Can it use tracks (gpx) now, instead of making a course first?

I've owned the Edge 306 for many months. It's the most useful training aid I have ever purchased (aside from my gym membership ). It gives you all you need to track your training, and there are many options for PC and Mac users to view their sessions, including motionbased online service. If you're serious about your training, the Edge 705 is a good thing to get.

Don Montalvo, NYC

Battery life is way too short for dealing with brevets over perhaps 300K. Now if it had a 24 hours life and took standard batteries that we could swap out I'd be interested.

I've been a very happy Garmin Edge 305 user.

At first, I was delighted when I saw the first pics of the new 705. Now, that I have learned more and more about it, I think I stay with my 305er. If moving in unknown territory or new courses, I can still add my 60csx on the bicycle.

But let's see whether I will be able to resist...

As a kayker I was frustrated at not seeing heart rate, speed and travel direction on a single 305 screen. Navigating large stretches of open water using waypoints is useful but having to push buttons with a paddle in your hand in rough water is not. I'm looking forward to seeing the 705. If you can download waypoints it might be the paddlers answer.

The perfect product development would be to have the unit compatible with common CR123 batteries or similar. This would solve issues for people on multi-day rides in remote areas. What do you say, Garmin?

I won't be buying the Edge 705 for many of the same reasons I ditched my Edge 305 and switched to the Forerunner 305 (which I love and use 5 days a week!).

Edge 305 does not have pace information (nice to have for going from the bike to the run!)

Moving map? Who needs it? Mountain bikers maybe need it, but road bikers who generally ride roads they already know don't need it.

Color display? Waste of money IMHO.

The Edge 705 will be able to wirelessly talk to power meters such as Powertap and (presumably) Ergomo, so having ALL your data (speed, HR, cadence, power and distance) on ONE display would be nice...but again, not $5-700 nice! I am sticking with my (reliable) FR 305 which I use both on my bike and when I run and particularly when I am in a race. That's something the Edge 705, for all of it's nifty bells and whistles can't do!

Regarding replaceable batteries: I did RAGBRAI, a 7-day bike ride across Iowa in July and used my Garmin FR 305 every day of the ride. 517 miles worth of riding and was able to charge the device every night. The charger/cradle is easily small enough to be packed and unless you are in the wilderness somewhere, you can generally always find a wall plug to get some juice from.

Wow...what a mix of comments. I just upgraded to a new mountain bike and figured I'd try some hi-tech stuff, I love monitoring calories burned, miles traveled, incline, etc. I researched and decided to hold-off until the 705 came out.

Honestly, the 305 has everything I need. The only reason I'm interested in the 705 is for the slightly larger screen, color and perhaps I'd use the mapping occassionally in my car or around town....BUT in all reality, the 305 would likely suit me just fine...and for the price difference, sheesh. I suppose it's just fun trying to stay on top of cutting-edge technology.

It's tough to rationalize the cost difference...but then again, I just blew $3,500 on an aftermarket exhaust system for my Ferrari...so stupid is what stupid buys! ;)

I have a 705 on order. I've been passionate about performance riding for 25 years now. I was one of the first persons to have a heart rate monitor in the 80's. remember the Seiko? I train with wattage and collect tons of data. I like technology for performance purposes. However, I don't like large group rides anymore because riders and drivers alike have lost the common respect needed to co-exist. But you have to endure these event if you want to find new terrain. The 705 has all the tools required to expand personal capability in terms of performance and adventure without risking life and limb commonly associated with large group activity. Now, a half a dozen good friends can get totally lost in the ride and still be home before dark. These types of devices will become more popular and prices will fall. But I ain't waiting!! Gimme one NOW!!!

Hope they fixed the remaining bugs in the 305 and put in some essential stuff which is already present in the foretrex, such as a permanent ODO! , some of the simple route guidance aids and a reliable USB interface for uploading coarses. The 305 virtual partner is flawed and loses itself, even if you are smack on a course. Bigger display would be good. The 305 digits can get really small and if you are on the move, very hard to read.

