The are an impressive range of GPS cycle computers, suitable for everyone from weekend warriors to top athletes, triathletes to mountain bikers.
In this Garmin Edge product review we attempt to wade through the vast number of functions to give a clear overview of what these impressive units can offer. Note, this is an overview, and more in depth model specific reviews and comparison are on the way..
This Garmin GPS review is mainly based on an overview of the following models;
The Garmin Edge 705 computer
Overview
There are 2 main elements to the Garmin Edge cycle computers - the GPS element and the Cycle Computer element. In combination the Edge provides a fantastic navigation computer and training tool in one.
The GPS element allows the user to connect direct to satellite which has a number of benefits;
- It allows you to record current route information and save for a later date, share with others or race against yourself.
- Routes can be downloaded to the Garmin device to ensure you find your way easily on new rides.
- It eradicates the use of fiddly sensors and magnets as it works direct from satellite.
- On return home, the route can be downloaded straight to a PC and viewed immediately with the likes of Google Maps and Google Earth.
The Cycle Computer Element which gives you all feedback of a top quality cycle computer;
- Speed, Average Speed, Distance, Laps, Autolap etc
- All the heart rate functions including average, max, graphs, lap heart rate etc
- Specific cycle data like Cadence can be obtained with a sensor
- Power data can be obtained through a third party device as Garmin Edge is usually compatible
Garmin Edge Functions
The following functions are commonly found on Garmin Edge models but it is worth checking each model separately if you are looking to buy one.
Alerts
Alerts can be set for a certain distance, time, calorie consumption, cadence, power or heart rate zone. These can all be handy features.
Ant + Sensors
The Garmin Edge is programmed to automatically configure to your own cadence, speed and heart rate sensor. Once this has been done once, the relevant sensors are always found when in range, as well as not getting interference from other Garmin users.
Autolap
The 'lap' function can be used manually to provide split times over a ride. The can also automatically provide a lap time at a predetermined point, each time you pass through a lap point, at the start point or any combination.
Autopause
When the bike is stationary Autopause will stop the clock and hence recording data. This can also be set to a custom speed autopause as opposed to complete standstill.
Bike Setup
It is possible to change the set up for a number of bikes using the same unit.
Cadence
When attached to a speed/cadence sensor, cadence can be monitored, particularly helpful on the road.
Charging and battery usage
Charging your Garmin Edge is typically from a USB cable or direct from the mains. Charging is fast and typical battery life is 12-18 depending on model and usage. Perfect if you forget to charge your device, unless you are going out putting some serious miles in the charge will last over multiple rides!
Courses
When you save a ride, Garmin will save all your workouts and courses, which can then be used on a map card if the model permits, uploaded to a PC, shared with your mates or reloaded later.
The other side of this is you can download courses from the PC and stick them into the Garmin Edge. It is also possible with some programs to create your own course from scratch, which again can be sent across to the Garmin for riding later.
The course layout options change depending on model but all all clear and easy to use. When a course has been opened on the Garmin, the display will show how far and in which direction the start of the course is. Once you are riding the course, it can also show Virtual Partner (last time you saved this course) and where they are in relation to the current ride (pretty good fun as well as useful!). You can also see your current estimated finish time, perfect when it's cold and you're miles from home or on an unfamiliar ride.
The Garmin Edge 500 cycle computer & GPS
Display
The display on all Garmin Edge models is clear and easy to use. Really this is one of the major things that changes through all the models, so it may be bigger, smaller, in colour or black and white. There is a quality backlight that can be programmed to come on for a period of time or left on and brightness adjusted.
Importantly the data displayed can be manipulated to exactly how you need to see it. This is a really lovely feature that is great to play with Different screens can be set up for different bikes (ie on and off road), or different screens can display separate groups of stats (ie heart rate, power, climbing). The hardest part is deciding which way you want it!
History
Previous rides and stat, but most importantly courses are stored automatically in the Edge, which can of course be opened back up for virtual partner workouts or for navigation.
Heart Rate Monitoring
As a training tool, the Edge series can be phenomenal. Either on screen or in post ride data you can see.
- Heart rate (bpm, HRR or as % of Max)
- Average heart rate ((bpm, HRR or as % of Max)
- Heart rate for current lap
- Heart rate zone (can be set up to personal zones)
- Heart rate graph
Maps
This really depends on the model, and improves as you move through the range. The maps feature obviously works off GPS and is very simple and easy to use. In the 605 and 705 models the detail and usability is excellent - you will certainly never need an ordinance survey map again!
Power
The Edge Series are compatible with other brands of power device (worth checking first). Power is considered the best indicator of work output and therefore essential for high performance training.
Speed
The Garmin Edge Speed sensor also includes a speed sensor for assessing speed when training indoors.
Getting home - all those statistic
Garmin Edge Series will store the data as a file which can be uploaded to a laptop. This can be done in Garmin Connect or other fitness software such as Training Peaks or SportsTracks. The scope for analysis here is spectacular and would take hours to read up on. The key thing to note is that it can be done and in very good detail, particular when heart rate, power or both are used.
Warning: If you are a numbers and data geek you may actually never leave the house again or may indeed spend more time looking at graphs and data than physical riding!
UK Biking - our favourite Garmin Edge moments
Having read a guide in a mountain bike magazine, you can download the GPS co-ordinates straight into a Garmin Edge. The Unit can be used to navigate to the start position (which can sometimes be very tricky). Then the Garmin Edge will navigate the whole ride, tell you when you're off course and even how long it will take to complete. No more getting lost!
Mountain Bike racing data! By setting a point on the course, each of the laps can be split for superb analysis once you get home. The display can also be set during the race for number of laps, current lap, current lap HR..whatever you desire.
Occasionally we are guided around a local, but unfamiliar ride by other riders. This ride can end up being top class but impossible to remember. The course can be saved into the Garmin Edge and revisited any time perfectly!
Attaching to the laptop. Depending how nerdy you are feeling, the data that can be obtained after a ride is pretty special. In fact, it would be easy to spend more time editing courses, analysing data and sharing than actual riding!
Click on the relevant model to view more model specific details as well as our competitive prices;
