Garmin Edge 705 HR review | Rating & Conclusion

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Garmin Edge 705 HR review | Rating & Conclusion

Published on: Wednesday, May 27th 2009 Written by: Wim de Lange - Photography by: Mark Peters

Garmin Edge navigation

Navigate with the Garmin Edge 705HR

A GPS device means navigation for most people. However, this is only a nice bi-product and not the core application of the Edge. The unit can be loaded with more than one microSD card, yet be aware of the fact that the navigation software can only be installed on one device. As far as I know, there is no dashboard mount available and moreover, the screen is too small for use in a car. Garmin would make a lot of customers happy if the software was allowed on more than one device, with the restriction of personal use. The included base maps are not good, they don't let you navigate and only a few details are visible. Additional map material would come in handy!

Garmin Edge GPS receiver

Garmin Onroute Cycling map software

I used the Garmin Onroute Cycling map. Planning the route was somewhat different than what I am used to with my City Navigator. The Cycling map software tends to look for the more touristy paths which turn out to be slightly more kilometers. This is nice if you plan daytrips, however; if you want to find the quickest way home because it started to rain, you will end up getting more wet than you expected. The sensitive antenna of the Edge helped us find our way perfectly. Even on wood paths, there are hardly ever problems. One problem that is mentioned on the internet is the limited amount of waypoints, 100 to be precise. I must admit that I never reached this number but I can see why it could annoy when you plan multi-day trips.

Garmin Edge conclusion

T he Garmin Edge 705 HR is clearly a device for the sporty cyclist. He won't be able to find a device with more possibilities these days. It is the ideal combination of a bike computer and a GPS device. The large memory enables the storage of a lot of data for the serious sportsman/woman to examine and analyze the training afterwards in order to improve his or her performance specifically. The many training possibilities are a truly excellent aid. I would advise the recreational cyclist to look for an alternative device with more GPS possibilities and map options.