The 305's battery was terrible with cadence and hr enabled. I wonder how the 705 will do with those. I was lucky to get 6.5 hours out of my unit.

I also second the durability question. A long term test would be nice.

I ride a $8500ish bike 20,000 miles a year. I am the market demographic that Garmin is targeting.

Those of you that ride 20 miles a week are not the targeted demographic.

Shutup.

Well put Ken Woods! I love cutting-edge technology!(no pun intended...)

Sign me up!!!! I'm getting one even if Santa doesn't bring me one!

I've been looking at the Edge 305 for training since it came out. However not having quality mapping is a major problem. I take my bike on all business trips in the US and out of the country. If the 705 helps me get around Japan, Germany or France on my own it'll be exactly what I need.

This thing looks great for those who like to explore. Right now I ride with a Garmin Quest, Polar HRM and Shimano Flight deck mounted on my handlebars. I do alot of explorative riding and once I started using the Quest, I wouldn't be caught without it. Battery life is a concern, Quest advertizes 20 hrs and is pretty true with back light off but the comment regarding the 305 drain to 6.5 with cadence/hrm is a concern. Still eliminating the handlebar clutter/weight to one device with mapping is real tempting. Plus I get a barometric altimeter which the Quest doesn't have, the gps altimeter is pretty inaccurate and the Polar HRM with barometric costs over $300. Does it support multiple waypoints per route? Quest does, Nuvis don't, critical for programming in exploration routes.

Battery life issue resolved, maybe. Since it charges via usb, one of these can be used to create a AAA battery pack assuming the unit still operates while charging. It is small enough to be strapped beneath the stem if needed for long trips.
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/phones/cellphonerecharger.htm

Anybody have experience with the 305 operating while charging please comment.

Proprietary batteries (whether for a camera, MP3 player, or other electronic device) eventually become problematic. Rechargeables that could also be exchanged with regular and ubiquitous CR 123A batteries would be a wonderful improvement for this device.

Granted replaceable batteries is the best option, especially if you forgot to charge it before the ride. Quest doesn't hold a charge very long so must be charged before each use. They probably didn't want to have to deal with waterproofing the battery compartment to make it replaceable and the button cells probably don't provide enough power.

I submitted a question to Garmin and they confirmed it does support multiple waypoints per route and operate under external power with a car charger available. I imagine any phone usb charger will work.

I'm in, now the question is when will it ship?

Does the 705 have voice capability to speak directions to you when you use the GPS?

I've been using GPS since 1986 and have tested about 8 in the harshest conditions (across the Sahara, Antartic and London in rush hour :p). I already have several Garmin devices and have found for trekking and road-racing the 305 is exceptional. With this is mind, I'm looking forward to the 705!

Is the price worth it, for what is really a 305 with colour screen and maps?! (and a few other functions). I say 'yes', doing a sportive or road race or (as I did) cycle form London to Sydney and be able to track what you've done is great, but seeing it on the screen with a map (rather than just the track) is a big boost for personal achievement.

Every one has a GPS these days, cars, hikers, bikers etc, everyone wants to see where they've been, where they are and where they are going on a map - it's a perception thing!

Having moved up from GPS units that show a simple co-ordinate view, to a simple route (no map), then to a grey scale route and map, then colour maps and finally route direction colour maps, coupled with the fact that the battery life has increased with every change, we all knew the 305 would evolve into this!

So I for one am getting one and look forward to the colour maps and longer battery life.

I just read through all the posts and called Garmin. There is the ability to track history for odometer as well as other items. It will continue to work on the bike if recharging using that AAA cell-phone recharger (great tip).

We ride a tandem and do week-long tours. So my DH has a regular computer in the front but I've been using a Polar 650 in the back. The cadence sensor on it just died so instead of replacing it we're going for one of these (using part of a bike accident settlement). It'll replace my HRM, cadence and speed as well as all the new features it offers. It'll be our first GPS and we're very excited. I just wish they'd stop postponing it. We have a trip to San Diego planned for spring break and want time to learn to use it before then.

