Garmin Edge's new killer apps for cyclists – wireless route sharing and SRM power compatibility

The humble cycling computer is fast approaching the realms of scifi in its ability to deliver real-time critical information to the cyclist and Garmin’s announcement today of the Edge 705 and Edge 605 deliver … well, short of blood testing, everything we can think of. The range-topping 705 is an integrated personal training system with a 2.2” colour display providing mapping capabilities, street navigation and it tracks vertical profiles, climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, time, cadence and heart rate. But wait, this is the clincher – through collaborative efforts with SRM, it will also monitor power output on the same display. Not satisfied yet? The 705 also enables users to share their information – including courses, waypoints and workouts – with other users through ANT+Sport wireless technology.

ANT+Sport technology allows the Edge to interface wirelessly with a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor or other Edge units. Cyclists can share courses and workout data before, during or after a ride. When paired with an optional power meter from SRM, 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 605 and Edge 705 allow cyclists to truly get lost in their ride without losing their way. Both units come with turn-by-turn routing to destinations based on built-in maps and optional detailed street or topographical maps 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.

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 in-depth 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. The speed / cadence sensor will also allow riders to record speed and distance data while turbo training indoors. 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 and heart rate (heart rate is standard on Edge 705, speed/cadence sensor is optional).

• Virtual Partner: 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.

...continued