Compelling new GPS-based training system for cyclists

September 2, 2005 It seems we are suddenly approaching the tipping point in the GPS market as the perception of GPS moves from an interesting high-tech novelty to a handy tool everyone can use every day. Garmin has introduced a new line of integrated personal training systems focusing on the needs of recreational and advanced cyclists. The Edge is a compact, lightweight, waterproof unit that has the ability to accurately monitor pedalling cadence, heart rate, calories burned, vertical profiles (via a a barometric altimeter), climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, and time. Because the Edge is GPS-based, the information may be overlaid onto a cyclist's course map, including hills and curves, so the cyclist can easily analyse every aspect of their workout. The Edge 305 with heart rate lets you see whether you are training too hard or not enough. The heart rate monitor data is stored with each track point for post-workout analysis. There’s also “Virtual Partner” which lets you "race" a virtual competitor, making training fun and you can also "race" against a recorded course to try to match previously set speeds at every point along the way and a full “Training Center software” which gives you the ability to create workouts, manage and download courses, and create a detailed post-ride analysis that charts your performance.

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