I plan to ride across America from LA to Boston this summer with Crossroads Cycling Tours . I have used Garmin products in my car ,on my motorcycle and on my boat . In each case it has made the journeys easier and more fun . I have used a non maping GPS previously and I am really looking forward to getting one of these 705s with full GPS mapping. It is very nice not to get lost on a motorcycle and even more so on a bike . It will be nice to get rid of all the other units on my handelbars and replace them with one multifunction device . Does anyone have one of these yet and have any comments?

Does the Edge 705 unit require use of a "sensor" mounted on the left chainstay or can it determine speed data via satellite?

Is it possible the sensor is simply for cadence since the device can also be used in pedestrian/vehicle modes? Thanks.

The cadence sensor measures both crank revolutions (cadence) and wheel revolutions (for speed and distance). However, you do NOT have to use the cadence/speed sensor if you are riding the bike outside and don't mind not having cadence. The gps data provides the speed and distance. I use a 305 on several bikes and some have the sensor mounted, and some don't. I find it is accurate either way on the road. On mountain bike trails in heavily wooded areas or in ravines, the gps data gets a little sketchy at times. Mark

Mark, thank you for the insight! That makes sense that the chainstay sensor is not needed since the device can be used in other "modes" for different activity. Sounds like a good plan if cadence isn't "crucial" info to riders. Thanks!

Ed. I ride a $dollar bike about 5000miles per year. My average pace is 24-25MPH.
I rarely ride less than 50 miles at a time. Often do centuries. This product has no battery life for that much riding.

Paednoch, you should definitely contact GARMIN technical support if you have experienced battery life that can't accommodate your 100-mile journeys.

Your average speed indicates you complete a century anywhere from four to five hours and the battery should easily handle a full electrical charge for that duration. The only thing I wish is that the device would also accept non-proprietary batteries (like the common CR-123A) for use in emergencies or when on epic rides without a charging source.

It can charge via USB, and there are numerous portable charging devices that have a USB connector that either take AA batteries or use Solar power.

Paednoch, any Tech Support news from Garmin about a battery that will last the duration of a century ride? Did they have any suggestions about maximum battery life?

I have had an Edge 305 for 2 years. The only downside has been that the battery is only good for about 6 hours, so depending on how fast you ride, it might not last a full century.

Aside from that I really love it. I can't see spending $700 for the extra features of the 705.

I use mine for cycling and running, neither of which often require full mapping capabilities.

I did a week long bike tour last summer and the ability to get detailed maps after downloading my daily ride was great.

I even left it on during an airplane flight. I was able to monitor air speed and then see the route the plane took across the country.

It has been problem free and is a great training tool.

I did some research about increasing the battery time on my Edge 305 and came up with a pretty good solution. I got an APC Mobile Power Pack:
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=UPB10&tab=features
You can get it from Amazon for about $45. I then put it in a small bento box, and keep the 305 connected. I do very long rides (like White-Rim-In-A-Day -- 12hr) and this works beautifully.

Battery life - Irv
Irv, I tried to use a smaller version of the charger you pointed out on my Garmin 305 Edge. A system that has two AA batteries for usb charging. It works but the two AA's were not enough to give it a full charge. The 4 AA version might be able to do that for you. I'm an ultra-distance guy and would love to be able to swap out the battery on the 305. I can do a 300km brevet with the 305 but anything over that and I'm out of juice on the battery. It is an awesome little device for training and data capture. I'm very tempted to buck up the cash for the 705. Did someone say it does not show UTM coordinates? I'd like to use it for hiking as well.

I am looking to purchase a nice GPS for my roadbike. I moved to a new area and I am unfamiliar with a lot of streets. Most of my rides are under 3 hours. i am looking at the garmin edge 705 mainly for the navigation features. what other brands or models should i consider?

should i consider another garmin model in addition to the edge 705?

I am really thinking about getting one of these. My wife may even buy it for my 40th which is in a month. I do have a couple questions. Does the mapping feature identify bike routes, paths or suggest routes that take advantage of either? I live in Chicago so and in order to get a decent ride in you need to get out of the city, which can be a fairly dangerous place to ride (on or off path)

A great battery is on ebay. See, for example, ebay item number 130218077257. It will power my 305 for more than 24 hours, and can itself be recharged from any usb port or usb power adapter. It is about the size of an ipod or blackberry, and weighs only a few ounces.

I own this computer, works very well. You have so many options. The manual is not really good in explaining all the functions. Especially the functions how to move your data from PC to Garmin and otherwise. What format, in what directory you should place the data. But the altitude meter works perfect, it is only a few meters off the real height. It works barometric and not completely GPS so that's why it's quite accurate. Steepness (5%) works great and responds fast.

Garmin Training Center displays the data nice (no Google maps though) and can remove the spikes in the data.

Overall a good product but you should take a few evenings to learn how it works. It's not as easy as an Iphone and takes quite a while to explore all it's functions.

I've been using a 705 for the last two months both on road and off. In summary 6 out of 10.

Firstly the 705 manual Garmin gives you is pretty poor so it does take a while to figure out how to use it.

I've recently moved to Surrey, UK, so wanted to learn the local area without pulling a map out at every road junction. So I hoped the 705 would be ideal for this - not so. If you meticulously plan your routes on mapsource you can easily navigate the whole route on the 705. However, its not perfect because:

1. it taken me down footpaths - i'm not an mtb!
2. If you miss a waypoint it goes a little crazy in replanning the route.
3. The 'take me home' function seems to prefer A-roads and never picks a direct route. I once ended up in down town Croydon!
4. The Garmin Topo map quality is poor. The layout of roads/contours is very confusing and difficult to read when buzzing a long at 20 mph. There is no way you could use it for mtb navigation. I recently rode in scotland and it failed to plot fireroads, let along bridleways!

The data logging is very good but once downloaded to Garmin Connect, use of the data is fairly limited.

In summary i think Garmin have only realised 60% of the potential of the 705. It could be great if they had a decent map, and route planning was easier. There is no chance you can use if for mtb navigation which is a shame. I still take a map out with me when riding new roads so the 705 has essentially failed to do what i hoped it would.

If you have money to burn then go for a 705. Otherwise it seems the 305 gives you 90% of the performance for half the price.

Thanks for the review Clive youve saved me £250 i wanted on for mtb'ing in areas i had never been by inputting the routes 1st off the net. Tbh i crash too often to have something like that on my handle bars

I've recently bought the 705 and founf that it is incapable of routing off road.

Even when I define a track there is no way to turn the routing off and it wants to take me all over the place.

Waste of money, stick to OS maps

Anyone tried the RS800G3 from Polar. I have a 305 and it's fine for most rides but is useless in the city where tall buildings block the GPS. I also found that the calorie counter is miles out - and I mean to the moon and back. I like Polar kit (also got a very old S725X) because it's much better for general training and the software is superior. However, they've never had serious GPS. The G1 used to flip its lid if you did more than 20mph. So has anyone tried the G3?

Hey guys we are plannin a massive touring ride of the european coast over 4 months covering 2900 miles! we are gonna be traveling by MTB but most of the route will be coastal roads just off roading it where neccasary! so we need a good reliable Sat Nav system! so far i am pointed towards the 705 however if there was a unit that combined
good mapping some off road tracking ability and could very easiliy be powered by AA batteries id buy it!! any recomendations??

Hello everybody, I'm looking forward to buy a Garmin, but I'm not sure which one to buy.My plan is to use it in the US and in Europe. I called Garmin and they informed me that the only one with this ability is the edge 705. Is this true? Can't I buy a 305 and just add a card or something like this?
Please help - I don't want to spend all that money for something that I don't really need...
Thanks

Does anyone know how to access the quick menu as shown in figure 28 and 29?

The manual doesn't mention any "quick menu".

I've read that the 305 was not particularly accurate wrt calories burned, speed, altitude... Has this been addressed with the 705?